Driving Full-Mission Solutions: Cruden

Maarten van Donselaar, Cruden’s CEO and Co-Founder, responds to five questions posed by Marty Kauchak, Halldale Media Group Editor.

MS&T: Thanks for taking time to meet with us. Where will MS&T readers find Cruden's products supporting military training?
Maarten van Donselaar (MvD): We are working on projects in simulator training applications with military fast-craft operators across Europe and Australasia, as well as the USA and Middle East. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to discuss individual sales.

In terms of application field, we’re currently focusing on boat lengths of 100 feet [30 meters] but are seeing an increasing number of requests involving larger vessels. Current boat types in our portfolio are typically open RHIBs, RBBs and patrol or combat boats with a cabin housing up to five crew members. These simulators are used for full-mission crew training.

Cruden’s quality of simulation is believable and immersive to such a level that the crew will be what we call “emotionally engaged,” by which we mean they will act and respond the same way in the simulator as they would in the real craft under the circumstances imposed. To support that, all installed controls, instruments and navigational- and communication-equipment is as per the OEM so that it can be operated in the exact same way as on board the real vessel. The ultra-realistic experience, in combination with the OEM equipment and integration capability with other simulators, explains the enormous difference that exists between a relatively simple procedure trainer simulator and Cruden’s full-mission solution.

MS&T: Update us on some of the requirements, in terms of life-cycle support, enabling technologies and others, you are observing and receiving from defense departments for their training systems.
MvD: Increasingly, defense organizations are requesting cradle-to-cradle or cradle-to-grave support from Cruden. In response to that, we do not limit our role to that of a pure supplier of simulation and training equipment, but a partner involved in the longer-term upkeep and operation of the simulator, over 10 years or so. This sometimes may even involve a role in supplying the accommodation and training as well as maintenance personnel. Fast-craft operators are confronted more and more with the necessity to mitigate the health and safety risks associated with the recent rapid switch to the extensive use of fast crafts. Even more so, the craft that are being used for military applications, and special forces in particular, are getting faster and faster. As a result, training and education capability for fast crafts are in high demand. We see that organizations are actively looking for methods to effectively train crew whilst minimizing the impact to trainees (and even moreso the instructors!) of the harsh and hazardous environment imposed on crafts in real-world conditions.

MS&T: Tell us about Cruden's competencies in hardware and software for training systems in sectors adjacent to the military market.
MvD: Cruden originates from the automotive and motorsports industry where simulators are deployed for both training as well as engineering. More than half of automotive OEMs and Formula 1 teams use Cruden technology to develop new technology and/or train drivers. Crew training for fast craft is a hot topic right now, not only in the military sector but also for police, coast guards, search and rescue, pilotage and windfarm operators. Cruden has decided to first target its fast-craft technology niche to the military domain. There are definitely opportunities to employ our technology in a diverse range of civil applications like ship-handling simulators, ROV, crane operation and special-purpose vehicles.

MS&T: To follow up, highlight how Cruden gains efficiencies for its S&T offerings to training audiences in the defense and other sectors, through the flow of common best practices, materiel solutions, and other strategies, among the sectors.
MvD: Cruden’s activities in non-military sectors are substantial and involve a number of partnerships with boat builders, research institutes and technology suppliers in the automotive industry that allow us to improve our products in a way that would not have been commercially viable for the military sector alone.

MS&T: Preview what MS&T readers will see at Cruden into early 2022, in terms of new products, contract deliveries and other milestones.
MvD: The most exciting news for 2022 will be the first installations of our upgraded, direct-drive motion bases that are specifically developed for fast craft applications. Not only will they be the highest performing in the industry, they will support the widest fast-craft hull types currently in use. This means we can offer end-users maximum immersion without compromising the look and feel of the cabin and console or bridge because of space restrictions. Unfortunately, we cannot talk explicitly about most of our contracts. There will be a simulator for pilotage application in early 2021 installed close to Amsterdam, where operators who transport pilots to and from seagoing vessels are trained. Another exciting development your readers can expect to see from Cruden is the integration of firing and maneuvering with our fast-craft simulators.

Although we currently focus on fast craft, when talking about military training and simulation, there is no reason why we cannot apply our technology, developed over 20 years in the automotive world, to military training applications for full-mission land vehicles in the near future. When driving realism is of importance, Cruden will certainly make the difference for simulated training applications.