New Simulator to Keep Australian Navy Communicators at the Cutting Edge

Royal Australian Navy trainees utilise the newly built Communications Centre Simulator at the Defence Force School of Signals - Maritime Wing at HMAS Cerberus (photo : RAN)

A new simulator at the Defence Force School of Signals Maritime Wing at HMAS Cerberus will ensure Navy’s newest Communications and Information Systems sailors join their first ships fully prepared for the rigours of operating at sea.

The learning system simulator was developed by Cirrus Real Time Processing Systems, an Australian owned and operated small to medium enterprise. The successful delivery of this system is a demonstration of the capability within Australia to develop and engineer complex simulation technology to support the ADF.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said the simulator would significantly enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to conduct complex operations.

“The Australian Defence Force is required to operate simultaneously in both domestic and foreign domains, including cyber and space while coordinating people and assets to achieve strategic aims, requiring world best practice in communications,” Minister Pyne said.

“This simulator is another innovative step forward for our Navy, providing our highly capable sailors with the training tools they need to succeed in their mission of preserving peace and security for all Australians.”

The simulator is based on a generic communication centre in an enhanced frigate and is designed to mimic the operational environment at sea, using scenarios that may be encountered by communicators embarked in Major Fleet Units.

Minister Pyne said the simulator would greatly enhance Navy’s capabilities across a range of dynamic maritime operations.

“Communicators are critical to the success of our Fleet as we operate in an increasingly dynamic maritime domain, regularly in task groups with ships, aircraft and troops on the ground,” Minister Pyne said.

The simulator will support training and assessment for basic communications operator courses through to advanced courses. It will be used for the first time during a pilot course due to be conducted in mid-2019.