News Review: LHD = BAE + KBR | ADM November 2011
BAE Systems has been awarded a contract of undisclosed value for the development and delivery of training for the RAN’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships. The training will rely heavily on simulation and virtual scenarios using the latest technology, including avatars.
Work is now underway on the development of some of the training technology through KBR, which developed the avatar technology used in the Virtual Ship Training and Information System (ViSTIS), to be used for the LHD. BAE Systems has also recently awarded a contract to Kongsberg Maritime to provide a custom engine room simulator for the engineers who will serve aboard the LHDs.
A team of approximately 30 people at BAE Systems will manage the training process for the LHD Project. Delivery of the first training packages is expected in 2013 ahead of the completion of the first ship.
Harry Bradford, head of BAE Systems’ maritime business, said the use of advanced, computer-based technology for training had a number of advantages for the customer in terms of both cost and flexibility. “The most obvious benefit in using computer simulation is that the technology allows us to recreate, and for the crew to interact with the LHD environment, without the actual completed ship. This means greater flexibility and lower cost for our customer.
“For instance the system is capable of familiarising various elements of the defence forces, including both army and navy, with the ship in terms of systems, capability, size and layout and these defence personnel can be in separate geographical locations across the country.
“With training commencing prior to delivery of the first ship, the flexibility of being able to train and familiarise defence forces at their home bases represents substantial cost savings for the Commonwealth.”
There are also flow-on benefits from the creation of these training packages for other navy vessels and Bradford said once created, these simulator programs can be easily migrated to AWDs, ANZACs and FFGs which could benefit the navy for all future training programs.
Subject: Sea