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Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne has announced a major boost for the Navy’s ability to effectively train its men and women with an expansion and upgrade of its fleet of simulation trainers.
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Bridge simulator trainers mimic a real-life ship’s bridge with highly realistic scenarios. They are used to train bridge teams, and in particular bridge officers in ship navigation and handling techniques.
The command team trainer is a virtual ship operations room and uses simulated scenarios to teach personnel. It’s used to train sailors and officers in operating the ship’s combat and communications systems.
A new bridge simulation trainer will be introduced at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, and a new command team trainer and upgrades to other simulators will be installed at HMAS Watson in Sydney.
Minister Pyne said the $80 million investment was a major milestone in the Navy's training programs
"By expanding the fleet of onshore simulation trainers, Navy will not be limited by factors that can impact training at sea and can deliver more reliable and increasingly sophisticated training packages," he said.
Building and supporting the simulation trainers will sustain over 100 jobs across NSW, Victoria, South Australia and WA.
"It’s great news the Australian industry content on this project is around 90 per cent. The companies involved include BAE Systems Australia, DXC Technology Australia, L3‑Oceania Australia and SAAB Australia," Minister Pyne said.
Minister Pyne added that the investments will reduce the time spent completing qualifications, moving people across the county and the training load on ships.
"The new and upgraded simulators will assure Australia’s ability to develop and maintain potent, operational-ready platforms with highly trained personnel prepared for all contingencies at sea," he said.
