MITAGS Chooses STN Atlas For Major Upgrade

The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS), of Linthicum Heights, Md., has awarded STN Atlas a contract to upgrade one of MITAGS' full mission simulation systems. The new system will be installed by STN Atlas at MITAGS in October 2001, and will employ the latest generation of photo-textured on-screen graphics, advanced ship maneuvering capabilities and a complete Raytheon integrated bridge system utilizing Kamewa joystick control systems for steering and ship maneuverability. Through the use of STN Atlas designed removable bridge equipment sections, the MITAGS Raytheon Integrated Bridge System (IBS) is configurable and adaptable to many different types of shiphandling and bridge resource training.

In a newly developed training partnering arrangement in support of this upgrade, MITAGS is working together with the U.S. oil transport firm, Polar Tankers, Inc. to provide a near replica of Polar's recently developed Millennium Class, OPA-90 double hull tankers. MITAGS and Polar are working together to provide training support for the crews and pilots of these new vessels. Up to 10 Millennium Class tankers may be built for trade between Valdez, Alaska and U.S. West Coast ports.

In a departure from traditional ships' bridges and bridge control systems, the new MITAGS bridge will employ integrated joystick steering from Kamewa and backup tiller steering provided by Raytheon-Anchutz. Other notable features of the new MITAGS bridge include the following.

A central command center displaying five 24-in. flat panel Samsung monitors for ARPA, Electronic Chart Information Display Information System (ECDIS) and conning displays.

A newly developed Raytheon Automated Navigation Trackkeeping System (ANTS) employing a logic/ship-motion forecast system driven through an adaptive autopilot-ECDIS interface.

An integrated Det Norske Veritas Watch-1, Raytheon, Nauto-alarm, watch alarm system.

A fully simulated engine-steering relationship for use in conventional, azipod, variable pitch, ducted nozzle, jet, tractor, and dynamic positioning control systems.

An STN Atlas NACOS, ECDIS-Conning system for advanced control conning displays.

Dual operator seating with special attention to ergonomic design for realistic, high-speed craft simulation.

The simulated bridge will be hosted in MITAGS' unique simulation theater, which is reportedly one of the world's largest. The MITAGS simulation space provides room for two 40 x 80-ft. curved projection screens for the display of large-scale simulation graphics. The complete training system will be constructed to DNV Class A simulator standards and configured for one-man bridge operations as defined under the DNV Watch-1 certification rules. Employing 360 degrees of photo-realistic images coupled to high fidelity ship modeling dynamics, and with the latest integrated bridge equipment, the new MITAGS system will be ready to conduct the highest quality port development, shiphandling and bridge resource management training.