USE OF SIMULATION FOR COMPLEX SHIP MANOEUVRES AS APPLIED TO UNDOCKING OF QUEEN ELIZABETH CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

摘要

Floating the latest aircraft carrier for the Royal Navy out of the build dock presented a few unique challenges and as a high profile event it attracted a considerable worldwide interest. This was a complex operation requiring a large and diverse team to work together in a carefully choreographed sequence to achieve success. In developing the plan for this manoeuvre the numerous technical issues had to be resolved and justification provided to the Aircraft Carrier Alliance and the end customer that the evolution could be safely completed. Virtual reality simulations were key to the planning allowing the high risk elements to be identified, evaluated and appropriate mitigation measures to be tested as the overall operational procedure was refined. They were also valuable in building the strong teamwork necessary for a successful completion of the evolution by providing training prior to undertaking the actual event Finally a visual output was used for further training purposes, to demonstrate the final solution to stakeholder and other interested parties.