The 'virtual Afghanistan' training environment, located at the Thales UK site in Crawley, Sussex, is used by UK troops to fine tune their military tactics before deploying on operations in Afghanistan. Mr Ainsworth viewed some of the special equipment developed by Thales that has recently been sent to theatre to deliver battle-winning capability for the UK armed forces.
The training facility helps ensure that soldiers arrive in Afghanistan with a clearer picture of what they need to do, and how best to use the latest equipment in their inventory. Mr Ainsworth was briefed on one of Thales's most successful recent programmes - the Hermes 450 tactical Unmanned Air Vehicles, which are being used to provide urgently needed enhanced intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capability. These unmanned vehicles have already flown more than 10,000 hours in support of current operations.
The Minister was able to experience some of Thales's other simulation expertise and technology, trying his hand at flying and landing a civil airliner using a state-of-the-art Kingfisher A320 aircraft simulator. During a previous visit to a Thales facility in Lossiemouth in Scotland, Mr Ainsworth successfully 'piloted' a Royal Air Force Tornado simulator based there for pilot conversion training.
Mr Ainsworth said:
"I am committed to ensuring that our Armed Forces receive the best possible equipment for use on operations – and the best possible preparation and training before they deploy.
"Thales in Crawley is a key source of life-saving British technology and equipment. By simulating an operational environment Thales's technology helps our troops try out new tactics and approaches in a risk-free environment that is just not possible once in theatre."
Mr Ainsworth also received a tour and briefing on the developments of Thales UK's Crawley site, which is currently undergoing extensive investment and redevelopment. The Ministry of Defence is the main customer for Thales UK activities in Crawley, with local sites delivering equipment and services to the department since 1964.