Ground-breaking Naval training facility opens

07 Dec 2011

by: Margaret Snell

A shore-based, state-of-the art warfare training facility, designed to ensure the next generation of Royal Navy sailors are among the best prepared in the world, has been unveiled at Devonport Naval Base. 

According to the Navy its £108m investment in the Maritime Composite Training System (MCTS) represents the most radical change to its training for over 40 years. Warfare teams can prepare for service on the latest Type 45 Destroyers, as well as Type 23 frigates, Type 42 Destroyers, Assault ships and Carriers without leaving shore.

Delivered by BAE Systems, the MCTS features banks of flat panel LCD screens replicating equipment used at sea. A synthetic world has been created to give warfare operators the necessary environment to learn and practice the skills they need to engage their ships in battle.

Based across two sites at Plymouth and Fareham in Hampshire, The system will be used by around 1,000 new trainees a year and will allow existing personnel to maintain their warfare skills. Work is planned for training sailors who will join the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers later in the decade, and the Type 26 Global Combat Ship now being developed and planned to deploy on operations in the 2020s.

Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology said: “This new £108m training system represents a ground-breaking move for the Royal Navy that will enhance its training capability for the future. 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.”

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