Defence has invested approximately $60 million in a world-class main battle tank simulation capability, designed and built by Australian defence industry.
Creating more than 60 jobs across the nation, the 16 new Australian simulators are training soldiers on their transition to the new M1A2 Abrams main battle tank.
Based in Newington, New South Wales, Thomas Global Systems Australia developed the M1A2 Immersive Tactical Trainers locally, which replicate the inside of a main battle tank, and are comparable to flight simulators in both sophistication and functionality.
The simulators offer flexible training modes - either under the control of an on-board instructor, or through networked scenarios for collective training. The simulators enable procedural gunnery and tactical training, scalable from individual crew training to tank squadron level.
Of the 16 simulators purchased by Defence through project LAND 907, there are permanent classroom and containerised variants that are transportable by land, air or sea for use almost anywhere. They will be co-located with the M1A2 main battle tank users and their training schools.
Courses on the new simulators have begun in training schools, with strong feedback from soldiers on the strength of the platform.
Head Land Systems, Major General Jason Blain, acknowledged the value of acquiring the simulators.
"The simulators proudly showcase Australian capability and innovation," Major General Blain said.
"They can train an entire tank crew simultaneously, which optimises field training for soldiers, and can deliver major savings on fuel, ammunition and maintenance costs.
"Thomas Global Systems Australia has given us the capability to simulate training in a 70-tonne main battle tank, almost anywhere in the world."
Thomas Global Systems Australia is a valued defence industry partner with a proven track record in the delivery of other simulation systems to the Australia Defence Force over the past decade.
