Submariners Astutely use manufacturing virtual reality

The cabins provide a virtual model of each submarine as well as graphical assembly instructions. What’s more, they’re not managed by BEA’s IT department, but by the operators using them. Keith Livingston, CAD/CAM support manager at BAE Systems, says: “A very important aspect of these new VR facilities is that they provide real-time access to the virtual model and related engineering data. The images are mainly rear projected, which not only protects the equipment from a harsh environment, but also allows our workforce to interact with the virtual models without interfering with the projected image. “Virtalis has also carried out work optimising the data production process for the models we create – this not only improves the performance of the VR Cabins, but shaves off valuable minutes of load time for the desktop 3D available to all the Astute engineers.” Three Astute submarines have been ordered by the Royal Navy, with the first due for launch in summer 2007. Not only is it more complex than any attack submarine previously built in the UK, but also there is no physical prototype and the project has seen the successful introduction of modular build. BAE Systems says it’s eased that process with its VR cabins, in particular by making them accessible on gantries surrounding boat-build, providing a direct replacement for physical models. Both Astute, whose hull is complete and is now being fitted out, and Ambush, which is at the vertical outfitting stage, have dedicated VR cabins, though each is capable of running the other’s models. “People just drop in and look at the compartment they are working on,” says pipe fitter Chris Foote. “Sometimes they stay 10 minutes; sometimes they stay an hour. If there is a particular problem they are wrestling with, they might pre-book a cabin. I drive the system for them, but, because I have manufacturing and boat-building experience, rather than an IT background, I can bring my practical experience to bear.” Dean Brown, who oversees quality control at BAE Systems, adds: “I’ve worked with physical models and they weren’t always available when there had been design changes. Also, the physical models were just Perspex and colour-coded plastic. The VR models give you a very real sense of the boat from the inside.” Once the submarines are built, the cabins will remain in use on-site to support Astute through its service for refits and training.