Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), part of BAE Systems, has won a contract to provide its Virtual Battlespace (VBS) software for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter-class frigate program.
The software will serve as the core platform at the Royal Australian Navy’s Land-Based Test Site, allowing evaluation of system integration and performance ahead of the first Hunter-class frigate’s delivery in 2030.
VBS allows simulation of ship movements, sensor data, targeting, and command decisions, creating a realistic test environment.
Once validated, the platform can also be used for focused training on remote weapon stations, drones, and small boat operations, reducing the risks and costs of live exercises.
“Every modern ship class requires a way to validate system integration and performance before deployment,” said Ryan Stephenson, managing director of the Australian branch of BISim.
“The synthetic test environment powered by VBS provides that capability safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.”
Virtual Battlespace
BISim’s VBS software provides a single, real-time simulation where different combat and navigation systems, usually developed separately, can operate together as they would on an actual ship.
The latest version, called VBS4, enables users to create and edit mission terrains through an intuitive interface and design complex scenarios using a 3D editor.
It includes realistic radio communications for training and allows administrators to modify any part of a scenario.
Moreover, it allows commanders to issue orders to AI units and control avatars from a first-person perspective.
Scenarios can be replayed in 2D or 3D from any viewpoint, with performance data automatically recorded and exportable for use in external training management tools.
