QinetiQ, Inzpire and Close Air Solutions to bid for TSSP

The combination of high-tech innovation, subject matter expertise and proven training delivery experience provided by the combined team aims to support the Ministry of Defence vision for future training.

The project, which seeks to reach Full Operating Capability by 2020, will train soldiers in how to control and coordinate naval, air and land weapon systems, to win the land commander’s immediate battle. Soldiers will train both individually and in teams, enhancing their skills in identifying targets, protecting friendly forces and civilians and communicating information.

The classroom and simulator based system will combine a number of battlefield scenarios created by civilian and military instructors to immerse soldiers as they train for future conflict. Multiple sites will be networked across the UK and with international partners.

QinetiQ will lead the bid team, offering its expertise as the systems integrator for the training system, while Inzpire will seek to provide the Training Management Team. Close Air Solutions will offer innovative, accredited Joint Fires simulators and associated support to deliver rich, immersive training outcomes.

Paul Hearn, Business Development Director, QinetiQ, said: “We have over nine years’ experience in delivering collective synthetic training, including our hugely successful work with Inzpire on the Distributed Synthetic Air Land Training (DSALT) capability at RAF Waddington. The virtual battlespaces we create have already helped hundreds of military personnel deploy on operations, equipped not just with knowledge, but with experience. As training requirements evolve, we are pleased to be working with Close Air Solutions to leverage their additional experience and innovation in Joint Fires. Our commitment to this partnership is part of QinetiQ’s strategy to collaborate with other innovators, assembling the best possible teams to understand and solve customers’ specific challenges.”

Mike Squires, Business Development Director for Close Air Solutions, said: “Close Air Solutions are looking forward to working alongside QinetiQ and Inzpire to develop a world leading capability for the UK MoD Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer project. We have formed a very strong and trusted team capable of delivering an outstanding end-to-end capability for current and future soldiers within the UK Fires community.”

Al Whittle, Chief Operating Officer for Inzpire, said: “Inzpire are delighted to join with QinetiQ and Close Air Solutions to form this experienced team. Inzpire and QinetiQ have successfully delivered team and collective training level three for nine years at the Air Battlespace Training Centre whilst Close Air Solutions have been equally successful in delivering at levels one and two. Each company will continue to deliver in their area of specific expertise and we believe this experienced team will be unrivalled in their collective ability to deliver fantastic training via a well proven, low-risk, solution.”