RAN receives AWD Command Team Trainer

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has accepted the Hobart class Command Team Trainer as part of the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) programme, the AWD Alliance announced on 27 March.

The shore-based support system will enable the RAN to train future crew members on the combat system prior to operational deployment on the AWD destroyers.

Developed by a Raytheon Australia-led team within the Alliance, trainer system is a significant improvement over existing command team trainers currently in service with the RAN. The system recreates the ship's command information centre using the same software and hardware that will operate on board the AWDs, including the Aegis Weapon System software.

Instructors can change training scenarios on the fly by inserting enemy fighters or ships relevant to the situation. Instructors can also act as friendly or enemy ships and interact in the scenario independently, creating a real world feel to the training. The creation of accurate simulated scenarios also includes the ability to produce realistic visuals of the natural environment such as sea state and all weather conditions.

The trainer is a key part of the RAN's concept for a 'Ship Zero' capability which is aimed at maximising the effectiveness of training ashore to minimise training in ships at sea in order to increase the availability of the fleet for operations.