Australian Navy submarine training simulators receive upgrade

SYDNEY, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A training simulator for the Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class submarines has been delivered by Thales Australia, the company reports.

The upgrade of the dual simulator system included enahancements to the computing and input/output system, instructor facilities, Integrated Ship Control Management and Monitoring System, and audio systems.

Also included was the addition new simulation technology and new interfaces with ship components, the company said.

"This cost-effective, low-risk upgrade will ensure that Australian submarine crews continue to receive the highest standards of training," said Chris Lloyd, Thales Australia's vice president, Maritime & Aerospace.

Added Lt. Cmdr. Ian Dawson, manager of engineering training at HMAS Stirling, where the simulator is located: "The simulator plays a vital role in training our submarine crews. The upgrade should substantially improve reliability and allow us to optimize the training throughput of our future submariners."

Thales Australia said the improvements were performed on an accelerated schedule to minimize the simulator's downtime.

Additional upgrades, being planned with the government's Defense Science and Technology Organization, are in the works.