The introduction of the ‘Rapidly
Reconfigurable Training Technology’ package is a significant step
forward in customer training that can be used in the classroom or deployed
directly to the customer’s environment, allowing operators to
train on the individual sensor fit of submarines at various upgrade
stages.
Based around the training needs of the Thales Sonar 2076 system, which
effectively provides the submarine with its operational ‘ears’,
the new system recognises that traditional remote classroom-based
methods are not as effective as hands-on learning. ‘Rapidly Reconfigurable
Training Technology’ delivers a professional portable learning
environment, utilising the latest screen and software technologies which
provides students with the best learning opportunities.
The package can be re-configured to reflect the various sonar upgrades
to individual submarines, providing highly efficient and cost effective
training to submariners. Sonar operators can now train on the exact
sonar system they will be using once deployed. This removes, what is
commonly referred to, as ‘training lag’ as they have to
familiarise themselves with individual upgrades on different boats.
The Sonar 2076 Thales Training Service has now been integrated into
the Royal Naval Submarine School at HMS Raleigh in a joint initiative
by the Royal Navy, Defence Equipment and Support, and Thales.
The Royal Navy’s tactical expertise is delivered by the RN Instructors
and Thales’ up-to-date system operational software provides a
seamless transition from a training environment to the operational environment,
keeping pace with new software variants as they are deployed.
The service has the potential to support other systems such as antisubmarine
warfare and mine warfare sensors, as well as non-Sonar based sensors
and civilian applications.