Next-generation dunker undergoes 'flight check'

The Modular Egress Training System (METS) or "dunker" simulates an aircraft ditching in a body of water and sinking upside-down. It allows aircrew to practice escaping from a submerged fuselage.

"If the installation proceeds as scheduled, we expect to teach our first class on April 27," said Cmdr. Susan Jay, director of ASTC Jacksonville. "That means our naval aviation water survival training instructors (NAWSTI) will be riding the dunker the week prior -to ensure everybody's acclimated to our new, more robust ride."

HM1 Michael Armbruster said, "Every NAWSTI here is eager to get back in the saddle again. We're ramping up our physical fitness training in the pool in anticipation of our 'ride week' before METS classes begin."

Civilian technicians Sean Glase, Corey Brooks and Chris Amicarelle, who operated the previous 9D5 dunker, are now trained to operate and maintain the 9D6. "To operate the old system, you had to deal with lots of buttons and levers. This new ride is controlled by a wireless remote, which allows the operator to stand with the NAWSTI dive supervisor for direct communication and optimal safety," explained Glase.

Cmdr. Susan Jay, director of ASTC Jacksonville and HMC Todd May try out the controls of a simulated helicopter cockpit in the new METS dunker on board NAS Jacksonville. (Photo by MCSN Adam Thomas)

"It's fully operational right now, but nobody's taken a ride yet. We're just conducting test runs without passengers to get used to the operational characteristics of the new simulator."

With movable seats, bulkheads and escape hatches, the METS is more configurable to helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in the Navy aviation inventory for a more realistic training experience in both day and night scenarios.

"This is our seventh METS installation for the U.S. Navy," said Jim Holt, project manager for Survival Systems, the manufacturer.

"Design-wise, the biggest improvement over the old dunker is seating and escape hatches that are identical to those in Navy helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft like the P-3. This is our next-to-the-last installation for the Navy and it incorporates our second-generation advanced jib (a type of crane) with the latest electronics and servos," said Holt.

HMC Todd Mays inspects one of the escape hatches inside the METS 9D6 dunker. (Photo by MCSN Adam Thomas)

HMC Todd Mays said he's eagerly awaiting the inaugural dunk populated with his fellow NAWSTI next month. "I really like the more realistic configurations available to us. I'm told that when this METS hits the water, you feel greater impact for a more realistic egress scenario. Unlatching and removing emergency hatches is a challenge that adds to the realism. This is a big step forward for aircrew safety and emergency survival," concluded Mays.

Civilian technician Sean Glase uses a hand-held remote control to lower the new 9D6 underwater egress trainer during a test March 20 at Aviation Survival Training Center Jacksonville. (Photo by MCSN Adam Thomas)

(From left) Jim Holt and Ted Crocker, of METS manufacturer Survival Systems, attach a window to one of the escape hatches of the new D96 dunker. (Photo by Clark Pierce)