SYDNEY, June 19 (UPI) -- The simulation training system for the Australian navy's Collins class submarine is to receive upgrades from Thales Australia.
Under the award Thales, which designed the platform training simulator, will incorporate improvements to the PTS to remedy obsolescence and fidelity issues, as well as incorporate the submarines' current technology configurations, Thales said.
"This contract is a prime example of how we work closely with the customer to deliver low-risk, cost-effective upgrade solutions that will enable the navy to continue to train their Collins crews for many years," said Thales Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Jenkins.
"As the original supplier of the Collins PTS, Thales is able to carry out the upgrade with minimal technical risk, leveraging our international experience from similar submarine upgrade programs in the U.K."
The contract was issued by Australia's Defense Materiel Organization. No monetary value was disclosed.
The Collins PTS is comprised of a Propulsion Control Simulator and a Submarine Control Simulator, providing individual and group training on a number of submarine systems, including propulsion, maneuvering, power conversion and distribution and auxiliary systems.
It has been in operation since 1993.
Thales Australia also announced that it will upgrade the periscope visual system of Collins class submarines under a separate contract.
