Kongsberg Launches New Simulation Software

Kongsberg Maritime launched of Polaris 4.4.0, the latest version of its Polaris bridge simulation architecture. The fully scaleable Polaris 4.4.0 software forms the basis of either PC based desktop simulation systems or multi-channel full mission simulators based on real-life bridge consoles and layouts.

"As one of the major players in maritime training, Kongsberg Maritime is constantly upgrading its simulation equipment and software in order to provide colleges and students with the most realistic experience that technology will allow," states Per Branstad, VP Simulation, Kongsberg Maritime. "Polaris 4.4.0 is an evolutionary product that takes the best of previous versions and integrates a wealth of new functionality designed to increase the operation and scope of the simulation."

With more than 130 full mission simulator installations throughout the world, Kongsberg Maritime has a massive customer base of colleges, maritime institutes and Navies to draw feedback from. In addition to extensive in-house R&D, this has resulted in long list of new features and upgrades that make Polaris 4.4.0 a superior simulation product.

New communication functionality of Polaris 4.4.0 on both desktop and full mission systems includes: Communication system (Voice on LAN) - Intercom, VHF, MF/HF, UHF, Inmarsat B and Inmarsat C : VHF - Military VHF channels 39, 90 are implemented in the VHF station: Loran-C - New Man Over Board (MOB), signal strength and circular error probability functions.

New or upgraded navigation functionality includes:

Bird's eye view - Lighthouse and fairway are implemented as symbols on bird's eye view on the instructor graphics

Navigation Conning - new parameters, barometer, dew point and humidity

Radar overlay on ECDIS - choose which radar slave you want to display radar overlay from

Radar-side lobe - target changes in size and bearing, when this function is activated

Several new or upgraded hardware and software simulation panels have been added including:

Stabiliser panel - for control of the roll stabiliser

Communication panel - Public Address (PA)

Hydraulic Winch Control panel - controls a tension winch for tug/escort operation

Engine Telegraph panel - extended the functionality including individual shaft brakes for port and starboard propeller

Distress panel - warning lamp on instructor station

Steering panel - A new master button for eligible independent steering is implemented

Change Over Control panel - changes control between different bridge console positions and DynPos operator station

VHF panel with squelch - the squelch function is implemented on the audio/voice transmission on VHF Desktop panel

View Control Panel – visual shift mode on/off.

Polaris 4.4.0 also includes new and improved 'E-Coach' functionality and can be delivered with Kongsberg Maritime's new AIS simulator integrated with the system. Designed to offer students as well as instructors an improved simulation experience, Polaris 4.4.0 is one of the most advanced simulator architectures available today, and looks set to strengthen Kongsberg Maritime's position as a key innovator in the world of maritime simulation.