UK team researches new command space layout for submarines
Dstl and the Department of Transportation Research at Southampton University have built a simulator to explore how the command space in future submarines could be reconfigured.
Dstl technical partner Chris Parnell said: ‘Having operators facing inwards creates conditions for much better shared situation awareness between the command team; and placing the officer of the watch in the centre of the command team leads to a more efficient tactical picture generation.’
Working under the Command Team-working Experimental Test-bed (ComTET) programme, Dstl provided the simulation engine in the form of commercial gaming software. University students, Dstl staff and industry participants used a bespoke training package to act as submariners.
A second simulator has been built at Dstl’s Portsdown West site which replicates and will build upon the Southampton facility and will enable more sensitive data to be generated.
Dstl is now undertaking human-in-the-loop assessments of industry-created human machine interface prototypes, which fuse sensor data in an approach to pave the way for future RN command teams to adopt new ways of working. This will include alternative roles, new procedures, adjustments to manning and changes to training regimes.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
