Editor’s Note
Aimtrex Technology Private Limited is into simulators for the defence forces that can cut down on costs and risks during training. Aseem Yadav is the Founder & CEO. The prized product of the company is the ‘Vertical Wind Tunnel’ for free fall training. Aseem details the utility of this Tunnel for the Special Forces in an interaction with Brig SK Chatterji (Retd), Editor Bharatshakti. The interview also covers other training aids that the company is producing.
- How old is your company and what are your products. How has your journey been?
Aseem Yadav: Aimtrex Technology has been at the forefront of defence and homeland security solutions since 2007. Our 15-year journey has been marked by a commitment to modernize defence training through cutting-edge technology. We specialize in training and simulation systems, including Composite Indoor Shooting Ranges, Containerized Shooting Ranges with Firearms Simulators, and the pioneering Vertical Wind Tunnel for Combat Free Fall simulation.
Our path has been filled with challenges typical of MSMEs, yet it’s been profoundly rewarding. We began with a small yet passionate team, driven to modernize defence training infrastructure with induction of advanced technology, while prioritizing user safety. Our dedication to innovation and quality has earned us the trust of the Armed Forces, enabling us to undertake ambitious projects like the Vertical Wind Tunnel, a testament to our capabilities in undertaking specialized defence projects.
- Explain Vertical Wind Tunnel. Please tell us about how you went about developing the product? What about user involvement at the developmental stage? How does it work?
Aseem Yadav: The Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) is one of the most innovative combat training simulators, designed to revolutionize combat freefall training. “The Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) was designed with meticulous attention to the unique Indian conditions. This project was a collaborative effort, involving extensive consultations with Special Forces to incorporate their specific training needs.
The VWT, standing at 30 meters with a 4.3-meter flight chamber, offers a controlled environment for simulating real-life freefall conditions. Our user-centric approach during development ensured that we commissioned a system that is not just a simulator, but a comprehensive training tool. The VWT’s capability to generate wind speeds up to 300 km/h allows for diverse training scenarios, significantly enhancing freefall technique proficiency and safety.
The VWT works by creating a powerful column of air that can be adjusted via the Central Control System, replicating the conditions of a real freefall. Trainees can practice manoeuvres and techniques in the tunnel, gaining confidence and proficiency without the risks associated with actual airborne operations. This system allows for a wide range of training scenarios, from basic freefall techniques to advanced tactical manoeuvres, making it an invaluable asset for Combat Freefall training.
- Could you elaborate on the cost-benefit analysis of the Vertical Wind Tunnel, especially considering the reduced need for airborne training exercises?
Aseem Yadav: The Vertical Wind Tunnel represents a significant advancement in cost-effective and efficient training for combat freefall. Traditional airborne training exercises are resource-heavy, requiring aircraft, logistics, and extensive safety measures. These factors, combined with the limitations in trainee throughput, highlight the cost-effectiveness of the VWT.
The VWT’s 24-hour operational capability, with minimal downtime, ensures high training throughput, allowing for intensive and repeated practice sessions. This not only reduces logistical burdens but also dramatically cuts down on the costs associated with airborne training, making it a prudent investment for modern defense training with simulators.
- How does the Vertical Wind Tunnel enhance the effectiveness of the Special Forces, especially in terms of risk mitigation and ensuring the safety of personnel during training?
Aseem Yadav: The VWT significantly bolsters the Special Forces’ training regime by offering a safe, realistic training environment. It allows personnel to master various freefall techniques, crucial for combat operations, without the inherent risks of traditional airborne training. The controlled setting enables trainees to repetitively practice and refine their skills, a vital aspect for building proficiency and confidence.
Additionally, the VWT is instrumental in reducing training-related injuries. By eliminating risks associated with actual jumps, it ensures the safety of personnel while maintaining high training standards. Feedback from users has confirmed an immediate improvement in real-life freefall performance post-training in the VWT, underlining its effectiveness in enhancing emergency response skills.
One of the primary benefits of the VWT is its ability to simulate a variety of freefall conditions in a safe environment. This allows Special Forces personnel to practice and master freefall techniques without the risks associated with actual jumps from aircraft. The controlled setting of the VWT enables trainees to focus on perfecting their skills, such as body stabilization, manoeuvring, and precision landing, which are critical for successful combat operations.
- Are you on any other major projects for defence forces?
Aimtrex is currently engaged in several significant defence projects, including developing a Modular Composite Indoor Firing Range with advanced small arms simulation capabilities for Defence Forces training. We are also working on a unique project where we are making a specialised training facility for Military Operations on Urban Terrain using state of the art simulations technologies including VR and AR.
Our Containerized Shooting Ranges, being set up at various Indian airports, are another testament to our commitment to providing sophisticated training solutions. While we continue to push boundaries in defense technology, our collaboration with IIT Delhi on a unique portable VWT simulator highlights our focus on indigenous innovation, aligning with government initiatives in defence sector development.
- With the VWT now operational, how does it position your company in the global defence market, especially potential export of similar technology or training assets?
The operational success of the VWT has significantly elevated Aimtrex’s standing in the global defense market. Our portfolio, featuring innovative solutions like the VWT, Modular Composite Indoor Shooting Ranges, and Containerized Shooting Ranges, resonates with the current global demand for advanced military training systems. The inquiries we’re receiving, aided by Indian Defence Attaches, demonstrate the international interest in our products and India’s potential in the global defence export market.
