Thales announced that it has acquired XPI Simulation Ltd, one of the UK’s most innovative developers of driving simulation technology.

XPI Simulation is a pioneer in using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions to build and deliver high-fidelity simulated environments. The company specialises in innovative techniques for processing LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data, a technology which maps physical environments in ultra-fine detail using a range of light frequencies, and ray tracing, which generates highly realistic images by tracing the path of light and simulating its interaction with virtual objects.

XPI designs and manufactures a range of simulator-based driver training systems – from desktop solutions to full-scale converted vehicles – for customers that include the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD), British police forces, advanced driver training providers, Transport for London’s road safety programmes, and Formula 1™ teams. In May 2012, XPI Simulation was awarded a significant contract to provide a high fidelity armoured vehicle driving simulator for the MOD’s Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

The acquisition strengthens Thales’s position as a global training and simulation provider within the land market.

Thales is a major supplier of synthetic training to the UK MOD and provides a range of solutions, from PC-based desktop trainers to designing, building, financing and operating training services for front line personnel.

Simon Skinner, Managing Director of XPI Simulation Ltd., said: “XPI is determined to remain at the forefront of the simulation industry. We recognise that research and development is our most valuable investment to ensure continuity of products in the market and to pioneer new solutions.

“This agreement with Thales will give us more opportunity for future growth, more investment to continue developing innovative, market-leading products, as well as giving us access to other markets in which Thales is present, both in the UK and overseas.”

Peter Hitchcock, Vice President at Thales UK, said: “XPI and Thales are an excellent fit for each other. The technology developed by XPI, which crucially can be delivered through COTS equipment, complements Thales’s own portfolio.

“Thales and XPI will jointly benefit from our combined longstanding relationships and commitment to customers in the UK MOD and other sectors, particularly in support of our ambitions within the military land training and simulation market.”