Munich Center has used US-based company UFA’s ATVoice voice recognition-enabled simulations to train more than 400 air traffic controllers.

The air traffic controllers were required to perform training using a fallback system.

Built on the ATCoach simulator with integrated ATVoice and DFS-developed technology, the DFS NEWSIM training platform is incorporated with the DFS P2 automation system to offer a wide range of training capabilities for the Munich Center.

DFS Voice Recognition and Response (VRR) project manager Michael Slotty said: “Using VRR for the complete Munich fallback training is the breakthrough at DFS for the introduction of voice recognition and response. It is planned to continue introducing this technology in the DFS training environment.”

"This achievement demonstrates the value of using voice recognition for all aspects of air traffic control (ATC) training."

Using UFA’s ATVoice technology, the 400 controllers successfully completed the training on NEWSIM over a period of six months.

UFA chief executive officer David Wolff said: “This achievement demonstrates the value of using voice recognition for all aspects of air traffic control (ATC) training.

“The success of this training regimen illustrates UFA’s core focus which includes our ability to integrate with customer solutions and the maturity of our commitment to voice recognition technology.

“The Munich controllers are able to perform at their typical working position and use our VRR to dynamically interact with the simulation situation.”

Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, US, UFA specialises in simulation and voice technology products and services for air traffic management (ATM).