Five-Year Contract Will See Introduction of POINTER T
QinetiQ has signed a new five-year contract with the Royal Navy (RN) that will see the introduction of a dedicated training variant of QinetiQ’s POINTER system to optimise the effectiveness of Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) training on a wide range of weapon systems.
Developed in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the POINTER data analytics and measurement system provides an effective link between the command and control function and weapons operators to counter threats from Fast In-shore Attack Craft (FIAC). The adoption of POINTER T in Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) exercises for the RN will improve situational awareness and performance evaluation on a range of platforms, while also providing immediate and objective training assurance.
Featuring a weapon-mounted laser rangefinder, POINTER T uses encoders to establish the precise position and attitude of weapon systems, as well as the location of GPS-tracked threats. determining the nature and impact of ‘hits’. This data is recorded and displayed in real time on a portable situational awareness tool, providing trainers with accurate, measurable performance data to maximise the effectiveness of training exercises.
“The introduction of POINTER T will provide invaluable feedback and data analytics for FOST trainers, while also helping to engage and motivate gunnery teams,” observed QinetiQ’s Maritime Programmes Director, Stuart Hider. “Countering the current and emerging threats of piracy, terrorist attack and threats from more capable nations is vital for all platforms, and this advanced training solution will not only improve situational awareness, but also help to determine the most effective tactics to employ for any given threat.”
“POINTER T will provide us with a highly responsive and cost-effective system to optimise our training capabilities and performance in FP training against small boats and SWARM (coordinated multi FIAC) serials,” commented RN Surface Warfare Trainer, Lt Cdr Richard Dobson.
