Johannesburg – Denel Land Systems has awarded local vehicle and aircraft simulator manufacturer ThoroughTec an R88.5m contract to design, develop, supply and support a series of simulators for the SA Army for the next seven years.

These simulators will be used to train drivers and crews who will operate the new “Badger” infantry combat vehicle which is being built under the “Hoefyster” Programme.

ThoroughTec will deliver 60 Badger simulators and eight instructions for the South African Army, of which Denel Land Systems is the prime contractor.

“Our latest CYBERWAR™ simulators will ensure that the SA Army is able to train its Badger crews to operate the vehicle safely and effectively under all conceivable scenarios likely to be encountered in African peace-support and security missions.

This new simulator system will augment our CYBERWAR™ – train as you fight, flight as you’ve trained – philosophy.”

The Badger Training Simulator System consists of driver and turret training simulators in addition to instructor stations.

Five variants of turret training simulators will be delivered to match the five different turret versions ordered by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for the Badger vehicles.

ThoroughTec already supplies and supports the SA Army’s simulators and virtual battlefield training systems for the Rooikat Armoured Fighting Vehicle, ZT3-A2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle and Olifant Tank Mk2 Main Battle Tank.  These are all located at the SA Army’s vehicle training centre in Bloemfontein.