merlin trainers - yet another happening in '98

17 October 1998

The Merlin Training Group continues to MAKE IT HAPPEN IN’98 with the delivery of the fourth component of the Merlin Training System to the Merlin University at RNAS Culdrose.

The latest delivery comprised of the Computer Based Training (CBT) hardware and some of the lessons that are going to run on this equipment. Westland System Assessment Ltd shipped 2 Instructor Workstations and 18 Student Workstations from their facility at Yeovil at the beginning of August.

Within hours of arrival at the Merlin University, RNAS Culdrose, the equipment was successfully installed in the 2 purpose built classrooms. The installation was very successful due to the meticulous pre-installation planning at both Yeovil and RNAS Culdrose. The CBT utilises the recently introduced WINDOWS 98©. The smooth installation enabled us to complete a successful Dry Run System Acceptance Test (SAT) with the MOD and which is going to obviate completing a formal Dry Run.

The Courseware which runs on this CBT hardware comes on CD ROM media and the first 6 topics have now been delivered. All this activity forms the integral steps needed to enable us to commence a Dry Run for a Curriculum walkthrough with our customer.

Meanwhile, there is still plenty happening on the other trainers which are installed in the Merlin University. The photograph shows the Weapons System Trainer having it’s flotation bags demonstrated to the Customer as part of it’s System Acceptance Test. The Merlin Training System delivered so far comprises of;

* A 5000sq metre "University"

* A Weapon System Trainer

* A Mechanical System Trainer

* A RRTM 322 Engine

* A Common Control Unit / Tactical Situation Display Part Task Trainer

* The hardware for the Computer Based Training and 6 of the Training Topics

Other significant activities at the Merlin University are the commencement of the Dry Run for the Maintainer Curriculum Walkthrough (which is now well under way) and the delivery and construction of the Dome for the Cockpit Dynamic Simulator (CDS). The latter activity requires a purpose built wall in the University to be taken down to enable the segments of the dome to be placed in situ and the first stage of construction completed. The wall will be re-built to re-establish the integrity of the building pending the delivery of the CSD at a later date, when the wall will need dismantling again.

CAE Electronics in Montreal Canada are developing 5 devices for aircrew training: a Cockpit Dynamic Simulator, a Cockpit Procedure Trainer, and 3 Rear Crew Trainers. The team we have in Montreal is responsible for addressing all aspects of the procurement, systems and software engineering, delivery, installation and testing of the Merlin Training System devices and the significant upgrade activity required to maintain a System / Training baseline that matches the delivered Merlin Aircraft. The devices that CAE are working on are the CDS, the Cockpit Procedural Trainer and the Rear Crew Trainers. The completion of development, integration and testing will be short term activities with upgrade activity beginning at the end of 1998. Progression through requirements analysis, specification and statement of work generation, contracting and design / development will continue through the year 2000.

We are now getting a steady stream of VIP visitors, and some of the more recent ones include Rear Admiral Burch DGA (N), Colonel O’Donohue Commandant DHFS RAF Shawbury and Air Commodore Barry Thornton D/Maritime. The Air Commodore, who we recently hosted at a visit to CAE Electronics in Montreal commented that he could clearly see that this Training System was going to be a World Class leader.