Simulator that delivers combined arms training to UK military reaches FOC

Elbit Systems ICAVS(D) training simulator is one of the pathfinder projects in the British Army's Collective Training Transformation Programme. (Elbit Systems UK)

Elbit Systems UK Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (Deployable) (ICAVS(D)) solution has successfully achieved full operating capability (FOC), the company announced on 21 September.

In September, the British Army's Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers operated ICAVS(D) at Tidworth on Salisbury Plain, marking the capability's 25th training event and FOC milestone, the company added.

ICAVS(D) is one of the pathfinder projects for the British Army's Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP), which seeks to modernise and replace the army's out-of-date training with live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) systems.

The capability entered into service with the British Army in April, where it succeeded QinetiQ's Unit Based Virtual Trainer (UBVT).

Utilising high-specification hardware and Defence Virtual Simulation software, ICAVS(D) delivers virtual tactical training in the British Army's Battle Craft Syllabus. It enables collective training and experimentation at a place and time of the units' choosing and enables the rehearsal of complex operational environments in all weathers and environments, the company said.

According to a previous UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announcement, “ICAVS(D) will be used to provide teams and junior commanders with a simple, effective computer-based training environment that enables them to carry out tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and command-and-control (C2); patrolling; counter-IED [improvised explosive device]; intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance management and exploitation; as well as mission-planning training in a realistic virtual environment.”

As part of the contract, Elbit Systems will deliver a managed service during a four-year period with two optional years. Virtual training exercises will be provided at unit or other locations and will include an after action review (AAR) capability.