Montreal, Canada, March 30, 2023 – Presagis, a global leader in 3D advanced modelling and simulation software, has successfully built and deployed a worldwide first of its kind solution: a simulation-based Mission Training System (MTS) devoted to aerial firefighting.
With over 25 years of experience creating groundbreaking 3D synthetic environment modelling and simulation platforms, Presagis developed six Mission Training Devices (MTD) for Conair, a world leader in specialty aircraft operations and aerial firefighting.
“Conair wanted a Mission Training System that would perfectly mimic the situation and environment the pilot and firefighters would face in reality. 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,” said Jean-Michel Brière, President of Presagis.
Using Conair’s subject matter expertise in aerial firefighting, along with their proprietary wildfire simulation software, Presagis created immersive environments producing visually accurate representations, including smoke and fire accurately representing the wildfire scenario. In addition, Conair’s MTS includes highly detailed cockpits with closely replicated functionalities providing the same look and operational feel as aerial firefighting aircraft.
Each MTD represents a specific airplane (TC-690 and Cessna C-208 Birddogs, Dash 8-400 and RJ85 Airtankers, and two AT-802s, which can be configured as amphibious Fire Boss) and all six are connected by a computer network enabling pilots to synchronize tactics while executing a training mission. This further elevates the quality of training, allowing pilots to train over the same wildfire at the same time, coordinating the airspace and controlling the tankers during their drops, just as they would in actual missions. It also allows instructors to communicate with pilots during the simulation, helping to further improve training in a secure environment. Furthermore, the MTS has a feature-rich audio and video De-Brief System which allows the instructor to replay any part of the training session, thus providing the ability to share learning points.
“The experience in these simulators is so close to the real thing. The only part missing is the smell of the smoke,” said Jeff Berry, Director, Business Development at Conair. “Our Training + Tactics Centre is a one off in our industry and the benefits go well beyond teaching core aerial firefighting skills. Risk reduction from on wing training, along with the associated cost reduction, cannot be overlooked. Our pilots will start the 2023 wildfire season better prepared than ever” added Mark Baird, Simulator Program Manager at Conair.
The Aerial Firefighting Mission Training System (MTS) built with Conair is a high-end professional simulation tool, but it can be scaled and deployed based on clients’ needs and will provide a real return on investment. The MTS is a game changer for the aerial firefighting industry.
About Presagis
Pioneers in the industry, Presagis creates ground-breaking 3D synthetic environment modelling and simulation platforms using artificial intelligence, empowering customers to interpret the world around them to improve planning and decision-making. With 25 years of experience providing commercial modeling, simulation and embedded software solutions to the aerospace and defense industries, Presagis has more recently developed solutions for the security, emergency preparedness and critical infrastructure markets. Presagis is also at the forefront of avionics software design for certifiable cockpit displays, and, together with its modeling and simulation offerings, serves hundreds of customers worldwide, including many of the world's most respected organizations such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, BAE Systems, and CAE.
About Conair Group Inc.
Conair is a world leader in specialty aircraft operations, delivering a comprehensive range of purpose- engineered, aerial firefighting, multi-role aircraft and services globally. With over 70 aircraft, Conair operates the largest, privately owned, dedicated fleet of fixed wing firefighting aircraft in the world. Founded in Canada 54 years ago, Conair’s operations are global, supporting missions in North America, Europe, Australia and beyond. Conair has modified more than 180 individual aircraft across 15 aircraft types for conversion to aerial firefighting. Conair’s engineering team has developed a number of proprietary aerial firefighting products and the company holds hundreds of Supplemental Type Certificates. Conair can provide aircraft for purchase, lease or under contract and offers specialized services including aeronautical engineering design, flight operations and aircraft maintenance related to emergency response missions. Learn more at www.conair.ca
