The Schiphol Fire Brigade has an amazingly innovative training center at its disposal to guarantee safety at the airport. For example, since 2017 the fire brigade has been training in the Black Box, a modular training environment developed by FireWare, which can be quickly converted and adapted. In 2019, this Black box was expanded with a fully automated control system for the scenarios and the effects. A year later, the Schiphol Fire Department and FireWare have joined forces again. An existing airport baggage cart has been completely converted into a simulation unit for various refreshing aviation scenarios!
The new scenario of the Schiphol Fire Department consists of a combination of sound, smoke and light effects, simulating an aviation-related scenario in the middle of an airport luggage cart with suitcases. The new simulation unit can fully operate in the automated control system of the Black Box, but can also be used independently due to the built-in battery and its own WiFi network.
Designed for use with the Black Box
The airport baggage cart been designed in such a way that it can connect to the WiFi network of the Black Box of the Schiphol Fire Department. All components for the scenarios of the baggage cart (light, sound and smoke) are then controlled with the Incident Server tablet. In this way, the instructor can remotely control all parameters of all scenarios in the Black Box wirelessly with one tablet. With the arrival of the airport baggage cart, the countless scenario options have only expanded!
The airport baggage cart is designed completely in style with the training environment. All components for the simulation are hidden in a decor box, which is placed in the middle of the cart and between real suitcases. The decor box has a sticker with the print of travel boxes, so that it is camouflaged for the students. The print is in the same style with the other Black Box scenarios from the training centre. As a result, all separate elements together form a recognizable whole.
Inside the Black Box, the baggage cart is connected to shore power. All functionalities of the unit remain available during charging.
Self-sufficient scenario on battery
Unique to the airport baggage trolley is that the scenario is also fully self-sufficient operational. The simulation unit contains a built-in battery and sets up its own WiFi network. That is why the Schiphol Fire Service can also move the simulation unit to other locations on the site to set up a scenario there. The fire scenario can be operational for at least an hour on a full battery charge.
Just like a normal baggage car, the Schiphol Fire Department can also transport the simulation unit across its site with a cargo freight tractor. If the airport baggage cart is loaded with suitcases, it is also not noticeable that it is not a real one. The training leader can therefore drive the simulation unit unnoticed to an airplane or place it between a row of actual baggage carts. This way an amazing surprise effect can be created for the student!
Central control
All components of the fire scenario are connected to a tailor-made central control unit. This control unit is connected to a unique platform designed by FireWare, which ensures that the complete scenario can be controlled with a virtual remote control. The practice leader gains access to the remote control by scanning a QR code, which is affixed to the side of the baggage car. Any smartphone or tablet with an internet connection and camera is suitable for this.
Scenarios for aviation
The FireWare Cirrus battery operated smoke machine provides the smoke experience of an incipient fire. The amount of smoke can be accurately adjusted. The instructor lets the smoke come out from between the suitcases. Together with the sound effects of a fire and red and orange fixtures, a realistic fire illusion is formed.
In addition, the instructor will have access to elements that come into their own when setting up other aviation-related scenarios. For example, the instructor can invoke the sound of a barking dog for realistic exercise with a live pet in a crate. But it is also possible to simulate incidents with a lithium-ion battery. The possibilities are really endless!
COVID-19
The new airport scenario of the Schiphol Fire Service can be fully used within the guidelines set by the Dutch Government with regard to the COVID-19 virus. For example, a distance can be kept from the exercise leader and fellow students and the scenario is easy to disinfect.
Airport scenario
FireWare has a wealth of experience in simulations for the airport industry. Are you curious about the projects to which FireWare has contributed? Then take a look at our overview of aviation projects!
