BAE Systems to Demo Digital Periscope for Australia's Collins Class submarines

BAE Systems will demonstrate its 3D immersive technology including a digital periscope for Australia Collins Class submarines at the SimTecT event, being held in Sydney this week.

The 3D immersive technology combines the ‘DNA’ from CAD and gaming software, BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips said, adding, “this technology provides for a ‘single point of truth’ for designers and engineers – as well as our customer – regardless of where they are located.

“It is a real game changer to move from traditional paper plans and documents required for major manufacturing projects to a fully digital design and manufacturing environment.”

The technology can also be used to identify and solve installation, maintenance, safety and production issues before construction even starts and is a low cost, desk top training tool.

Because the immersion is built to scale, it ‘feels real’. This approach has enabled de-risking of the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship construction which began in July. The technology has been used to identify and mitigate potential safety and construction hazards during the digital phase, avoiding costly delays and ensuring a safer workplace.

Similar 3D technology is also being used by the company’s maritime sustainment team at Williamstown in Victoria to support the mast design stage of the wider upgrades to the ANZAC fleet as part of the ANZAC Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) to be undertaken at Henderson in Western Australia.

As part of AMCAP, the ANZAC Class ships will receive a radar upgrade and all new aft mast. The technology being used at Williamstown relies on VR immersive technology to walk around and ‘touch’ and ‘feel’ the new five deck mast structure.