OTTAWA, Sept. 9, 2004 -- Canada's submariners will soon benefit from a new Victoria Class software module for the Naval Combat Operator trainers. The software update will provide basic and advanced Victoria Class submarine operator training for both officers and non-commissioned members in shore-based facilities located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Esquimalt, British Columbia. The contract, valued at $17.3 million, was awarded to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. of Richmond, British Columbia. "The Victoria Class submarines provide Canada with an important tactical and strategic asset that will provide a surveillance, intelligence, and combat capability in support of domestic and international security," declared the Honourable Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence. "This software upgrade to the Naval Combat Operator trainers will enable our submariners to develop the skills and teamwork necessary to perform their difficult jobs." "Simulation-based training allows members of the Canadian Forces to train, in a risk free environment, with intense realism in the most exhaustive and challenging scenarios to ensure procedural confidence prior to going to sea," stated General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff. "This project will ensure that the men and women of our submarine service are given the training and skill sets to do their jobs." MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates will be required to design and install a Victoria Class-specific software module into the existing Naval Combat Operator trainers located in both Halifax and Esquimalt. The trainers will provide basic and advanced submarine operator training on primary submarine systems such as the sonars and fire control systems in a safe, realistic and time-stressed environment. The software upgrade will provide an initial training capability in Fall 2005, and is expected to be fully operational in Summer 2006. - 30 - For further information: Tel.: (613) 996-2353/54 After hours: (613) 792-2973 http://www.forces.gc.ca
