FIRST K-SIM FAST CRAFT SIMULATORS TO SINGAPORE PCG TRAINING CENTRE
Kongsberg Digital (KDI) has announced the delivery of its first K-Sim Fast Craft simulators to the Singapore Police Coast Guard (SPCG) Training Centre in Singapore, the Norwegian company said June 15.
Unveiled at an official opening at the centre previously this year, the four installed simulators reproduce a variety of high-speed vessel types and are supplied under the terms of a landmark contract with the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs.
The simulator is first of its kind in enabling highly realistic vessel simulation at speeds exceeding 50 knots and integrates with an advanced eye-tracking system in addition to weapons capabilities, a KDI news release said. It will be put to work straight away to provide new recruits with the most, lifelike high-speed tactical and rapid interception training programme possible. The simulator training will enable exercises to be carried out and professionally assessed in controlled conditions of complete safety, avoiding risk to personnel and removing the prospect of equipment damage. In addition, the exercises are repeatable, so trainees can undertake them as many times as is necessary in order to achieve the required high standard of competence, it said.
“The highly adaptable K-Sim Fast Craft simulator uses an advanced physics engine and customizable hydrodynamic modelling, derived from and validated against recorded vessel performance data, to duplicate the ways in which high-speed vessels behave in the real world when affected by factors such as wave movements or impacts with other crafts and floating objects, in a range of sea states and at different speeds,” the statement said.
Along with the authenticity provided by the full motion platform, the simulator’s 270° HFOV (horizontal field of view), low-radius, cylindrical visual projection system also provides a large vertical field of view with extension panels for floor projection covering the hull sides, while the integrated physical bridge layout can accommodate genuine control and display apparatus such as navigation systems, engine start/stop switches and communications equipment to heighten the sensation of working in a complex onboard operating environment.
As well as enhancing the trainees’ tactical decision-making capabilities by exposing them to a comprehensive range of complex scenarios, the simulator also supports all-important training in advanced boat handling, navigation and interception techniques, escalation of force and weapons engagement, including mission planning, rehearsals and full-scale debriefing/after action reviews. Its cutting-edge instructor, monitoring and assessment system means that trainees receive the highest standard of invaluable and easy-to-understand feedback.
“The delivery of our first K-Sim Fast Craft simulator marks the beginning of a transformative new era for the personnel engaged in such vital and potentially hazardous work,” said Tone-Merete Hansen, Senior Vice President, Maritime Simulation, Kongsberg Digital. “The long-term value of providing full scale training for these highly skilled duties in conditions of absolute safety is incalculable. Our cost-effective simulators obviously save substantial sums of money, but of prime importance is the fact that they also literally save lives,” he added.
On Oct 17, 2018, KDI announced it received a $15.2 million (SGD21.2 million) contract to deliver tactical boat handling and firing simulators to the Singapore Police Coast Guard. Hailed by the company as a landmark contract, it will see Kongsberg Digital Maritime Simulation’s delivery of four K-Sim Tactical Boat Handling and Firing Simulators by 2020, a KDI statement said. The contract comes with a 10-year maintenance agreement. –adj/mgm