Airbus announced the opening of a new Military Training Centre in Seville (Spain) yesterday.
The facility is among the most modern in the world with space for 6 full-flight simulators and a range of other computer-based training devices. It will house Airbus Military's training provision for the A400M new-generation air-lifter as well as its family of light and medium aircraft and military derivatives of commercial models.

Two full-flight simulators, one for the C295 and one for the CN235, which faithfully replicate the experience of flying a real aircraft, have already been installed.

An A400M simulator will be installed prior to the planned entry into service of the aircraft in 2012. All the simulators are capable of representing the full range of operations including specialized activities such as flight with night vision goggles, rough field take-offs and landings, and air-dropping of loads or paratroopers.

A range of other devices for training on specific aircraft systems, including the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) at the heart of Airbus Military's surveillance aircraft, and in the classroom or over an intranet are also provided. Further devices are dedicated to training engineers and technicians in the maintenance and support of the aircraft.

The new centre has a staff of some 100, of which 40 are new positions, and is expected to train around 1,000 students per year. The two-storey building covers 13,000m2 and is built in the Andalusian style with environmentally friendly internal patios providing natural light and ventilation to most rooms.