IABG founds award for outstanding scientific achievements in the area of "defence and security"

The prize, which is worth EUR 1,000, was personally presented by Prof. Bernhard Katzy (CeTIM) as part of the graduation ceremonies at the end of the academic year on 8 July 2006. The 2006 prize was awarded to Senior Lieutenant Robert Lemke, an aerospace technology student at UniBw, for his market analysis in the area of constructive simulations. In contrast to virtual simulations, in which real people practice using virtual equipment (e.g. flight simulators), in constructive simulators computer-modelled processes are executed autonomously (i.e. are influenced solely by the input parameters) before subsequently being evaluated. Examples include simulation programs for company management or for military processes such as KORA (corps framework model for officer training) and SIRA (simulation system for framework exercises).

In his study, Mr Lemke analysed the demand and provider structure for constructive simulations in the military sector. As he was only able to access a certain information level in this sensitive area using established secondary market research methods (Internet, questionnaires, trade fair catalogues, etc.), Mr. Lemke set out on his own himself and acquired the missing information through interviews with the essential users (the army’s battle practice centre and providers such as IABG). At the end of his study, Mr Lemke concludes that, as an individual service with a strong scientific bias, the specialist area of constructive simulations – despite having been used for many years – is still in an early phase of the product lifecycle. He also uses examples to illustrate how providers can further develop constructive simulations to generate repeat, high-margin business. Mr Lemke’s work was rated extremely highly, in particular due to its high practical orientation.

UniBw and IABG intend to intensify their work within the area of Competence Cluster Security Forces (CCSF) and use the award to send a message to politicians and the general public.