At the Simulation and Synthetic Environment Facility (SSEF) in Rochester, UK, you can get pretty close. The flight simulators allows participants to take command of an aircraft and test our products safely, without being in the air. High-definition screens, motion displays, functioning controls and live weather conditions work together to create an immersive environment. Whether the SSEF is hosting a professional pilot, BAE Systems employee, or STEM student, the experience leaves a lasting impression, while having a positive impact on the entire business and beyond.
The breadth and diversity of the SSEF synthetic environments, which include a fast jet, attack and utility helicopter, airliner, business jet and surface ship, enable them to support every function across the Rochester business, including business development, engineering, operations, recruitment, research and development, and service support.
In 2023, the SSEF team hosted 345 visits, demonstrating a range of products to more than 1,000 people including suppliers, partners, customers, pilots, employees, local government officials, and company leaders. Of those visits, nearly 15% were dedicated to leveraging the excitement of the simulation experiences to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers. As part of our community work, the team built and demonstrated a mobile flight simulator at the Medway Gaming Festival, giving young aviators the opportunity to get behind the helm of an aircraft and take off (virtually) from an aircraft carrier before landing at Biggin Hill airport in London.
Mission possible: Showcasing the latest fighter pilot helmet
Since January, the team has hosted multiple visits to showcase the new Striker® II helmet, including the Typhoon nations aircrew for Striker II. In March, the simulated environments allowed an external film crew to delve into the heart of our ground-breaking development program, the visionary team behind the technology, and its importance in shaping the future of aerial combat.
Engaging and inspiring our customers worldwide
This year the SSEF has also supported the business development team by showcasing Striker II at trade shows like the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia and Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference in Qatar. Customers were able to experience the helmet firsthand, learning about its multiple benefits for pilots.
Bringing production to life to support the performance and safety of pilots
The facility’s impact on our employees – especially those in Operations who manufacture our products – helps to reinforce these individuals’ understanding of how their everyday work and dedication and ensures our products are manufactured to the highest possible standards, supporting the performance and safety of pilots.
“Following our visit to the SSEF facility, the team has given me feedback to express how amazing it was to see the products we manufacture in a real environment, and how critical they are to support the pilots”, said Mark Barker, operations manager. “Not only has it brought about a real sense of achievement and pride, but it has helped to reinforce our Quality First mindset.”
Continued capacity and capability
The SSEF team continues to support the business and its activities across the globe, while upgrading the facilities to further increase its demonstration capabilities. In the pipeline, a new simulator for the demonstration of BAE Systems’ Active Parallel Actuation Sub-System (APAS) is currently being created, incorporating the cyclic, collective and rudder controls from a Chinook helicopter. Our simulation and synthetic environments offer huge benefits to our business and beyond. The immersive, safe experiences instill confidence in our products from those who rely on them for protection under extreme conditions, while inspiring young minds and future careers.
By Gemma Fabian, Communications