High-fidelity, low-cost training device now approved to log flight time in CAFRS, offering the Army an 80% cost reduction over legacy simulators
Columbia, TN – July 2026 – SGB Enterprises Inc. today announced that our UH-60M Cockpit Academic Procedural Tool – Enhanced Visual and Control System (CAPT-EVCS) expands the U.S. Army aviation community's ability to conduct meaningful flight training and log flight time on a cost-saving, high-fidelity device. The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Directorate of Simulations (DOS) has issued a partial accreditation of the CAPT-EVCS.
Key Advantages of the CAPT-EVCS
Beyond its cost savings, the CAPT-EVCS delivers a range of operational and technical advantages for the U.S. Army, including:
Infrastructure and Cost Efficiency
- Operates on a standard U.S. electrical socket (120V) — no specialized power infrastructure required.
- Small footprint accommodates existing facilities, eliminating the need for Military Construction (MILCON) or Unspecified Minor Military Construction (UMMC).
- All simulator hardware is non-Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and is non-competitive with aircraft parts.
- Procurement, warranty, and sustainment costs are approximately 80% cheaper than the legacy training devices that are built on OFP/OEM parts.
- Operating cost is a fraction of legacy devices with the hourly operating costs in the tens of dollars vice hundreds or thousands per hour.
- Can be configured as Government Owned, Government Operated (GOGO) with Contract Logistical Support (CLS) to reduce costs, or scaled up to Contract Owned, Contract Operated (COCO).
Software and Sustainment
- Powered by Aircraft Avionics Procedural Software (AAPS), which is Army-owned and Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) compliant.
- Software updates can be managed without going through the OEM.
- AAPS remains concurrent with the actual aircraft in build, block, series, and design.
- The AAPS MOSA architecture integrates Modern Air Combat Environment (MACE) Augmented Reality Mission Observation & Rehearsal (ARMOR) — the same software issued to all Army aviation Aircraft Mission Survivability Officers (AMSOs).
- Leverages artificial intelligence in its existing configuration through an instructor pilot module already loaded in the CAPT-EVCS at the Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE), with capacity to expand AI capability further.
Immersive Training Capability
- Equipped with motion cueing seats that provide proprioceptive feedback to pilot and co-pilot.
- Visual system supports traditional dome visuals with HGU-56 helmet integration or can switch to a Head Mounted Display (HMD) for unrestricted field of view — delivering a fully immersive simulation experience.
- Integrates the Varjo XR-4 HMD, enabling Extended Reality (XR) training.
- Multi-Functional Displays (MFDs) mirror the HMD screen, eliminating blank-screen gaps.
- Cut-away areas allow visibility of pilot and co-pilot hand movements.
- Capable of supporting all modes of flight: Day, Night, Night Vision Goggle, Weather, and Hood (D/N/NG/W/H).
Flight Time and Readiness Impact
- The UH-60M CAPT-EVCS is now accredited to log flight time in the Consolidated Aviation Flight Records System (CAFRS).
- Army National Guard (ARNG) units can pay Rated Crewmembers (RCMs) Additional Flight Training Periods (AFTPs) using the device.
Looking Ahead
SGB Enterprises Inc.'s next step is to work with DOS to expand the CAPT-EVCS accreditation, with a longer-term goal of integrating the platform as both a prescriptive individual and crew trainer and a collective multi-ship aircraft trainer — enabling sustained cost savings through a single platform that supports both training approaches.
In coordination with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), SGB Enterprises Inc. has also built a CH-47F CAPT-EVCS device, which is complete and ready for accreditation.
Quote
"The CAPT-EVCS is the device we should be providing to the warfighters to meet requirements for both prescriptive and collective training. The CAPT-EVCS is using Army owned AAPS software that is MOSA compliant, that is cost effective and integrates threat software. CAPT-EVCS is already leveraging AI and extended reality technology. In a budget constrained environment, this is the solution that offers meaningful training”. — Colonel Retired (USA) Timothy M. Zerbe, SGB VP for Business Development
About SGB Enterprises Inc.
SGB Enterprises Inc. has combined design excellence and production expertise to a broad customer base for both military and commercial simulation training sectors. SGB is a systems integrator that designs and manufactures simulated cockpit components. SGB’s collaboration with DEVCOM goes back 10 plus years in developing and implementing training aids and simulations for the U.S. military’s warfighter.
Media Contact
Tim Zerbe
tzerbe@sgbent.com