Vanguard Magazine

lation solutions offers armed forces the ability to train as individuals or groups using advanced, interactive vehicle simulations, enabling the most realistic operational scenarios across various terrains and multiple vehicle types. More than 300 ve- hicle driving simulators spanning across 18 different platforms are operational in 12 countries, in both fixed and mobile settings. Part of Thales' training and sim- ulation capabilities includes the Tactical Indoor Simulation System (TACTIS), which has been in op- eration and delivering successful training results for the Royal Neth- erlands Army since 2011. The system offers individual and collective training for up to 150 trainees, utilizing 74 networked simulators and multilevel technical instruction and tactical training for mechanized infantries and tank battalions. At the individual training level, a single crew station is used to develop the skills of commanders, gunners/loaders and drivers. The crew stations are linked over secure, local area networks to train up to the combat team level. This training, aimed at preparing live exercises and real mis- sions, takes place in a dynamic virtual environment, includ- ing large urban areas populated with numerous battlespace effects (craters, trenches, mine fields, destroyed buildings), and objects like vehicles, helicopters, civilians, etc., allowing users the most realistic landscape setting possible. Thales' simulation technology comes with unique advan- tages that deliver programmable training scenarios in ways not possible just a few years ago. Today, armed forces have the ability to replicate environmental and weather condi- tions, challenging equipment issues and infinite rehearsal options at no risk to safety or infrastructure loss. Combin- ing these advantages with powerful, automated data analytics offers users a comprehensive evaluation of the success of the simulated mission quickly and easily. Combining TACTIS, Thales' indoor, networked and mod- ular simulation system, with its user-friendly training and simulation software interface, provides armed forces with the specialized training they require to support multiple the- atres around the world. It is a powerful tactical and technical simulation platform tailored for combined forces instruction and training, based on maximum interoperability between all simulator types and flexibility across a range of different ve- hicles and multilevel training configurations. The fully interoperable TACTIS com- ponents allow for up to 450 centralized units, securely networked in real-time, to develop, prepare, execute and assess a wide variety of high-intensity techni- cal lessons and tactical scenarios in a safe virtual environment. Critical simulation features can include combat engineer- ing support, forward observing, mech- anized infantry drills, ground vehicle advancements, as well as allowing infan- try group commanders to guide their group, conduct dismounted reconnais- sance, order basic drills, issue fire con- trol orders, and conduct opening fire procedures. Thales' simulator technology enables military personnel to familiarize them- selves with their surroundings and learn how their new and updated instruments and combat systems will function in the field, while being able to provide crucial information to their peers and superiors via a tactical and state-of-the-art communications system. TACTIS is a sophisticated simulation training platform, meet- ing the most demanding requirements of combined forces in in- creasingly complex operations. Thales continues to evolve the TACTIS solution. The open architecture facilitates system evolution aligned with emerging training requirements and technology insertion points. Based on the specific training needs of the Canadian Army, Thales will de- ploy big data and artificial intelligence solutions to advance train- ing effectiveness. These tailored enhancements will be developed in Canada, by Canadians, leveraging Thales' existing national footprint and its more than $1 billion global investment in key digital technologies including at cortAIx, one of Thales' AI Cen- tres of Excellence and its North American Digital Factory, based in Montreal. Thales CanaDa A Canadian leader in research and technology, and a proud en- abler of Canada's innovation policy, Thales Canada combines over 50 years of experience with the talent of more than 2,000 skilled people located coast-to-coast. With revenues of over $850 mil- lion, Thales Canada offers leading capabilities in the urban rail, civil aviation, defence, digital identity and security sectors, meet- ing the most complex needs and requirements of its customers across all operating environments. Thales partners with more than 500 Canadian companies and leading academic and research institutions with a proven track record of successful Canadian technology development. PersPeCTive - THALES CANADA sponsored Content www.vanguardcanada.com APRIL/MAY 2019 33 combining TACTIS, Thales' indoor, neTworked and modular simulaTion sysTem, wiTh iTs user-friendly Training and simulaTion sofTware inTerface, provides armed forces wiTh The specialized Training They require To supporT mulTiple TheaTres around The world.

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