Rosenbauer is in the process of implementing a PANTHER training system for the Swiss Air Force, which enables training for the tactical handling of ARFF vehicles as well as handling the extinguishing and control panels.
With four simulators, an intercom radio system, VR headset and Eagle Eye for debriefing, it is currently the most cutting-edge system of its kind. The PANTHER training system will be installed in the fire training center of CFR Campus PHÈNIX at Payerne Airport.
Aircraft incident squads
"The Swiss Air Force is building a competence center for aircraft firefighting here, where the members of the aircraft incident squads will receive their complete training in future and be able to complete regular drills under real conditions," says Hans Schmid, Head of Crash and Fire Rescue Swiss Air Force.
In the future, each and every member will train on the simulators for at least two days a year"
“In the future, each and every member will train on the simulators for at least two days a year. Their integration into an overall system allows us to systematically and efficiently structure the training. In addition, three liquid gas-fired fire simulators (dummy aircraft) are available for ‘hot’ drills on the approximately 26,000 m2 site.” The simulator landscape consists of two PANTHER tactical simulators - 8x8 and 6x6 S, as well as two simulators that can be configured not just as ARFF vehicles, but also as command or logistics vehicles.
Numerous aircraft types
The two PANTHER simulators are equipped with identical PANTHER cockpits, while the other two have generic cockpits on which all functions can be operated the same way as in the respective original vehicle. Everything that happens outside the vehicles is displayed on large LED screens in Ultra-HD (4 times HDTV) resolution. Each screen is controlled by its own computer; a total of 18 computers with powerful graphics cards are installed in the training system.
The system also includes a control panel on which the virtual training sessions are planned, programmed, and documented. There are five airport layouts and numerous aircraft types to choose from, the time of day or night, and the weather and runway conditions can be modified in order to make the operational action as realistic as possible.
Undercarriage catching fire
Each drill can also be recorded with a virtual drone (Eagle Eye) and clearly reviewed
All firefighting operations from leaking jet fuel to an undercarriage catching fire or burning jet engines can be trained on, whereby the control of the firefighting equipment is just as sensitive as in the real-life counterparts.
Another PC workstation is used by the operational commander to follow the drills and, if necessary, to intervene in the training, to change parameters, or to initiate an emergency incident. Using a VR headset and control handles, the commander can also go directly into the virtual space of the operation during the drills in order to give instructions or intervene ‘on-site.’ Communication between the training participants takes place via an intercom system that simulates real-life radio traffic in operations. Each drill can also be recorded with a virtual drone (Eagle Eye) and clearly reviewed from an aerial perspective on a large screen.
Paying special attention
The Swiss Air Force is paying special attention to the issue of sustainability in the new fire training center. The energy for the building is produced by a photovoltaic system. In addition, all water is collected, treated, temporarily stored, and reused during real drills.
The training on the simulators is even more sustainable, because neither water (up to 14,000 l is used during a drill with a real PANTHER 8x8) nor fuel is consumed, and the vehicles are not subject to wear and tear. “The Swiss Air Force's aircraft incident squads can train for every operational scenario imaginable in a resource-saving, safe, and controlled manner. That's the great advantage of simulator training,” says Markus Zellinger, Managing Director of Rosenbauer Switzerland.