HOUSTON, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Sailors serving on the Australian navy's Landing Helicopter Dock ships will receive virtual training from a system by KBR.
The Houston company said the contract to develop and deliver the system came from BAE Systems.
"It is an honor to support BAE Systems and the Defense Materiel Organization in the development of this training system for the Australian (military)," said Andrew Pringle, president of KBR's International Government and Defense and Support Services business.
"Through this program, KBR will lead the effort in providing extremely cost-effective training to defense forces globally and allow them to get a head-start on training to operate the ship.
"KBR's role in this project will further position the company to expand its business into the resources sector."
Two LHD's are being built for the Australian navy and are expected to enter service in 2014 and 2015.
The virtual training system being developed builds on the LHD 3-D Ship Walkthrough Computer Model that KBR produced using BAE engineering. Training courses -- some of which will use virtual crew members for team scenarios -- will include ship familiarization, high-voltage awareness and familiarity with damage control engineering systems.
