SINGAPORE - A new training system, which mimics real airborne jump situations, was launched on Monday by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

The Airborne Trainer System is part of the Parachute Training Facility in the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) new Airborne-Trooper Training Facility.

With the new system, troopers jump from an 11.2m-high platform while rigged to conveyor machines attached to a rail on the ceiling. The rig keeps soldiers suspended in mid-air and can simulate different wind speeds and landing conditions.

Meanwhile, an arrow on the ground tells soldiers which direction the "wind" is coming from.

The new facility will also focus on rappelling training and has facilities where troopers can rappel from heights similar to that of Super Puma or Chinook helicopters.

Dr Ng said the new training facility was a "significant improvement", adding that such realistic training for the SAF's special forces was important with the growing terror threat.

He added that the SAF would be sending about 50 to 60 personnel to contribute to the coalition effort to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group.

Trainers and troopers say the new system, which combines the elements of airborne jump training - aircraft exit, canopy control and landing - is more realistic.

Besides the Airborne Trainer System, there are two other simulators that allow troopers to practise landing and controlling the parachute in flight.

"The landing (systems) are very close to the real landing itself," said Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Oh Beng Lee, officer commanding of the Static Line Wing.

He added that the new trainer systems also eliminate the need for assistants when performing many of the training drills - saving time and manpower.