ORLANDO, Fla. (USA) — Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of KONGSBERG, Norway’s premier supplier of defence and aerospace-related systems and solutions, partnered with Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) to jointly develop simulation solutions for the KONGSBERG family of PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Systems, which includes Remote stations and Remote Turrets.
During I/ITSEC 2021, KONGSBERG is making the world premier of its CORE™ Training Simulator, which uses BISim’s VBS4 for standard classroom-based simulator training and in-vehicle training available directly on PROTECTOR systems. With KONGSBERG’s in-vehicle solution, users can train anytime — while parked inside a base, during a field exercise, before a live fire exercise, or while deployed anywhere, worldwide. KONGSBERG will provide demonstrations as a partner on BISim’s booth #1071 at I/ITSEC.
“The CORE™ Training Simulator sets a new standard for training simulators by enabling training on actual PROTECTOR systems with simulated scenarios,” states Pia Andersen, Program Director Through Life Support, KONGSBERG. “Because you are using real equipment, training with control grips and interacting with buttons, this approach to training improves and strengthens muscle memory. Combined with the stunningly realistic virtual world provided by VBS4, it’s also more engaging, which improves knowledge retention and drives behavioral change.”
Since the system uses the real software of the PROTECTOR system, KONGSBERG’s VBS4 simulation of the remote weapon systems uses real ballistics and ammunition data, and wind conditions, elevation and lead angle will behave similarly in both simulation training and live mode operations. With the flick of a switch, the crew can enable training mode within the vehicle so the gunner can practice firing procedures without the use of live ammunition. Once they have addressed any issues in virtual training, they can quickly switch back to live firing mode to continue with their field exercise.
With KONGSBERG’s in-vehicle solution, users can train anytime, anywhere.
Andreas Ulven Holmen, Training Manager, KONGSBERG, says that, “A major advantage of using VBS4 is its VBS World Server, which enables us to provide our customers with the ability to conduct training anywhere in the world. And when you have the embedded trainer integrated in the vehicle, you can train instantly and at any time.”
KONGSBERG’s CORE™ Training Simulator also includes a VBS Instructor Operating System (IOS) that allows instructors to monitor multiple trainees, observing operator system interactions during the live training sessions, including aiming technique, observation technique, weapon settings, and much more. In addition to allowing monitoring of the exercise, the VBS IOS allows instructors to create new scenarios, edit scenarios live and conduct after action reviews. The system is scalable, moving from individual training to full crew training to networked classroom collective training. KONGSBERG is working to extend the system to platoon level training by networking real vehicles.
“KONGBERG’s CORE™ Training Simulator is an excellent example of how integrators can leverage VBS4 to extend virtual training outside the classroom, delivering synthetic training whenever and wherever needed,” said Craig Turner, BISim Business Development Director EMEA. “Not only does virtual training allow KONGSBERG’s customers to save on costs of fuel, ammunition and maintenance, it also facilitates continuous training from home base to theater of operations.”
About KONGSBERG
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of KONGSBERG, is Norway’s premier supplier of defence and aerospace-related systems and solutions.The company is a leading supplier of defence products and systems for command and control, surveillance, space, tactical communications, remote weapon stations and missiles systems. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace also has extensive capabilities within advanced composite manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul within the aircraft and helicopter market.
BOHEMIA INTERACTIVE SIMULATIONS
Founded in 2001, Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) is a global software company at the forefront of simulation and training solutions for defense and civilian organizations. BISim utilizes the latest game-based technology and a 200-strong, in-house team of engineers to develop high-fidelity, cost-effective training and simulation software products and components for defense applications.
Globally, more than 500,000 military personnel are trained every year using VBS software products. More than 60 NATO and NATO-friendly countries and over 250 integrators/prime contractors use VBS technology, many making significant funding commitments to extend VBS product capabilities. Customers include the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force, Swedish Armed Forces, French MoD and UK MoD and most major integrators. VBS products have become, by far, the world’s most widely used COTS product range in the military-simulation sector, supporting hundreds of military use cases and vastly greater military exploitation than any comparable products.