ProSling Technology

ProSling Technology is a company in Saint-Raphaël, France. It builds professional VR helicopter training around HESLO, which stands for Helicopter External Sling Load Operations. Its X-Plane plugin is designed for sling load work, including longline work, vertical reference flying and load management. The plugin was developed with and approved by professional pilots.

The training system models load physics, including the rope and the hook. The load, rope and hook behave the way they do under a real aircraft. Pilots can practice demanding maneuvers in a controlled and repeatable setting. The company says every hour in the simulator saves a real flight hour and reduces risk during the hardest part of the learning curve.

The system works with Varjo XR-4 headsets and Ryan Aerospace motion platforms. A proof of concept with four axis motion was built in France. The company says synchronized motion cueing improves immersion and helps with VR motion sickness. Multi crew scenarios let pilots and crew members train together.

An instructor station lets trainers set failures, weather and helicopter positioning. The plugin also supports flexible rope and rigid pipe loads, and several load attach and release mechanisms. Emergency and failure scenarios are available for practice in a safe environment.

ProSling says its development is aligned with the EASA CS-FSTD(H) framework for helicopter flight simulation training devices. Its engineering work covers flight model parameter correction, objective test data capture and validation documentation. This work supports qualification of complete training devices, in cooperation with national aviation authorities.

The company offers a 1 year personal licence for home use, with setup support and updates during the licence period. Professional training centers can get a commercial licence with tailor made training programs, motion platform and instructor station integration, and help with a device configured toward the CS-FSTD(H) path. Custom X-Plane development is also offered.

Professional pilots have given testimonials. One pilot, who served 20 years in the Greek Air Force as a search and rescue helicopter captain, says the sling load module gives solid feedback about load behavior. The company also names AFormX, CycloTech and Sogitec as partners and clients.

Services

• HESLO VR training system
• X-Plane 11 and 12 plugin
• Personal home licence
• Professional training center licence
• Custom X-Plane development
• VR and motion platform integration
• Configurable flight simulators
• Instructor station
• Setup support
• Ryan Aerospace motion platform integration