Fire trainer controls mobile aircraft simulation
Fire GO GmbH has implemented Mitsubishi Electric industrial automation systems to manage a mobile aircraft fire trainer built for airport firefighter training.
The German manufacturer said the system was developed to create realistic training environments for airport crews and to support safer emergency response preparation at different airport locations.
Fire GO GmbH, based in Alsdorf, Germany, manufactures fire simulation systems for emergency services worldwide.
The company builds fireproof structures that simulate real aircraft fires through controlled gas systems that react to firefighting foam and water.
Jochen Schürgers, Managing Director of Fire GO, said: “Everything that can catch fire in reality and requires fire brigade intervention, we build from fireproof materials and allow it to burn realistically.”
“The system is computer-controlled, gas-powered, and it reacts to extinguishing agents just like a real fire.”
Its latest project uses ten 20-foot containers to form a full-scale aircraft replica with 28 fire simulation points covering scenarios including cockpit fires and engine blazes.
The aim was to create a mobile simulator that could be deployed quickly at different airports, as stationary systems did not offer the same flexibility for training programmes across multiple locations.
Mitsubishi Electric systems manage training scenarios
Working with Siebers Mechanical Engineering from Marsberg, Fire GO selected Mitsubishi Electric automation technology to control the simulator.
The MELSEC System-Q control system manages simulator functions across an A320/B737 aircraft layout with cockpit, passenger cabin and cargo hold environments.
It also manages gas flows, safety systems and fire behaviour settings during training scenarios.
Mitsubishi Electric’s GOT2000 Graphic Operation Terminal allows instructors to monitor sessions and adjust scenarios in real time, including flame intensity and wind direction.
The GENESIS data monitoring platform records activity during training, including response times and which techniques proved most effective.
Jörg Springsguth, Sales Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Europe, said: “The reliability of our MELSEC System-Q platform, combined with the HMI GOT interface and the data collection, provides a robust foundation for training systems where consistent performance is essential.”
“When firefighters depend on their training to save lives, every component must function reliably.”
Mobile deployment supports airport-based firefighter training
Fire GO said the automation system has improved training capability by keeping fire simulations realistic and safe while allowing dangerous techniques to be practised without injury or equipment damage.
The mobile design means training can take place at operational airports, giving firefighters access to the aircraft types and layouts they may face in real incidents.
The 28 fire simulation points support scenarios including engine fires, landing gear incidents, cabin emergencies and fuel spills.
Data from training sessions can be used by instructors to identify where firefighters need more practice and to review which methods are most effective.
Schürgers said: “Regular preventive maintenance, a smooth supply of spare parts, and a reliable troubleshooting service keep our systems fully operational and ready for use.”
Fire GO also said the simulator model could be relevant to sites such as chemical production, energy facilities, transport infrastructure and logistics hubs where controlled, repeatable emergency training is required.