Los Angeles Class Subs Get Anti-Terrorism Security Simulator
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Navy submarine crews are using video games to practice anti-terrorism tactics designed to secure their boats while in port or while passing through narrow straits et. al. in littoral zones The 3Dsolve simulation is called the Force Protection Anti-Terrorism Simulation Trainer, and bears some resemblances to the hit video game “The Sims” in terms of its style and play. The Navy originally intended to design a first-person view game (i.e. HALO or Doom), but backed off once the cost of such an endeavour and difficulties in running the result on some of the Navy’s existing low-end laptops became clear. 3Dsolve’s animators were also reportedly “stunned” by the level of complexity of the SSN 688 Los Angeles-class subs.
So far, the game only models Los Angeles-class attack submarines and the environment of the New London, CT naval base. It could be expanded to include other ports and SSBN 726 Ohio-class submarines, however, just as future upgrades may add to the 22 scenarios programmed thus far. National Defense Magazine has further details.
