WATCHKEEPER Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle
SELEX Systems Integration is responsible for delivering the UK
WATCHKEEPER Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle (TUAV) through-life
training solution as a part of the Thales UK WATCHKEEPER team.
Challenge
Following Thales UK winning the MOD's £800m WATCHKEEPER
(TUAV) system, SELEX Systems Integration (then VEGA) signed a
contract with Thales UK to deliver the through-life training
solution for the programme. Under the contract, SELEX SI is
responsible for managing the development and delivery of a training
solution for both operator and maintenance crews.
A Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) identified the requirement for a
balance of real and synthetic learning for both individual and
teams to successfully operate the WATCHKEEPER system and ensure
operators are competent in their roles.
The Work SELEX SI is doing
In line with the LNA, SELEX Systems Integration is using its
desktop synthetic environment capability to support the development
of a classroom and full task trainer environments.
The training solution employs real-time desktop simulation and
image generation in a scalable synthetic environment. It features
classroom-based instruction facilities, physical models for
assembly and disassembly, and mock-up ground control stations,
through which operators will learn to control simulated TUAVs and
their on-board suite of imaging payloads.
To deliver performance, scalability and minimum differentiation
between operational and training environments, SELEX Systems
Integration has developed a generic software architecture that is
integrating commercial off-the-shelf software products, bespoke
simulators and Thales WATCHKEEPER operational software.
Value being delivered
The training solution is currently under development and will
eventually be delivered to 32 Regiment of the British Royal
Artillery at Larkhill. In addition to the original specifications,
SELEX Systems Integration is now supplying the terrain databases
that will provide imagery for the EO, IR and SAR sensor
simulations. The SELEX Systems Integration project team has so far
met all major milestones and the initial feedback from the end user
has been extremely positive.
Testimonial
Mark Smith, Thales Aerospace, Sub Contract Programme Manager,
said: “The customer community is very impressed with the quality of
the work the WATCHKEEPER project has produced and keen to get their
hands on it and start training.
“This is clearly due to the hard work and dedication put in by
the team. My thanks go to everyone involved.”