Terrier to train army engineers

BAE Systems has launched a high-technology training system to deliver enhanced armoured vehicle crew training in support of British Army engineering operations.

The Terrier vehicle training system will be the first simulator to provide training using synthetic digging with motion feedback. According to BAE Systems, the operational benefits for the UK’s Royal Engineers, which operates Terrier, include the ability to train for driving, digging and maintenance in different environments, previously only available through overseas deployment.

The system is due to enter service next year, and provides increased flexibility through the simulation of operations on sand, gravel, mud and at any time of the day or night, at the click of a mouse.

The Terrier training system will be developed by BAE Systems at its facilities in Edinburgh and will eventually be located for operational training at the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) Centre in Bovington, Dorset.

BAE Systems was awarded a contract at the beginning of 2006 to provide two Terrier training systems valued at approximately £10m. This will comprise four mission crew trainers with motion platform with an embedded remote control trainer and a classroom set of PC-based maintainer trainers.

The Terrier programme for a minimum of 60 vehicles, valued at £300m, will provide the British Army’s Royal Engineers with an agile, capable and air-transportable general support engineer vehicle with a wide variety of early entry, combat support, post conflict and disaster relief roles.