QinetiQ to enable virtual training links across RAF bases
A QinetiQ project is to allow Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon pilots to train together in virtual environments from different locations by linking simulators at the squadrons' Main Operating Bases (MOBs).
The project is an addition to QinetiQ’s ongoing Distributed Synthetic Air Land Training (DSALT) contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), which provides synthetic mission training at RAF Waddington’s Air Battlespace Training Centre.
QinetiQ will integrate existing BAE Systems simulators at the MOBs into the DSALT system, allowing pilots at RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to participate in exercises without having to travel to RAF Waddington.
The interim Aircrew Synthetic Training Capability (iASTC) contract, signed in March 2017, is valued at £9.5m, with approximately half awarded to QinetiQ as prime contractor and half to BAE Systems as subcontractor. From its planned completion in April 2018, the contract will enhance the mission training provided by DSALT.
Brian Dryburgh, programme manager for synthetic training, QinetiQ, said: “QinetiQ’s work on iASTC will build on the hugely successful DSALT capability to demonstrate the concept of interoperability. The project is a great example of the ‘whole force approach’, relying on the key concepts of trust, innovation and collaboration to provide a step change in capability for the Typhoon Force. Removing the need for pilots to travel to RAF Waddington will improve access to essential training, in complete safety, at the point of need, and will reduce time spent away from the frontline.”
DSALT exploits technology developed for industries such as the gaming and banking sectors to provide virtual training for contingent operations to the British Armed Forces. It enables troops and aircrew to train alongside international partners in sophisticated simulated environments in real time.