Armed Forces International News - December 2011
Navy MCTS To Enhance Surface Ship Warfare
Posted by Armed Forces International's Defence Correspondent on 05/12/2011 - 16:30:00
An era-defining new Royal Navy training system is being unveiled that, say officials, offers "the most radical change to its training for over 40 years."
Installed at Devonport Naval Base, the BAE Systems-designed MCTS (Maritime Composite Training System) is set to train approximately 1,000 RN recruits each year.
MCTS supports operational capability by making sure that Royal Naval personnel working autonomously or within larger groups are trained to a high enough level that, consequently, they're both knowledgeable and confident enough to then undertake maritime deployments for real.
Royal Navy MCTS System
The Royal Navy MCTS system development contract was originally awarded to BAE Systems in September 2005 and called for a state of the art system twinned to the needs of both the present generation of surface platforms and rapidly-emerging naval technologies, such as the Type 45 Destroyers. As a result, the MCTS' LCD screens precisely replicate the features found on Type 45s and other vessels.
There are two Maritime Composite Training System sites - one at HMS Collingwood and one at HMNB Devonport, with a fibre optic link running between them.
The Collingwood MCTS site was opened last month and, in recent weeks, personnel from a host of Royal Naval ships have had the chance to try it out. These have so far included representatives from Type 45 Destroyers HMS Diamond, HMS Dragon and HMS Daring, Type 23 Frigates HMS Westminster and HMS Sutherland and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.
Surface Ship Warfare Training
Overall, it's envisaged that, equipped with the Maritime Composite Training System, the Royal Navy will have a more effective surface ship warfare training platform.
"This new training system represents a ground-breaking move for the Royal Navy that will enhance its training capability for the future", Peter Luff - UK Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology - explained, in a statement.
He continued: "It will enable personnel to train to the highest standard, utilising the latest technological developments. With this system, the UK's sailors will be some of the best prepared in the world, ready to take on the challenges of the future."
MCTS image copyright BAE Systems 2010
See also:
Companies supplying Naval Logistics and Services
Companies supplying Tactical Training
Recently Added News
-
BMP-3F Amphibious Fighting Vehicles for Indonesia
Russia is selling Indonesia 37 more BMP-3F amphibious infantry fighting vehicles, it's been announced, complementing the 17 already in service
-
Indian M777 Howitzer Artillery Deal Cleared
Indian defence ministers have cleared the country's purchase of 145 M777 howitzers from BAE Systems at a total cost of $660m
-
US Navy SM-3 Block IB Missile Interceptor Launched
US Navy's latest missile interceptor design successfully tested during trial launch and strike sortie carried out in Pacific Ocean on 9 May 2012
-
Government’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Switch
The Royal Navy will now receive the STOVL version of the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter, dramatically revising earlier Government policy
HESCO Bastion Concertainer
HESCO Bastion Ltd protect personnel using the the Concertainer unit, the most significant development in field fortification since the Second World War.
