SHIPYARD bosses on the Clyde are using virtual reality technology to design warships.

Engineers are creating giant three-dimensional images to test computer-generated designs long before the first steel cut is ever made at Govan.

BAE Systems is installing five visualisation suites at sites across the UK at a total cost of £100,000.

Three of them have been built at yards on the Clyde - two at Scotstoun and another at Govan.

The Glasgow shipyards have some of the best warship designers in Europe and now they have been given 21st-Century tools to help create battleships for the modern day theatre of war.

Laser tracking systems and interacive wands allows engineers to inspect proposed designs from any angle.

They are also able to climb aboard for a virtual reality tour to inspect and examine specific areas, as well as any equipment which might be installed.

Mick Ord, managing director of the comp-any's naval ships divis-ion, said: "Visualisation technology is transform-ing the way we design, build and deliver complex warships."

The 3D technology has already been used in the design work for three offshore patrol vessels now being built for the Royal Navy and is playing a pivotal role in the design of a new fleet of Type 26 warships.

Meanwhile dozens of apprentices and grad-uates are being hired by BAE Systems which operates shipbuilding facilities at Scotstoun and Govan.

The defence giant is to recruit 34 graduates and 113 trainees, including engineering technician apprentices, apprentice welders, fabricators, electricians and plumbers They will join more than 100 others currently training, taking the total to more than 250 apprentices and graduates next year.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk