From the Magazine: MARITIME DOMAIN SIMULATIONS

The maritime domain consists of three regions comprising below the sea’s surface, on the surface and not far above the sea surface. Sub-surface regions are where submarines with torpedoes and mine-laying equipment and unmanned underwater vehicles operate, as well as fixed defences such as mines and nets and acoustic monitoring cables. The surface region population is self-evident. Flying at low altitudes, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems and some manned aircraft complete the maritime domain. Seagoing personnel, whether on training, exercise or war operations, have to use their high technology systems with great skill to produce the desired outcomes. Their officers also must have great situational awareness, ability to thoroughly evaluate alternative options, make the best decision in the circumstances and communicate that clearly to all who will be affected by it. Preparing to fulfil platform roles at sea requires extensive land-based training, often using realistic computer-based simulators which can mimic on screen and with controls to operate the real thing on board submarines, ships or aircraft. These simulators can sometimes also receive live inputs to form a synthetic training environment for both training and mission rehearsal.  Apart from their ability to provide a realistic experience to trainees to help them cope with many different real-life situations, there are usually cost advantages that simply can’t be ignored in today’s economic environment. The increased cost of fuel, environmental impacts and significant wear and tear on weapon systems all point to greater use of simulation and synthetic training. Joint Project 9711 will, once fully introduced, provide the ADF with a Core Simulation Capability (CSimC) that will establish a standing Simulation Environment that can service both joint enabled higher level single service collective training and joint collection training aimed at training joint task force headquarters and HQ Joint Operations Command across the spectrum of operations. The CSimC will host a range of simulation technologies servicing key capabilities that will be integrated and federated into a shared operating picture. This will enable battle space decision making in a near real environment. JP9711 is discussed further in an article by Kym Bergmann in this current APDR edition. This is an excerpt from APDR. To read the full story, click here. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]