The company
worked closely with the customer to deliver the upgrade, which included
improvements to the computing and Input / Output system, instructor
facilities, Integrated Ship Control Management and Monitoring System
(ISCMMS), and audio systems.
The work on the PTS, which is located at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia,
follows similar upgrades carried out by Thales globally for the UK’s
Vanguard class and Norway’s Ula class submarine simulators.
Chris Lloyd, Thales Australia’s Vice President Maritime &
Aerospace, said: “This cost-effective, low-risk upgrade will ensure
that Australian submarine crews continue to receive the highest standards
of training.”
The upgrade included the addition of the latest generation Thales C2000-X
simulation technology, and newly developed interfaces with ship components.
A recording system was also developed to provide instant replay capability
at the trainee consoles, with minimal input from instructors.
With greatly enhanced software development capabilities now installed,
further upgrades are in progress to enhance training realism and track
future changes to the Collins submarines.
In the final stage of the upgrade, Thales is working with the Defence
Science and Technology Organisation to develop and incorporate the most
realistic submarine controls and performance models available in the
world.
Lieutenant Commander Ian Dawson, Manager of Engineering Training at
HMAS Stirling, said: “The simulator plays a vital role in training
our submarine crews. The upgrade should substantially improve reliability
and allow us to optimise the training throughput of our future submariners”.
Thales is a major provider of training and simulation solutions for
naval forces on platforms such as maritime helicopters and patrol aircraft,
submarines and surface vessels.
Beyond the simulator, Thales is a major supplier to the Collins program.
The company provides and supports the sonar suite, towed array, communications
mast and other key sensors. |
