U.S. Army personnel brought flight simulators and auxiliary equipment to Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Have you ever flown an Apache Helicopter? An unmanned aerial vehicle? Madison high school students now can claim the next best thing.

U.S. Army personnel transported its Aviation Semi (AS), a 60-foot semi-tractor trailer with a self-contained mobile aviation exhibit and simulation system to Bob Jones and James Clemens high school campuses on Feb. 23-24.

The AS3 tractor and trailer combination weighs 30 tons. The unit has simulators for the AH 64 Helicopter, OH 58 Helicopter and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, various multi-media systems, two Immersa Domes, weapons displays, three touch-screen computers with Internet capabilities and Army Career Navigator software.

In addition, videos were available with conversations of recipients of the Medal of Honor who served in the aviation field.

Engineering classes and other students rotated through the exhibit throughout the day as part of a career outreach.

The participating students experienced several interactive Army exercises. The high-tech simulators portrayed the sensations of piloting both the Kiowa and Apache helicopters. Another simulator depicted the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

In a scenario similar to virtual reality, the Immersa Domes immersed students into one of three different aviation missions, including a Blackhawk medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), Apache attack mission and Chinook cargo mission. Touch-screen computers were loaded with Air Warrior and weapons displays.

“The Army benefited, too, by perhaps enlightening students to certain career opportunities,” John S. Peck said. Peck works as Manager of Public Relations for Madison City Schools.

For the event, Sgt. Michael Wright served as liaison to the U.S. Army.

For more information, visit Goarmy.com.