April 2007
 

Advanced simulators assist development process

Naval technology from Rheinmetall Defence Electronics for customers worldwide

Rheinmetall's latest technological breakthrough – ultra-advanced simulators for the German Navy's showpiece 212A class submarine – proves once again that the company offers one of the best maritime simulation systems available on the international market. Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH (RDE) supplies a wide range of advanced simulator platforms for every conceivable system and scenario applicable for maritime training. This latest generation of naval simulators provides not just an unsurpassed training environment but can also play a critical role in the development of new system technologies.
 

Another simulation system success story from RDE – ultra advanced simulators for the 212A class submarine. They underscore the company's status as one of the world's leading suppliers of simulation systems. (Photo: HDW)

Naval experts agree that the 212A-class submarine is among the most advanced of its type. Highly fuel efficient, its innovative hybrid propulsion plant is not only environmentally friendly but practically silent, resulting in one of the quietest vessels in the world – an important tactical advantage since almost any sound can reveal a submarine's position under water. Furthermore, the new propulsion technology, whose only reaction by-product is distilled water, allows the submarine to operate submerged for several weeks at a time. Until now, this capability was limited to nuclear submarines. Moreover, the 212A-class boat possesses an innovative x-shaped steering apparatus that provides superior manoeuvrability.

The German Navy expects to commission U 34 – the fourth of six planned 212A submarines – in May 2007. Whatever challenges may face its crew, no chances have been taken in training: crewmembers are well prepared for every contingency they might experience. Never before has the training of submarine crews been so realistic, flexible and multifaceted – thanks to the advanced simulation technology supplied by Bremen-based RDE, technology that is in demand by navies all over the world.

How exactly does a maritime simulator work?

In short: using a computer network, a simulation system generates an operational setting along with numerous realistic characteristics of that simulated environment, all in real-time, producing what's called in the technology world 'virtual reality.' In other words, a simulator creates a controllable reproduction of the real world that is as realistic as possible. In the simulator, the system being reproduced – in this case, the submarine – will behave just as the real system would during operation above or under water, with all the relevant characteristics (e.g. navigation properties or weapons effects) able to be varied in accordance with training objectives.
 

Be it a container carrier or frigate for the German Navy: the ship-handling simulator equipped with a computer-generated visual system offers a realistic reproduction of maritime scenarios.

Thorsten Heinzen, sales manager responsible for simulation and training, puts it this way: "I suppose you could say that we are acting out 'creation' by reproducing a highly complex reality: weather, waves, water layers, currents, different water densities and temperatures as well as combat scenarios with explosions of depth charges are just some of the numerous possible scenarios."

"A good simulator has to produce stress," adds Hans-Joachim Stüwe, sales manager for the German market. "After all, somebody who has repeatedly been faced with threatening situations in the simulator is likely to stay just as calm in a real emergency." The latest computer technology permits the simulation of a wide variety of environmental and mission factors and hence the best possible training conditions.

To give a practical example: trained sonar operators must to be able to derive a lot of different information from subtle noise differences (for example, the type of ship, its heading and speed). Environmental conditions such as currents, heavy seas, water temperature and the degree of salinity can each influence what the sonar operator hears; the same type of ship can have a totally different noise signature in different environments. Naval experts can vary all these different environmental conditions in the simulator as desired – including conditions that are not often encountered in reality. When the sonar operator boards the submarine, therefore, he will already be familiar with all possible conditions and will know exactly how they affect sonar operation. In a nutshell: all scenarios considered relevant from a training standpoint can be created in a simulator at any time.

Database generation is another advantage of an advanced simulation system. RDE supplies a standard database as part of the basic configuration. The customer is given the necessary tools, along with instruction by RDE, which he can then use in situ to model variables such as sonar noise, visual system models, periscope views or the behaviour of torpedoes. Since such information is usually strictly confidential, customers generally welcome this approach for security reasons. Moreover, the system structure, consisting of a database and special modules devised by the customer, helps to minimize cost.

Today's simulation systems, however, are no longer used solely for training purposes but can be optimally employed to integrate different subsystems and test these under realistic conditions during the development of maritime systems. This process is referred to as Simultaneous Engineering (SE).

The German Navy – a pioneer for the German military with the 1979 introduction of the first simulator for the 206-class submarine – generally demands extensive use of onboard equipment for its simulators. These are components that are largely used in the original weapon systems. Of the advantages of this principle, RDE project manager Dr. Joachim Ulbricht says: "The simulation system can serve as a shore-based test and reference system." Subsystems can thus be tested under realistic but safe and comfortable conditions on land.

This strategy also paid off during the development and testing of the advanced 212A-class submarine. The simulator was put into operation long before the first submarine was launched. Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW), a subsidiary of Thyssen Krupp and manufacturer of the 212A, was thus able to utilize the simulator as an integration test system for a full 19 months prior to the application for the first submarine.
 

RDE has supplied the Submarine Command Team Trainer for the 212A class submarine since 2002. This simulator trains the crew to operate command, sonar and weapon systems under realistic tactical conditions.

This head start gave the Kiel shipyard a big organizational and financial payoff: some 80 suppliers were able to connect their systems to the simulator via the original interfaces. This type of simultaneous engineering provides a simple but nonetheless enormous benefit: unlike the cramped conditions on board ship, there are no spatial restrictions on land.

The result? All electrical and data-related problems were eliminated in advance without the need for on-board tests. The close collaboration between RDE and the German Navy thus proved itself particularly successful. Several officers accompanied the entire development phase in situ so as to coordinate effective interaction between both sides. A further benefit not to be underrated is that the Navy had a fully trained crew long before the 212A was actually commissioned.

Underpinning the outstanding cooperation between RDE and the military is the excellent reputation which RDE enjoys in the simulator market. There are several reasons for this: the Bremen facility is renowned for delivering on time – and sometimes even before the target date. Moreover, customers find that RDE systems rarely require rework.

Customers also praise the flexibility and, above all, strict customer-orientation of the simulation experts in Bremen. Based on a thorough analysis of the customer's requirements, RDE prepares a concept tailored exactly to these needs. The customer can be sure that he will be given the most technologically advanced and qualitatively best products available on the market. Moreover, RDE provides competent and reliable product support – for maintenance, logistics issues or local service – after system delivery.

Market success is no coincidence, but the result of hard work. Simulation expert Heinzen notes: "It is important to identify trends at an early stage and to react to these. In future, there will be a growing demand for smaller, lighter and relatively inexpensive simulation systems. Besides, one of the major challenges in coming years will be to network various simulators with one another both nationally and internationally, and with original systems."

To give just one example: RDE is already at work on further development of the standardized simulator core for maritime simulators (ANSE). This new development will make it possible to network simulation systems with real systems, so that in future simulators will not only be able to interact with other simulated units, but also with a real frigate or a submerged submarine.

Thanks to its technological lead, RDE views the market for maritime simulators as thoroughly positive. Nevertheless, the company realizes that the market has evolved in recent years, requiring new ways of exploiting these changes. Whereas in the past the purchase of training equipment (i.e. simulation systems) was practically a foregone conclusion for naval weapons system projects, now this is no longer the case due to defence spending constraints and leaner procurement budgets. Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH therefore has to remain very active and market its products at an early stage, by regularly exhibiting at trade fairs, for instance, and reminding customers of the importance of effective training – and the efficiency of simulators.

Recent sales at home are further proof of RDE's success despite a difficult and changing market environment: the company delivered the new simulator for the operations room of the Frigate 123 in December 2006. In addition, the German Navy recently decided to procure an AGUS anti-submarine warfare simulator for the naval operations command centre in Bremerhaven. What's more, RDE systems are proving increasingly successful internationally: Singapore last year bought a submarine simulator and the Royal Thai Navy decided to purchase a ship-handling simulator for its naval academy in Bangkok this year.
 

Pleased with the international acclaim for the advanced RDE naval simulator are (from left to right): Thorsten Heinzen, Hans-Joachim Stüwe and Dr.-Ing. Joachim Ulbricht.

Numerous applications

Naval simulators from Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH (RDE) cover many different systems and tactical situations. Some of the key simulation concepts from the Bremen-based company are outlined below:

• Submarine Command Team Trainer (SCTT): The SCCT simulates the interaction of the naval command crew under combat conditions, enabling basic training of individual operators and team training of entire crews of the boat's combat information centre (CIC). Possible training scenarios encompass different weapon and sensor systems with the simultaneous display of up to 40 targets in a simulated area of 100 x 100 nautical miles.
   
• Submarine Control Simulator (SCS): the bi-axial swivelling platform gives a realistic simulation of submarine control and engine behaviour under variable environmental conditions and emergency scenarios. The SCS is particularly well suited for submarine control training.
   
• Command Information Centre (CIC) simulator: CIC simulators with their exact reproduction of all CIC functions are the equivalent of the SCTT for naval surface vessels (e.g. destroyers, frigates or corvettes). Weapons, communications, control and sensor systems can all be integrated in different combat scenarios as part of individual or team training.
   
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): ASW simulators generate submarine hunting scenarios and can be modified to include surface vessels and other submarine hunting systems like the SeaLnyx helicopter. The ASW simulator also enables trainers to coordinate the use of sonar and weapon systems of different naval units.
   
• Mine Hunting Simulation: this is tailored specifically for mine hunting operations, including the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and other mine sweeping equipment.
   
• Action Speed Tactical Trainer: this system trains up to 1,000 staff officers at a time in making tactical-level decisions. Players can include frigates, submarines, helicopters and fighters, operating under diverse mission conditions. By simulating large-scale manoeuvres, this system helps developers in the design and testing of new doctrines for naval warfare.
   

Sonar operator aboard submarines use Sonar Scenario Trainers to practice the detection, classification and analysis of sonar signals.

International success

Simulation systems from Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH (RDE) enjoy an excellent reputation not just with the German Navy but with navies around the globe.

Some of the most important international customers are:

• Italy: the Italian Navy is RDE's biggest customer of maritime simulators in the European market. The 34,000-strong Marina Militare Italiana – with two aircraft carriers, fourteen frigates and destroyers as well as numerous other vessels – is one of Europe's largest navies. Italy is the only nation apart from Germany to deploy ultra-advanced 212A submarines. The Marina Militare employs three simulation systems for submarines and a ship-handling simulator from RDE.
   
• Malaysia: this Asian tiger is distinguished by its booming economy and growing political clout in the region. In recent years, the Malaysian armed forces have assumed a higher international profile, thanks to various commitments such as their country's role in the UN peacekeeping mission in East Timor. As a result, Malaysia has placed special emphasis on modernizing its naval forces. The country is proud of the royal status bestowed on its navy by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. Today, Malaysia is one of RDE's best customers in Asia: since 2001, the country has ordered two tactical trainers and three ship handling simulators – proof that Malaysia is highly satisfied with RDE simulators.
   
• Canada: following the integration of the country's armed services into a unified organizational structure in 1963, the former Royal Canadian Navy became the Canadian Forces Maritime Command (Marcom) – a unique system in NATO.  Twelve modern Halifax frigates are the backbone of Marcom; altogether, Canadian naval forces include 36 ships, plus a number of support vessels. In 1996, RDE sold Marcom a tactical trainer, thereby gaining access to the North American market despite stiff competition from British and US competitors.
   
• South Africa: since the end of apartheid, the Republic of South Africa has sought a more important role in international politics, with a correspondingly stronger involvement in military activities. The South African Navy is therefore undergoing a process of radical change and reorientation, with the aid of German companies. Since 2000, the South African Navy has ordered four frigates and three 209-class submarines from the shipyards Blohm+Voss and HDW; the country has operated Rheinmetall submarine simulators since 2005.
   

The Republic of Korea Navy has been using the submarine control simulator since 2006 to train submarine commanders to make quick decisions under stressful conditions.