entrol develops a customized Bell 214B simulator for Australia’s McDermott Aviation

• The milestone marks a brand-new heavy-lift aircraft development for entrol, highlighting its specialized capability for high-end tailored engineering.
• The device is based on the Bell 214B FTD Level 7 configuration, featuring an advanced enwall LED visual system and Unreal Engine IG.
• Equipped with Mixed Reality goggles and a specific elevated helipads database for tactical fire-fighting and cargo mission training.

Madrid, July x, 2026 - Entrol, the manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD, and FFS flight simulators, announces a new milestone in its global expansion: the development of its first Bell 214B simulator, to be operated by McDermott Aviation in Australia. The contract, initiated with the first milestone payment in June 2026, represents a major engineering breakthrough in heavy-lift helicopter simulation, with the installation scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.

The simulator, based on the iconic Bell 214B helicopter, stands out for its unique, highly customized cockpit configuration. Since there are very few operating units of this heavy-lift single-engine aircraft left globally, entrol has approached this project as a bespoke development. This milestone positions entrol as an agile technology partner capable of custom-building flight training devices (FTDs) tailored perfectly to the artisan requirements of specialized operators.

Advanced mission simulation for fire-fighting and cargo training

The configuration delivered to McDermott Aviation goes beyond standard flight training. By incorporating Mixed Reality (MR) goggles, the simulator enables highly immersive training for complex operations—allowing pilots to interact naturally with the physical cockpit controls while being fully immersed in a high-fidelity virtual environment.

For aerial firefighting and cargo training, entrol has developed a dedicated Mission Scenarios Package powered by Unreal Engine IG. The database features 5 specific elevated helipads, as well as an additional option of 10 specific airports and heliports. This allows crews to practice water drops, heavy lifting, and approaches in real-world tactical environments, recognizing terrain and operational obstacles with unprecedented precision.

"As we progress the McDermott 214ST program, our focus extends beyond the aircraft itself. We're building a complete support ecosystem that includes training, engineering, maintenance and operational capability for current and future operators," states John McDermott, president at McDermott Aviation. "The addition of the Entrol simulator is an important part of that commitment. It will provide a highly realistic training environment that supports pilot familiarisation, recurrent training and operational readiness, while reflecting the modern avionics and systems being incorporated into the next generation of the McDermott 214ST platform."

Having spent decades operating and maintaining these aircraft in some of the world's most demanding environments, McDermott understands the importance of investing in the tools and technology that support safe and effective operations. "Our goal is to provide operators with not only a proven heavy-lift helicopter platform, but also the training and support infrastructure required to maximise capability, safety and long-term operational success," John McDermott adds.

Bell 214B FTD Level 7 technical specifications

The device features an advanced enwall LED visual system, ensuring total immersion during all flight phases. Additional technical specifications include:

• Advanced flight training capabilities: simulator fully optimized for high-level firefighting and heavy-lift cargo operations.
• Flight dynamics and realism: integrated cockpit vibration system to replicate the precise tactile sensations of the Bell 214B helicopter.
• Data analysis and debriefing: advanced debriefing station alongside an iPad with remote IOS for in-depth post-mission reviews, optimizing the qualitative learning of the pilot.

With this project, entrol reaffirms its commitment to the Asia-Pacific market and its ability to deliver customized, bespoke solutions that meet the real-world needs of special mission operators worldwide.

About McDermott Aviation

McDermott Aviation, established in 1982 and headquartered on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter operator. The company operates a fleet of more than50 aircraft, including the world’s largest collection of Bell 214 series helicopters.

McDermott Aviation owns the Type Certificate for both the Bell 214B and 214ST models and is currently preparing to commence production of its modified Utility 214ST aircraft.

The company specialises in aerial firefighting, heavy lifting, agricultural spraying, infrastructure support, emergency response and aerial application. McDermott maintains bases across Australia and the Pacific, including in New South Wales and Western Australia.

Internationally, it has a strong operational presence in Greece and is expanding in North America through major maintenance facilities in Andalusia, Alabama, and the acquisition of Transwest Helicopters in Canada.

McDermott delivers safe, reliable and technically advanced aviation services domestically and abroad. For more information, visit www.mcdermottaviation.com.

About entrol

entrol is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of certified flight simulators.

Since 2005, we have been driven by passion and innovation to deliver our customers a complete solution, from initial certification to lifetime simulator maintenance.

With flight simulators certified in more than 35 countries worldwide, our mission is to develop high-quality EASA and FAA training devices to help flight schools and operators provide the best training to their pilots.

For more information, visit www.entrol.net

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