Business Envoy - Indigenous Innovation - December 2022

Virtual Simulation Systems David Lagettie Chief Executive Officer and Rod Northwood General Manager Virtual Simulation Systems develops new and custom solutions to suit military or civilian simulation needs, with an innovative range of products in the synthetic training realm. BAsed in Taylors Beach, New South Wales.

Q. What is the driving motivation for your company? We pride ourselves on producing world-standard products that are all Australian made. We specialise in software and hardware for all aspects of simulation training, including JTAC systems, rotary wing rear crew training, live hoist training, imitation weapons as well as firefighting and search and rescue. In our virtual training systems operators use VSS manufactured head-mounted displays as well as other specialty SME devices. We’ve worked with the Army, Navy, rural fire service, Westpac rescue and CareFlight to name a few. We are currently working with the Rural Fire Service to develop a range of simulators for their new training facility at Dubbo.

Q. How do you engage with your community? Where we need to outsource, we engage business in the immediate area and that is important to us. Q. Tell us about your company’s export journey. We’ve been exporting since 2010, including to the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Japan, Israel, New Zealand and the Middle East. Our software allows operators to develop VR scenarios anywhere in the world. Having a good partner and customer on the receiving end has been important - to handle import processes and help solve logistical challenges. Also, ensuring adequate lead time to allow for clearance and export controls. Austrade has been a huge help with grants and providing export advice.

Q. What advice do you have for potential exporters? We would encourage diversification of products. For us, diversifying into all aspects of simulation has been key to building a sustainable business. If we specialised in just a few products, the market is small but with a larger range of products we have expanded our contracts and turnover.

Above: VSS Hoist Module. Right: Live Hoist Training Tower Images courtesy Virtual Simulation Systems.

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Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

business envoy

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