The RANGER – 5s is the latest control system built at the special request of a customer in the USA, and now available to order for anyone who can afford to have the best, ready to go, PC based, helicopter controls in the world  The requirement was to build a set of controls that could be fitted into a striped out Bell 206 helicopter that had been retired from service. The objective was to convert the aircraft into a computer driven flight simulator that could be used for ground school flight training.

The controls would have to look and feel as close to the real thing as possible. It was decided that the best way to achieve this would be to build all the working parts of the mechanism into a compact single welded tubular frame, that could be installed into the small space under the pilots seat.

The final module as seen in the photographs at our development work shop, is a totally self contained set of primary controls including cyclic. collective lever and pedals, that as well as satisfying the original requirement , can also, with only the addition of a suitable seat fixed to the top of the frame, be operated as a totally stand alone simulator without the need for any other supporting structure. 

Both cyclic and collective have fully adjustable oil displacement damping with STAY-PUT trim and friction locking plus many other built in features to insure the best possible control feel and response.

The photo on the left shows a partly assembled dual control  frame. When later completed this was then supplied to the customer for use in pilot training This is an under floor installation as found in the SQUIRREL helicopter.  

The other two photos on this page show the control frame module fitted under the pilots seat as found in the BELL 206 and several other types of helicopter.  

Above (left)  B.A.E Systems military helicopter simulator

fitted with RANGER5s dual controls. Photos during

construction and final equipment testing

(system now in service)

Above (right) various versions of the highly advanced helicopter  simulators 

manufactured by ELITE simulation company based in Switzerland and  fitted with a custom under-floor AS350 version of or dual controls based on the RANGER5s

  Unlike our MRVC controls, that are designed to adapt to any type of aircraft simulation the RANGER- 5s is a totally dedicated control system and only intended for use with  helicopter simulations.