SEA installs DECKsim demonstrator with Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom's Technology School

Published 20th March 2017

Cohort company SEA has built upon its credentials as a leading supplier of flight deck simulators by installing an Aircraft Procedural Trainer (APT) with Cranfield University Centre for Simulation and Analytics at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.

The APT, the latest iteration of SEA’s proven DECKsim technology, provides an immersive, high fidelity, 3D virtual environment for training students in flight deck and land-based operations.

The software as installed is a demonstration system based upon SEA’s Flight Deck Officer (FDO)/Flight Deck Controller (FDC) training simulator used at the UK Royal Navy School of Flight Deck Operations (RNSFDO) at RNAS Culdrose. The latter delivers training to any military personnel who have the task of marshalling aircraft on UK Royal Navy ships or shore establishments. It enables them to train for standard operating procedures and emergency drills which otherwise would be difficult and expensive if live aircraft were used.

It is the latest application of SEA DECKsim technology that started some ten years ago and has been continually refreshed to take account of new hardware and software, in addition to new types of platform and aircraft. In addition, other similar SEA DECKsims have been delivered to Airbus Helicopters and the Royal Norwegian Navy.

Using a combined suite of monitors to demonstrate the Instructor and Students views rather than a large projection screen, and a smaller number of serials compared with in-service systems. It includes two ship models, Type 45 and the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier, and two aircraft types, Merlin and Wildcat, and uses the Microsoft Connect to track the FDO hand signals and control the virtual helicopter.

The system will be used by the Cranfield University Modelling and Simulation staff to demonstrate Virtual Simulation capabilities and the integration of Commercial Off the Shelf Technologies (COTS) to a wide spectrum of Military and Civilian students on its MSc programs and short courses and visitors to the Defence Academy from around the world.

SEA Business Development Executive Andy McGowan explained:

“The DECKsim simulator demonstrates another way in which a virtual environment and emulations can be employed for training individuals. With the introduction of the QE Class carriers in particular, the latest simulators will be a valuable asset in delivering low-cost effective training for students.”

Mark Lewis Lecturer in Defence Simulation at Cranfield added:

“The DECKsim installation provided by SEA will allow us to demonstrate the integration of everyday technologies into defence simulation and highlight how virtual simulation technology can enhance learning as well as skill retention”

SEA will also support the system while it is in use at the Defence Academy.