Coastal Combat Simulator (CCS)
Modular and extendable simulator architecture
Image Soft Coastal Combat Simulator training platform consists of three separate simulations sharing the same virtual maritime training area and utilizing the HLA standard for distributed simulation. These are the IS UNWAS™ underwater surveillance simulator, the coastal fire control and rangefinder simulator and the patrol boat bridge simulator. The set up creates a unique and convincing coastal defense simulator that can easily be expanded with 3rd party simulators thanks to its modular structure and adherence to the HLA standard. The individual simulations can also be licensed separately to focus on certain aspects in the naval training or configured and combined to form a custom made and tailored training solution to serve a wide variety of training needs.
Highly realistic operator stations and complete “tools of the trade”
The basic student workstation in IS UNWAS™ underwater surveillance simulator features a surveillance workstation with a map display, an analysis display with all advanced UNWAS™ tools available as well as audio equipment for listening. The student workstation can also be enhanced with a separate VDS Sonar simulator add-on. The sonar simulator add-on can also be combined with a patrol boat bridge simulatorwith ship controls and visual, Radar simulators and simulated anti-submarine weaponry. The setup can be used train anti-submarine operations with Sonar, Radar and visual surveillance together with the command and control chain and simulated weapons.
Some key skills that can be taught to new cadets include
- basic underwater listening skills
- identifying underwater targets
- using the analysis and detection tools
- taking tactical actions against the intruder
- creating a database of sound signatures
- conducting long distance acoustic intelligence
Training Command & Control and Comms
In addition to operator training the simulator platform can be used to train Command, Control and Communications between the Control Room and patrolling vessels. Surveillance operators in control room detect targets and guide patrol vessel(s) to the range. Students operating simulated patrol boats use their active SONAR, Radar and visuals to detect the target, and finally use their weapons if necessary. Radio communication between the Control Room and the boats is rehearsed intensively.
The system is scalable to multi-player scenarios involving several submarines, combating ships and neutral surface vessels.
Deep dive in acoustics and listening skill building
The system also features IS Ship Editor, a software module for creating and editing ship sounds and other ship properties. This enables the instructor not only to develop a library of underwater sounds of different submarine engines, their gearboxes and propulsion systems, but also teach the passive sonar operators to recognize these acoustic elements in varying conditions. In basic training, the cadet first learns to recognize the sound signature elements (hull sounds vs propeller noise vs engine and gearbox acoustics) first played individually and with low ambient noise. Later on as training progresses, students can then pick up and identify the targets in complex- and high traffic, and ambient noise scenarios and become true professionals in submarine hunting!