“МЕТЕКОL” Production and Development Company (Nyezhin, Chernogov  region), designer and maker of simulators and training equipment, in partnership with “AutoKrAZ”, has developed and launched into mass production computer-assisted simulators based on KrAZ series cab. The simulator is used for teaching to help military men develop driving skills and shape behavior patterns in case of accidents, incidents and emergencies.

The order for the first simulator has been placed by the MOD of Ukraine and it was shipped to HetmanSahaidachnyArmyAcademy in Odessa. Trainees are military students, future officers of Ukrainian army. The simulator proved itself in operation, currently negotiations are underway between “METEKOL”  and MOD of Ukraine to produce some simulators based on KrAZ cab.

Working principle is simple but effective. Trainee performs training tasks while using appropriate simulator controls and monitoring gauges and instruments.

The simulator synthesizes imitation of pictorial model of the situation behind the cab, various driving situations, road signs, marking, oncoming and preceding vehicles, pedestrians, traffic policeman, traffic lights, rear and side view mirrors, off-highway situations, etc. All of this is displayed on panoramic screen located before the cab in sight of trainee.

Noises, sounds and voice comments are simulated by in-cab sound module.

Various emergencies are simulated after instructor gives a command. Trainee gets automatic comments on errors and violations that are entered in database, classified, assessed and printed out after run is over.   

The design of simulator ensures that it can function both independently and in group of simulators having different functions connected with local area network to hone skills in group exercises.

It is to be recalled that the KrAZ-5233 (4х4) off-road truck after completion of governmental tests in 2011 was entered into service with the Army of Ukraine. According to the plan, together with the KrAZ-6322 three-axle off road truck, they were to replace obsolete and worn-out ZiL, GAZ and Ural, as well as old KrAZ models.  

According to estimates of military men, the use of computer-assisted simulator in teaching to drive allowed to improve quality of training of military students and reduce cost of training.