Quantum3D, a leading provider of training and simulation solutions for government and commercial applications, has announced the availability of its FireFLY system; a complete training system for the management of forest fire-fighting operations.
The system uses advanced computer modeling of fire behavior, and an immersive networked virtual 3D environment, to allow all leadership roles in a fire-fighting scenario to safely practice communication, tactics, and execution of a realistic operation.
FireFLY uses immersive simulation techniques to train forest fire management officers, firefighters and operation commanders who play the most critical roles during a forest fire-fighting operation.
The system is designed to enhance the site coordination, communication, and management capabilities of these personnel.
During simulated operations, trainees participate in their roles as a team commander, crew chief, or aircraft pilot. They make decisions and issue commands as they would in an actual operation, but without risk to any actual life or environment.
Any actual geographic area and forest type can be re-created for the virtual scenario, so firefighters can train in the areas and conditions they are most likely to encounter in real life.
FireFLY provides a capability to train those Forest Service members who are responsible for on site coordination and management of forest fire fighting activities by utilizing the advantages of simulator techniques and technologies.
•High level incident commander
•Fireline leaders
•Team leaders
•Bulldozer leaders
•Aircraft and helicopter pilots
Conceptual Models
Fire Propagation Model
- Tree characteristics
- Type, density, age
- Length, diameter, vertex
- Inflammable matter
- Type, distribution, amount, density
- Humidity, litter cover
- Wind, air temperature, rainfall
- Gale/Wind force
- Moisture
- Terrain and topography
Smoke Propagation Model
- Wind velocity and direction
- Humidity amount of the inflammable matter
- Fire intensity
- Stand type
The network-centric system allows the role players to be located in the same building, different buildings, or in distributed locations across the country.
Each station offers a 2D tactical overhead map view of the operation area, as well as an immersive 3D view allowing the crew chief to feel they are actually on the ground with the fire, or allowing the fire retardant aircraft pilot to experience flying over the actual scene in a realistic way.
There are also stations for instructors, who can set initial conditions for the fire, and vary simulated wind and other weather conditions during the course of the training exercise.
And once the operation is complete, the system offers a comprehensive after-action-review capability to support replay and critical analysis of the performance of all participants.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day doing their jobs, and they deserve the best training possible,” said Jan Bjernfalk, VP, Products and Marketing.
“This is an innovative new and unique tool for training those who need it most, and we are proud to offer it to firefighting teams worldwide.”
Quantum3D is showing FireFLY, as well as several other training systems including a helicopter trainer, a maritime ship bridge trainer, a military mission rehearsal system, and new augmented reality technology for maintenance training applications this week at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Fla. from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 (OCCC West Concourse, booth #2435).
Quantum3D, is a leading developer and provider of simulation and training products as well as the technology that drives them.
Quantum3D delivers key components for use in a wide range of training markets — flight simulation; land and other vehicle training; synthetic environments and construction tools; sensor simulation; maintenance training, and a variety of augmented-reality applications.
