Background
The New Zealand Defence Force is facing high levels of staff attrition at a time when global sensitivities around defence and spending are increasing. As technology, equipment, and machinery advances, the cost to service and replace it is increasing exponentially and the number of full time uniformed and trained NZDF personnel available to do the work has decreased by 30% in the 20 months leading to February 2023.
To advance their technical capability, address staff and qualified instructor shortages, and scale their training operations across multiple jurisdictions, The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) hired Company-X to develop a virtual reality simulation to train Flight Deck Officers to launch and recover helicopters on a frigate’s flight deck safely and efficiently.
Challenge
Traditional training approaches often fall short in providing the flexibility and real-time feedback required to prepare officers for the complexities of modern operations. RNZN was seeking to recreate the experience using HTC Focus 3 virtual reality headsets and artificial intelligence (AI) in a simulated environment. The simulation would need to be both self–directed and guided and be targeted at flight deck officers already versed in theory on how to manage landing a helicopter.
Opportunity
Following the success of prior Navy projects, the Royal New Zealand Navy hired Company-X to develop the simulation. Key requirements for the simulation included a self-paced and guided training system that could…
- Emulate the functionality of the ANZAC Lighting systems.
- Emulate the functionality of the ANZAC Operations Request Panel (ORP).
- Prepare for flying, undertake flying operations, and react to aviation emergencies.
- Complete the flying authorization brief.
Solution
The simulation featured real-world training scenarios in red deck emergency situations and was delivered to RNZN in July 2024. The cutting edge virtual simulation program delivered unmatched efficiency and realism for Flight Deck Officers. Though still in its early stages, it is currently being used to train officers for the RNZN’s Anzac-class frigates HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana.
