Recently, Thales Germany and Transas Marine International signed a cooperation agreement to develop and market a Full Warship Trainer (FWST). This modular simulation solution, which will be offered in various configurations, is the first of its kind to create a virtual simulation of an entire warship for training purposes: this encompasses the ship’s control from the bridge, the work in the engine room, CMS (combat management system) training, realistic doorgunner exercises for helicopter missions or weapons training for boarding teams.

Thales Germany contributes to this cooperation its years of experience developing generic tactical and strategic trainers, as well as forward looking weapons simulators for civilian and military users. Transas has a worldwide reputation and comprehensive know-how implementing the latest generation of ship bridge simulators and engine room trainers. Since both partners plan to contribute their already widely proven product portfolio, a first generation configuration of the FWST is expected to be available to the market in short order.

Going forward, this innovative training system will enable individual teams to train various scenarios, for instance as part of the classical navigation training on the bridge, or a classic skirmish from an operations centre. But as part of the final deployment preparation, all individual teams of a ship’s crew (e.g. bridge, operations centre and engine room, as well as deployed units, such as boarding teams and their airborne and floating security components) operate as a complex unit.

The FWST approach provides the option to train classic maritime scenarios, as well as current and future scenarios. In addition to playing the role of a training device, the FWST can also assume an important function for the development of deployment principles and procedures, and also as part of future procurement projects. Its overall modular approach also enables customers to flexibly expand individual training elements, thus customising their individual training centre to their respectively specific needs.

“We are delighted to have found a highly regarded partner for this project, who will contribute its comprehensive knowledge in the bridge simulation field and who is well positioned internationally”, states Holger Brandt, Vice President, Defence & Security Systems, Thales Germany, on the occasion of the contract signing. Ralf Lehnert, Managing Director, Transas Marine, adds: “We expect to gain a clear competitive edge from this cooperation with Thales Germany. The synergies for the customer are clearly evident, since two technology leaders are combining their core competencies to create an exceedingly capable and cost-efficient team training system.”