In parallel to the delivery of new bridge simulators, Kongsberg will also adapt the existing full mission bridge simulator – which is being relocated within the HMAS Watson facility – using new visual display technology. The simulator will be upgraded from a projector based system to the same LED screens that the RAN’s new Polaris simulators will use to deliver highly realistic visual scenes.

“Kongsberg’s selection for the HMAS Watson expansion is based on its ability to meet the RAN’s training needs with advanced bridge simulator technology,” Lieutenant Commander Ben Wellfare, RAN officer-in-charge bridge training faculty, said. “Kongsberg Digital’s commitment to the stability and capabilities of the K-Sim Polaris simulator platform provides the confidence for us to ensure we can continue providing high quality simulator training to a growing number of individual and team training commitments.”

The K-Sim Polaris simulator platform has been developed over 20 years and is recognised as one of the most advanced maritime bridge simulators available today. Kongsberg Digital continues to support and deliver K-Sim Polaris in parallel to its new bridge simulator technology, K-Sim Navigation. K-Sim Polaris and K-Sim Navigation, together with Kongsberg’s other K-Sim products, are installed at more than 700 maritime training centres and colleges worldwide.

“K-Sim Polaris simulators are extremely reliable and have proven to meet the RAN’s exacting requirements over many years of use,” Tone-Merete Hansen, global sales manager, Kongsberg Digital, explained. “This delivery will meet the immediate demand of an increased number of trainees in HMAS Watson, and will enable RAN to make the most out of its investment in simulator models, databases and development of Naval functionality for the Polaris simulator platform.”