Virtual reality technology is being adopted by BAE Systems in Britain for the design and building of Royal Navy warships, the company announced.

Visualization suites at company sites in Glasgow, Portsmouth and Bristol, which create full-scale 3D ship prototypes, have been opened under a pilot project and played a key role in the design of the Royal Navy's new Offshore Patrol Vessels and in maturing the design of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship.

"Visualization technology is transforming the way we design, build and deliver complex warships," said Mick Ord, managing director at BAE Systems Naval Ships business. "By creating a virtual prototype, we can mature and optimize a ship's design and gain a real understanding of the vessel and the experience of those serving on board before manufacturing begins.

"This new tool forms part of our wider investment activity as we create a world-class UK naval engineering business. New facilities, processes and ways of working will enable a step change in efficiency, quality and safety, helping to ensure we remain competitive and deliver the best value for money to our customers."

BAE Systems said virtual reality technology, with its laser tracking system and interactive wand, allows operators to to view a ship's design from any angle and to inspect and examine specific areas and equipment and systems to identify and address engineering issues in real time.

The virtualization suites were constructed for BAE Systems by British company SME Virtalis.