RSS Daring – Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) Simulation Centre was jointly developed by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). It includes navigation, engineering and warfare simulation in a full mock-up of the LMV Integrated Command Centre , and also incorporates virtual reality to offer the ships' crew a simulated environment of operating in the LMV. Operated under the 182 Squadron, the simulation centre can simulate a myriad of scenarios to support training for (i) berthing; (ii) navigation and watch-keeping; and (iii) weapons-firing for individual and team. It also supports training for operations. Emulating the LMV, the simulation centre integrates and synergises the management of navigation, engineering and combat functions of the ship to achieve greater operational effectiveness and efficiency, especially during maritime security operations. The LMV Simulation Centre contains two identical simulation halls which are full mock-ups of the LMV Integrated Command Centre.

Simulators are an integral part of the training for ships' crew in line with the RSN's philosophy to “train the way we fight”. The simulation centre allows for training to be conducted in varied conditions and environments, enabling the crew to be prepared and competent to deal with similar conditions faced at sea. By providing a safe environment for the RSN personnel to hone their skills, the LMV Simulation Centre brings their full potential to bear in actual operations. Total training time required for each ship is shortened by as much as 60%, compared to training in the past using separate facilities such as the Full Mission Ship Simulator, Naval Tactical Trainer, Platform and Marine Systems Emulator, and training at sea.

Naming the Simulation Centre. The simulation centre will take on the name RSS Daring to pay tribute to those who stood guard over Singapore's waters to protect the country's sovereignty and remind RSN personnel of the vital need to defend Singapore. The name RSS Daring has been handed down through the generations, from the Patrol Craft , then subsequently a Patrol Vessel, which was decommissioned on 19 Jul 2018. This carries on the rich heritage of the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of the sailors who have protected Singapore against maritime security threats. 

Features of the LMV Simulator

Realistic Training with High Fidelity 360º Projection and Virtual Reality. The simulator is constructed to be an exact replica of the Integrated Command Centre in the LMV. The high fidelity 360º projection is projected from 15 high-definition projectors onto a continuous screen (4.1m height by 25m diameter) surrounding the simulator, which provides “out-the-window” view of the simulated environment experienced by LMVs' crew. The projection accurately depicts island groups, landmarks, vessels, aircraft, human behaviour as well as a wide range of weather and sea conditions. The projection technology used is the first in training simulation centres in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the virtual reality goggles will immerse operators into the training environment, complete with high-definition images and increased depth perspective for challenging scenarios such as bringing the ship alongside a berth. 

Efficient Training from Full Range of Training Scenarios. The LMV Simulation Centre provides the crew with the ability to conduct targeted training for a full range of operational scenarios, at the operator, cluster and team levels. At the team level, the bridge, engineering and combats teams are trained simultaneously as one integrated team. Its two simulators can be configured to run separate missions concurrently, or in a combined scenario for two ship crews to train together in a joint mission. Such targeted and efficient training optimises resources, reduces training time and facilitates specific training requirements without the need to deploy the full LMV crew out to sea. For example, training to bring a ship alongside can now be completed with just four ship crew in less than one hour, instead of requiring a full ship crew of 23 more than four hours.

Effective Training Provided by Simulation of Real-life Environmental Conditions. The simulator replicates demanding environmental situations such as harsh weather conditions with low visibility, high sea states and high traffic density in congested waters, to provide the crew with a training experience that mimics the real training out at sea. However, such training is conducted in a risk-free and controlled setting in the simulator, which enables the trainees to focus entirely on honing their skills to carry out respective functions to achieve higher competency and better mission outcomes, hence enabling effective training. The simulator is also supported by an artificial intelligence system, so only a single instructor is required to operate the simulator to provide the training. 

Infrastructure of the LMV Simulation Centre

Innovative design concepts were incorporated in the design and development of the simulation centre to create a conducive training environment. Deviating from the conventional building approach of using entirely concrete, the simulation centre was built using a tension fabric structure to house the two full mock-ups of the LMV Integrated Command Centre and the accompanying projection systems, as well as classrooms and offices.