Image credit - MARIN
In July, the result of a world-leading joint venture between the Marine Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) and the Dutch Ministry of Defense – a new Fast Small Ship Simulator (FSSS) – was delivered to the MARIN in the Netherlands. To see a video of the first test drive, follow this link.
Together with key suppliers Cruden and Tree C Technology, a consortium has aimed to improve crew training, and associated costs, for the operation of high-speed boats for use by the Royal Dutch Naval Defence School and the Royal Dutch Navy’s Surface Assault Training Group.
The FSSS will now undergo initial commissioning, software integration, scenario testing, the addition of content (boats, seas, ports etc.) and evaluation, prior to being put into operational use later this year. Fast small ships play a vital role in all modern defense strategies, allowing a swift and flexible response to everything from illegal immigration and drug smuggling to fisheries protection and piracy. However, crew training is currently expensive, time-consuming, weather dependent and tough on instructors, who face up to 1,000 hours per year at sea and slamming accelerations of up to 9g.
The FSSS project is unique in its high degree of technological innovation as it is the first in the world to integrate advanced maneuver- and seagoing simulation technology, the latest motion cueing algorithms and state-of-the-art visualization of both the marine environment and ‘at sea’ conditions.
The simulator will reduce wear and tear on front-line operational vessels and a sharp reduction in fuel costs, while also opening up the possibility of coordinated training with other marine simulators such as the Ship Handling Simulator system.
Cruden is a technology partner, working with MARIN, and has supplied all the simulator hardware, as well as the motion and control loading software. We are delighted to have been part of this consortium and to transferring simulation technology and know-how from the automotive and motorsport industries to the marine sector. A hydrodynamics-focused simulator, using detailed modeling and motion cueing techniques as well as professional image generation, is the next frontier for realistic and accurate training in fast boat handling, safety and navigation.
If you would like to learn more about how our small fast boat simulator for marine training, then please contact Maarten van Donselaar via m.vandonselaar@cruden.com or +31 207 074647.
