I/ITSEC 2014: Simulation and Training Bosses (SATB) Series - Selected Industrial Views

On the occasion of I/ITSEC, MILITARY TECHNOLOGY publishes the Annual Simulation and Training Bosses (SATB) Series that conveys the thoughts and messages of the world’s defence simulation and training leaders, according to the question, “What is your view of the general theme 'Simulation Saves Money,' and that many sorts of peacetime multi-unit, multi-role and multi-national training can only be done by using networked simulation.”

Alenia Aermacchi

The In years flight simulators saved and save lives, time and, as a matter of fact, money. This is true for civil as well as for militaries flight simulators. As members of a top player aerospace defense company, our business and experience is mainly focused on military fast-jet pilot training. Full Mission Simulators, Flight Training Devices, Part Task Trainers, Procedure Training Devices, Computer Based Trainers all these devices, defined by different level of fidelity with respect to the real aircraft, support students pilot in their daily training tasks providing a remarkable level of realism.  

M-346 simulator (Photo: Finmeccanica)

Simulators make possible try, in a safe manner, costly and dangerous activities at an affordable cost.
Military organizations today are really sensitive to flight simulators since they understood the benefits of such fairly costly technological devices, capable to “replicate the response” of 5TH generation fighters which are typically very expensive to operate. In addition, modern concept of operations ask for airborne platforms interoperability. US and their NATO and non-NATO allies, spend huge amount of time and resources to train people in complex operations using real platforms.
In less recent past years, thanks to advancements in technology, military organizations established networked training centers to use in cooperation training resources (simulators), physically distributed over a territory, in order to simulate the modern complex scenarios without the costs and constraints of deploying physical units in the field. Even if a common standard in communication data exchange protocols between the participants is not been defined yet, nevertheless a good level of interoperability was already achieved.

In more recent past years, in order to improve training realism but keeping the costs still affordable, a new training concept has been developed: the Live-Virtual-Constructive (Several definitions are used to categorise LVC environment since the degree of a human participation in a simulation is infinitively variable. Here the following taxonomy is adopted: Live - involving real people operating real systems (e.g. a pilot flying a jet); Virtual - involving real people operating simulated systems. (e.g. a pilot flying a simulator); Constructive - involving simulated systems (e.g. CGF)). Basically, some live entities have been included into the virtual and constructive exercises. No doubts, even if the outcomes are preliminaries, about the training benefits achieved thanks to their presence and that is the reason in encouraging LVC (Live-Virtual-Constructive) further developments and tests.          
It is important to note that LVC scenarios are based on aerial network infrastructures, which must have performance, in terms of bandwidth and latency, adequate to support the huge amount of data the participants exchange among them, regardless the type, Live, Virtual or Constructive.
In this LVC field is where Alenia Aermacchi has performed in the last years big steps toward standard production and delivery, readily testing the technological integration and syllabus use cases to prove the new Training Paradigm.

Boeing

Bob Gower, Vice President, Boeing Training Systems and Government Services (Photo: Boeing)

The expense and complexity of large scale, real world training exercises can be prohibitive. That is why Boeing continues to invest in and deliver the technologies that make ground-based simulation of dissimilar-type, multi-force training routine for warfighters in the United States and around the world.
Simulator-based training has saved countless dollars for our customers by transferring learning tasks from live flights in real aircraft to equipment on the ground with far lower costs of operation. As we continue to inject new technologies into our systems, we expect it to become even easier to do more of that.

We have also made significant advances in the field of Integrated-Live, Virtual and Constructive (I-LVC) training. We demonstrated that technology internationally for the first time in October, building on several live flights that we had conducted previously. Our customers have shown tremendous interest in the ability to blend live flight training with synthetic and simulated threats. We expect I-LVC to be a critical part of future military training, including joint-force and mixed-fleet training exercises.

C-17 Weapon System Trainer used routinely by Boeing's customers for networked training operations. (Photo: Boeing)

In the meantime, Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) capability remains a workhorse technology for our customers at training centres around the world. Boeing has been delivering DMO expertise since 1997, and we are at the forefront of defining, developing and deploying distributed, joint and coalition training solutions for military customers worldwide.

Boeing’s training centres enable that kind of mission rehearsal for multiple platforms, including F-15, F-16, F-22, C-17, AH-64, and V-22. Boeing also provides networking capabilities for DMO-type training on other systems, including those for C-5, C-17, and KC-10, as well as the Finnish F-18 aircrew training systems and DMO-capable systems for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Boeing has also delivered the APACHE LONGBOW Collective Training System and numerous APACHE LONGBOW Crew Trainers equipped with networking capability in support of the US Army’s collective training initiatives.

Of course, the need for live flight training will never completely disappear, but ground-based training solutions – including networked simulation – are clearly valuable and cost-effective means of generating the readiness our customers require.

CAE

Gene Colabatistto, Group President, Defence & Security, CAE (Photo: CAE)

CAE firmly believes that the increased and more efficient use of simulation is part of the solution to lowering costs and saving money, and just as importantly, doing so without sacrificing readiness or capability for the warfighter.  The savings that can be achieved using simulation-based training has become almost self-evident, and I cannot think of a government or defence force anywhere in the world that would argue that simulation does not offer compelling benefits.  It is pretty well understood that it is much less expensive to put someone into a simulator than a real aircraft, tank or other weapon system. That being said, we fully understand that not all military training can be conducted in simulation, and part of the challenge for defence forces is finding the right balance of live and virtual training.  But, undoubtedly, that balance is trending to the increased use of simulation-based training because of its many advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, safety, and ability to accelerate experience.

CAE recently networked the Royal Australian Air Force’s C-130J full-flight mission simulator and C-130J tactical airlift crew trainer so pilots and loadmasters could train in a common virtual environment. (Photo: CAE)

Simulation has proven itself to be very effective at developing proficiency for individual pilots, soldiers, and sailors, and it has become widely accepted for simulation systems to support crew training.  For example, CAE has developed a number of naval helicopter training solutions that include training systems for the pilots as well as rear-crew sensor operators where the training devices are networked to provide a common virtual environment for the mission crew.  But using simulation for large-scale virtual exercises involving multiple platforms, joint services and even coalition allies has been less commonplace, and we believe the networking and interoperability of training systems for these types of large-scale exercises will grow over the next five years.

Militaries understand that it is becoming increasingly important and cost-effective to have integrated, interoperable, and networked training systems so that collective, joint, and coalition training can be done in a virtual environment.  It is simply cost-prohibitive to bring together all the resources required for live exercises, which means the virtual world becomes necessary in order to train like you will fight.  One of the challenges then becomes a technical one in bringing disparate training systems together in a common virtual environment.  Integration, interoperability and networkability are much more difficult without open, industry standards, so we believe governments and defence forces should be continuing to demand non-proprietary systems moving forward.   CAE is a strong proponent of standards, such as the Common Database (CDB), which can help accelerate the use of virtual training for distributed mission operations.

The DiSTI Corporation

Joe Swinski, President The DiSTI Corporation (Photo: The DiSTI Corporation)

 For far too long hardware-based training solutions in the form of retired aircraft or purpose built hardware trainers were the norm for training maintainers. These training devices are expensive to procure, difficult to maintain, and diverge from the baseline aircraft as new blocks are fielded. Today’s computing power allows us to create compelling, immersive, and interactive 3-D maintenance training solutions that forego the need for an all hardware-based solutions. These virtual solutions are fielded at a fraction of the cost of the hardware-based counterparts and yield a much richer training experience if they are developed correctly.  Development of these environments entails much more than simply loading a detailed 3-D model of an aircraft into a game engine and rendering the output.

DiSTI F-16 VMT Demonstrator Pilot Avatar. (Screenshot: DiSTI)

For the past decade, The DiSTI Corporation has focused on how to create these virtual maintenance environments in an efficient semi-autonomous fashion with requirement traceability from the virtual objects back to the maintenance procedure that necessitated their development. The result is VE STUDIO, DiSTI’s new COTS packaging of our Virtual Environment Software Development Kit (VESDK). VE STUDIO encompasses DiSTI’s patented process for risk free development of virtual maintenance applications and associated productivity tools.

To date this tool chain has developed dozens of environments for maintenance trainers ranging across a variety of platforms including jet fighters, cargo aircraft, surveillance aircraft, attack and cargo helicopters, unmanned drones, naval vessels, submersibles, and tactical vehicles. Among the many benefits of these training devices is the ability for maintenance personnel to work in teams, just as they will on the flight line. The environments allow the maintainer to work with fully autonomous teammates or networked with other live maintainers. The success of this approach has proven itself time and again over the past decade, most notably in F-35 Aircraft Systems Maintenance Trainer (ASMT) where maintainers were learning how to repair the aircraft before the first squadrons were even fielded.

ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH

Christoph Weber, Executive Vice President Aerosystems Division, ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH  (Photo: ESG)

Against the background of stagnating budgets or even budgets cuts and the decreasing numbers of available weapon systems, the importance of innovative and efficient simulation and training solutions is increasing rapidly.

In order to fulfil our customers` needs regarding efficient and effective training as well as continuous practice of basic operations and mission procedures in challenging multi-national deployments ESG counts on innovative and trend-setting technologies.

Based on our competencies and fifty years of experience in civil and military business, ESG is the reliable partner to support its customers in all areas of simulation and training with sophisticated services and solutions ranging from the development to the operation of mission-oriented simulation systems.

Helicopter Pilot Screening System. (Photo: ESG)

ESG´s portfolio covers computer-based and web-based training, part-task trainers, procedure & maintenance trainers and flight training devices as well as engineering simulators. The trendsetting element of our simulation solutions is the integration of virtual and augmented reality into established network centric warfare systems and the networking of different simulators for joint & combined missions to achieve highest training efficiency. This enables ESG to create made-to-measure solutions and capabilities for the sensor-to-shooter and troop support network. By using the most modern multi-media technologies available, we achieve a methodological diversity and user-oriented flexibility. ESG employs modular and scalable systems that can be adapted easily and flexibly. These are based on comprehensive experience gained during operations. Commercially available and proven components and technologies are one key for success in this area. The simulation framework developed by ESG, for example, offers a huge advantage regarding future solutions.

Examples of ESG’s capabilities include a Joint Fire Support Procedure Trainer, a Helicopter Pilot Screening System, a Cockpit Procedure Trainer for MK88A Sea Lynx marine helicopter, Cockpit Procedure Trainers for the upgraded version of CH-53 transport helicopter, a training system for fuel operator of the A310 MRTT tanker aircraft as well as simulators to accompany and support the development and improvement of the UH-TIGER, CH-53GA, TORNADO, A400M and the C-160 TRANSALL.

ESG is the reliable partner of the armed forces for efficient and sophisticated solutions in training and simulation.

Havok

Cory Kumm, Worldwide Director of Military & Simulation, Havok (Photo: Havok)

It is commonly understood in the defence community the key benefits of using simulation for training. Safe training environments, an ability to train more frequently, and cost savings compared to live training are all clear benefits of digital training environments. Yet there are also additional benefits and experiences that would be impossible without modern simulation technology.

There is a rising trend of video game based technologies being adopted by the simulation community. These solutions can provide highly realistic and immersive physics-based training while running on standard PCs, even for multi-channel environments, allowing users to train on a variety of platforms including sophisticated simulators. Due to the consumer focus of such software, tremendous numbers of very demanding end-users continually push for the addition of new yet robust graphical features, which inherently keeps these technologies at the cutting edge of development solutions. The nature of videogame development also mandates that these technologies be open and modular with effective workflows using standard file formats. These result in simulation developers now having options for the development of high quality and high performance simulations at ever decreasing costs from both a software and a hardware perspective compared with traditional simulation technologies.

Screenshot of the Havok Simulation Framework in action. (Screenshot: Havok)

There are also instances where the use of flexible multi-user simulation technology is really the only practical method of training. Consider an example in which multiple nations with multiple roles aim to prepare for a multinational incident. Flying a large number of multi-nationals to a single location for training can be a logistical burden making such an event an infrequent and expensive undertaking. Simulation technology however can increase the training frequency, which increases the level of preparedness. This is especially true for those technologies that can be used in multiuser (player) types of environments or technologies currently being adapted to function on today’s myriad selection of portable devices, realising the potential of on demand training literally anywhere.

Simulations already save money, but the right simulation technologies can allow for even greater cost-savings compared to traditional methods, as well as increased quality, capability and flexibility that our end-users demand.

VT MÄK

Dan Schimmel, CEO VT MÄK (Photo: VT MÄK)

Simulation absolutely saves money - it always has and always will. “Faster, better, cheaper” is one of the oldest mantras for military procurement and it has never been more relevant to military training and simulation than right now. Additionally, state-of-the-art simulation offerings must not make significant compromises when it comes to high-fidelity realism, extensibility, and adaptability. The bar is high and the challenge is great.

The very nature of new battle preparation requirements suggests that a well-architected networked simulation is not only the most cost-effective, but often is the only realistic solution to this challenge. Standalone and part-task trainers for individuals in singular domains are mature technologies. These are proven time- and money-savers compared to the high cost of live training.

(Photo: VT MÄK)

However, the environment in which these solutions must deliver is now much more complex. Threats in emerging theatres of battle are ever more sophisticated, requiring an integrated and coordinated plan of attack across units, domains, roles, and national borders. At the same time, global budgets and timeframes for training results are shrinking. There are fewer personnel in all branches of the military, meaning all forces must be more cross-trained and multifaceted in preparation for more rotation and joint operations.

Much of this burden has traditionally fallen on simulation staff at standalone mission training complexes. The number of resident technicians and support personnel at these training centres is shrinking, sometimes dramatically.

A well-designed, compelling network simulation is a great answer to these challenges. A more open, plug-and-play interoperability model offers the lowest-cost, highest-productivity approach to doing more with less. The advantages are numerous:  each individual trainee or small unit retains the convenience and efficiency of training at their home station, regardless of their role or domain. The architecture scales beautifully across regions and national boundaries. It allows all participants to become quick learners and efficient instructors or role players. It requires a leaner hardware, software, and staffing footprint. And, it is especially suited to more complex joint operations with all the required synchronisation and coordination.

There is more upfront system-of-simulation-systems planning required for these complex training scenarios. But, with current open standards for how applications connect, and decreasing costs for underlying technology and networking, it is an achievable reality; the total simulation costs will be far lower with much more bang for the buck in the end training product.

Meggitt Training Systems

Ron Vadas, President of Meggitt Training Systems (Photo: Meggitt Training Systems)

Global defence budgets continue to shrink, yet demand for personnel and equipment grows. This fact alone will force defence agencies to train more efficiently.

Utilising a combined weapons, virtual simulation strategy, soldiers can train on small arms up to crew-served weaponry. Meggitt’s BLUEFIRE wireless weapons meet the form, fit, function and accurate ballistics of live weapons without the full burden of maintenance and ammunition costs. Not only is there a benefit from cost savings, but multiple studies have shown the value of marksmanship and full immersion training where personnel experience the same stress realized in theatre, all within a simulated training environment.

Meggitt Training Systems’ FATS® M100 virtual system provides a flexible, configurable platform, which can be easily adapted to suit the company’s global customers training needs. (Photo: Meggitt Training Systems)

The procurement cost of simulated training systems and translation to savings can be amortised in a period of as little as one to three years, depending on the size of the force, frequency of system usage, and policies to ensure their usage in support to training. In fact, studies verify simulator training costs can be one-tenth of the investment of actual field training exercises.

Research demonstrates that the degree of fidelity in a simulator is closely linked to training effectiveness.  Additionally, the transfer of training from a simulator to a real-world task is greater when simulation conditions effectively match those of the actual task. The more similar the stimulus and the corresponding response elements, the greater the potential for the positive transfer of training, in the form of what is often referred to as muscle memory.

Manufacturers and trainers agree that virtual training will continue to grow given the costly alternative of live-fire training and the continuous improvement of simulated training.

“Multi-unit, multi-national training within a globally-networked simulated training environment will be the operating standard within the next five years,” according to Larry Raines, Vice President Virtual Systems, Meggitt Training Systems. “Live-fire still will remain a requirement, but networked simulation training allows large-scale, highly targeted training in a cost-efficient, non-lethal environment.”

Raytheon

Bob Williams, Vice president, Raytheon's Global Training Solutions (Photo: Raytheon)

In this time of constrained defence budgets, virtual, constructive, and gaming become more and more important as they save money, can be safer than live training, save equipment, and can provide scenario development for large, multi-role and multi-unit exercises more cost effectively than live training.  This is not to say that the other domains can fully replace live training, but they can be effective and efficient adjuncts.

Virtual, constructive, and gaming technologies allow the soldier to train in environments that can’t be performed live.  A good example is a vehicle or aircraft rollover trainer.  In the virtual environment, soldiers and airmen can be safely trained on how to react in a rollover situation.  Gaming can also be used very effectively for mission rehearsals in denied or high-threat environments.

Military equipment also becomes more expensive as it increases in capability and age.  The main battle tanks of today are far more sophisticated than those of sixty years ago, and commensurately more expensive to maintain.  Weapons systems are being held in service for far longer; many front-line aviation assets such as the B-52 have been in service for more than 50 years.  Simulation saves these systems from additional wear and tear as well as on fuel, transportation, and additional maintenance personnel costs.

Simulation can also be used to develop scenarios that tie multiple simulation systems together. Raytheon's work on the US Army's Warfighter Field Operations and Customer Support (FOCUS) contract makes full use of simulation in multi-role, multi-unit exercises.  Raytheon has supported live training at the U.S. Army’s combat training facilities since 1994 by helping to create realistic battlefield conditions and live-fire exercises that simulate what soldiers can expect to encounter on the battlefield. Simulating large, multi-unit engagements and linking those with supporting fires, other maneuver elements and red force actions both expands the range of scenario options available to test the units and adds realism to the live training.

The future of training must blend live, virtual constructive and gaming technologies in similar fashion.  Leveraging technology in ways that save scarce resources, maximize creativity by re-creating the chaos of the battlefield, and networking allies, coalition and joint forces will both enhance readiness and ensure best value.

Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH

Frank Thieser, Director Business Development & Strategy, Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH (Photo: Reiser)

When our forces deploy to operations, they need to be prepared for any situation they might encounter. The variety of situations faced during training, will determine the efficiency and effectiveness during operations. Simulation based training is answers this need. In addition to substituting live training, simulation technology enables us to immerse ourselves in situations, which are impossible to train live.

G120TP Cockpit. (Photo: Reiser)

When it comes to cost and saving money, the method of calculation first comes into question. While comparing e.g. real flight hour prices with simulator hourly rates for a specific type of aircraft suffices for a civil aircraft operator, this method alone is not appropriate for military or other governmental entities. Looking at the specificities in the military domain, the added value of being able to train scenarios which are impossible to train in reality have to be part of the equation. The calculation actually ends after the real mission is accomplished – not just by looking at the training part.

As almost every military operation is different, training for the unknown is key. And for these various types of possible scenarios, we need scalable and dynamic simulation environments. If multinational teams have to succeed together, they must have the chance to train together. A simulation environment which can be created on demand by linking individual systems is one possible answer.
In order to develop the required technology for secure networks, robust simulation hardware and software, as well as common interfaces and standards, we need smart engineering and software development skills. But more importantly, the engineers involved in creating this technology must understand the entire operational context in which our customers operate.

RE-liON

Ir. Chris Haarmeijer, CEO RE-liON (Photo: RE-liON)

The air domain has always been a pioneer in the use of simulation: flying an aircraft is not cheap, and in freedom of movement in operating the aircraft, pilots are so limited that the use of simulation is almost a no-brainer. Essentially the same goes for vehicles though operating vehicles is less expensive, and simulation therefor is not always a – direct – money-saver. No doubt, in also in the manufacturing on these platforms, important money-savers are to be gained with simulation.

RE-liON Small Unit Immersive Trainer (SUIT) (Photo: RE-liON)

In the dismounted area, the domain of infantry and Special Forces, live simulation has been there for some time. Virtual simulation has been considered too difficult and too expensive: The freedom of all movements of the trainee is impossible to simulate and hey, what are the costs of a pax running in the bush, right? Well, if you look at the 'total cost of ownership' of an operator, the costs do add up quite rapidly, e.g.:

• Assessment, 
• Education,
• Training,
• Deployment, and
• Treatment in case of mental or physical disease.

As shown in the simplified equation below the (dismounted) human platform is one of the most valuable, but often undervalued, assets of Armed Forces:

Force = (A * Trained Soldiers) + (B * Proper Equipment)

Every soldier leaving the service too soon means a loss of a major investment. To prevent this, soldiers deserve to get both the best training and care possible. Simulation in education and training is part of this. If looked at in a wider context, it always is a money-saver. And such savings will grow exponentially provided you make the right choices between individual and team training, as well as live, virtual and constructive training. Let us talk about it.

Rheinmetall

Ulrich Sasse, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics, President, Simulation and Training Division (Photo: Rheinmetall)

Modern simulation and training systems play an indispensable part in preparing military and civilian personnel to perform critical tasks. Even if virtual reality systems can never completely match the effects of real life, the great benefits of simulation training systems are undeniable. They provide a 24/7 training capability that is fully flexible and weather-independent, with no risk of physical injury or material damage, resulting in better trained and educated soldiers and cost savings in terms of time and resources.

When looking at current military operational profiles, it quickly becomes clear that the focus today is on joint and combined missions that require maximum interoperability and communication between forces. Command and control of such missions requires superb leadership competence. Future training systems must also reflect the ensuing shift in tasks.

Rheinmetall is responsible for providing contractor support for the complete exercise and training operations of one of the world’s most advanced military training facilities, the German Army Training Centre (GÜZ) in the Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt. (Photo: Rheinmetall)

Mission training and rehearsal are now the most prominent imperatives in the military training domain. Current operational mission training and rehearsal scenarios need to be executed and trained for in a joint/combined context with a diversity of forces and entities, including air, land and sea assets.

The requirements for joint training are very complex and can only be met in an optimum training environment. First and foremost, training must always aim to provide soldiers with the multifaceted skills needed on the modern battlefield. Among the core competencies required for joint operations are the mastery of weapons systems, maintaining situational awareness, communication, teamwork, decision making, and risk assessment.

More realistic than ever, modern simulation technology makes a major contribution to readying our soldiers for deployed operations – from individual instruction in equipment operation to tactical leadership exercises for major formations.

For more than 40 years, training systems from Rheinmetall Defence have helped to prepare troops for air, land and sea operations. Our spectrum of simulation products ranges from individual training systems to highly complex, networked systems for joint and combined operations training. Prominent examples include our advanced tactical training environments like ANSE, TacSi and the ANTares mobile tactical training system and, of course, our live training centres such as the GÜZ combat training centre we jointly operate with the German Army.

RUAG

Oliver Meyer, Senior Vice President Simulation & Training, RUAG Defence (Photo: RUAG)

That on the whole simulation saves money is  for me quite clear. However, there are certain initial costs in the establishment of appropriate equipment and infrastructure and not all types of simulation can provide the same savings over the same period. In virtual simulation especially, savings are established through training multiple crews simultaneously, saving real ammunition and fuel, plus wear and tear on costly vehicles. In addition virtual simulation allows users to train across extensive terrain on multiple continents at the flick of a switch. This substantially reduces the need for large areas of land for manoeuvres or high logistical costs.

Simulation and training virtual Advanced Driver Training Simulator (A-DTS) training centre. (Photo: RUAG)

The goal of all training and simulation is naturally to improve users readiness for the situations they will encounter when in the field. Some of this situations can only effectively be trained through simulation giving S&T a relevance that surpasses cost. The impact of weapons on participants and through buildings in MOUT live simulation scenarios is one example of a situation that can only be experienced through simulation. And, with the development of mobile MOUT training this high fidelity training is becoming increasing affordable. However, simulation in the future must be seen in a broader context. Today simulation is mainly used for training purposes, in the future simulation could also be used during missions - to help commanders make the right decisions. In my opinion the next generation simulators will not only help achieve high readiness for mission, but also support during the mission to ensure mission success. With these Simulators cost savings can be achieved because training becomes more efficient delivering high readiness for an upcoming mission in a very short time.

The increasingly complex and digitised nature of warfare means that we as S&T providers, who strive endlessly for high fidelity solutions, are developing more complex and digitally savvy simulations. This ultimately relies on a large amount of data needing to be created, exchanged, stored and analysed – in order to get effective results. Networked simulation and the ability to be interoperable is therefore a necessity for our customers to maintain, heighten and speed-up their readiness.  

Thales

Jean-Jacques Guittard, VP Training and Simulation at Thales (Photo: Thales)

Thales has a strong heritage in providing the best-in-class training solutions designed to deliver mission-readiness for the armed forces around the globe and enhance their operational effectiveness. Moreover being part of a large Group that manufactures real mission equipment with access to operational experience and knowledge, training and simulation activities of Thales have developed a deep and comprehensive understanding of armed forces needs for multi-unit and multi-role military training, as well as their new requirements for interoperability across armies and nations.

Modern warfare is forcing the Armed Forces around the globe to increase their military capabilities, and to train collectively more and more, as well. As a leading partner with defence organisations, we firmly believe that effective training is critical to ensuring military operations’ readiness and success. It is about making the best use of limited resources to train forces to become consistently high performing personnel.

TIGER simulators. (Photo: Thales)

Thales’ integrated product policy approach aims to achieve greater commonality of solutions between our different products, to maximise reuse, to drive costs down and to benefit from economies of scale. Hence Thales simulation products and training solutions are fully interoperable, thanks to their architecture which is based on Thales’ common simulation core.

Whether targeting individual, crew, collective or commander training, Thales offers versatile and modular solutions to accommodate our customer's own training rationale, and adapt seamlessly to evolving training syllabi. This built-in adaptability enables our training solutions to deliver maximum training and operational benefits even when the mission, tactics or theatre change.

Mastering the latest networking technologies, Thales solutions support connectivity allowing the combination of various types of simulation to perform complex mission training, such as tactical, command and technical training simultaneously. This provides our customers with distributed training capabilities, for enhanced multi-level collective training and rehearsal.

For instance, thanks to our training solutions with real C2 and battle management systems, our military customers can combine live, virtual and constructive assets to take part in the same exercise. This is the reason why we now see our customers mixing simulated assets (such as helicopters or armoured fighting vehicles training devices) with constructive assets (combat staff training system) or even live training assets.