Naval Submarine School Attack Center Trainer Comes Online

With a snip of the scissors Oct. 25, Naval Submarine School (SubScol) welcomed the latest addition to its attack center trainer inventory, the Submarine Multi-Mission Team Trainer Phase (SMMTT) 3. SMMTT3 is a shore-based trainer for submarine combat control and sonar systems, and the latest version of attack centers to allow submarine crews to rehearse and execute tactical, at-sea missions, in a training environment. “SMMTT3 is a significant step forward in shore-based training," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Haldeman, operations officer for SubScol’s Advanced Tactical Employment Training Department. "This new trainer has the latest builds of fire control and sonar software, which, when combined with the latest in simulation technology, provides a real-world simulation for today’s submarine crew."

Phase 3 of the Submarine Multi-Mission Team Trainer is the result of previous system evolution and technology improvements with a wide range of organizations partnering to make it a reality. SMMTT3 reflects the efforts of OPNAV, Naval Sea Systems Command, and three different Navy labs, Naval Special Warfare Center Carderock, Naval Undersea Warfare Center and Naval Air Training Systems to set a new benchmark for collaboration. Haldeman has nothing but praise for the trainer and its capabilities. “The newest generation of software, Advanced Processing Build (APB) 04, is provided in the initial install and allows fleet units to train and employ multiple towed arrays, sphere array, hull array, passive high frequency and Medium & High Frequency Active," he said.

“Since the trainer includes a full sonar suite, crews will be able to train on Tactical Use of the Ocean Environment using the Sonar Tactical Decision Aid, STDA." The addition of High Frequency Active now gives the schoolhouse the capability of conducting Minefield Penetration/Avoidance. Also, one of the most significant improvements will be in the Periscope Simulation (PSIM). PSIM models the curvature of the earth and many environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog; and it uses Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED), to accurately render terrain virtually anywhere in the world. “The development and deployment of SMMTT3 is a significant improvement in the training provided to pipeline and waterfront units," Haldeman said. "The robustness and flexibility of the trainer will ensure that all individuals passing through the school house will have dynamic and challenging real world scenarios to prepare them for operations throughout the world.” Source: NavNews From Submarine Learning Center Public Affairs