Presagis unveils new Mission Training System
The system connects multiple simulator devices, allowing aerial firefighting training with multiple aircraft types and pilots to be conducted virtually
Simulation software developer Presagis has announced the successful creation and deployment of a Mission Training System (MTS) for aerial firefighting, developed in partnership with aerial firefighting firm Conair. The MTS has been deployed at Conair’s training center in British Columbia, and incorporates six dedicated Mission Training Devices (MTD).
“Conair wanted a MTS that would perfectly mimic the situation and environment the pilot and firefighters would face in reality,” said Jean-Michel Brière, President of Presagis. “We are proud to have delivered exactly that. It is a breakthrough in aerial firefighting simulation and training, compared to what existed previously on the market.”
Presagis utilized Conair’s expertise in aerial firefighting, alongside their proprietary wildfire simulation software to ‘create immersive environments … including smoke and fire accurately representing the wildfire scenario’. The MTS developed for Conair also includes ‘highly detailed cockpits, with closely replicated functionalities providing the same look and operational feel’ as the real aircraft being simulated.
Presagis explained that all six MTDs represent specific aircraft – TC-690 and Cessna C-208 Birddog, Dash 8-400, RJ85 Airtanker, and AT-802. The MTDs are connected by a computer network, enabling pilots to synchronize tactics while executing a training mission, and allowing pilots to coordinate as they would in an actual mission. The MTS also has a ‘feature-rich audio and video de-brief system’, allowing instructors to replay any part of the training session.
Presagis said that while the Conair system employs six MTDs, the MTS can be ‘scaled and deployed based on clients’ needs’.
Conair announced that assembly of the MTS was completed earlier this month.