Training without the risk of crashing, without injuries, and without causing damage. The advantages of a drive and control simulator are more than convincing: accidents on the simulator do not endanger people. The worst that can happen is that the trainers may get unnerved. A simulator does not affect the environment: It uses neither gas nor extinguishing agent. In addition, work at the virtual job site is always emission-free. Stress-free driving in dense city traffic while hundreds of thousands are on their way to work is only possible in a simulator. And to train on the safe and correct installation of an aerial ladder in different situations, you only need to press a button instead of physically navigating through half the city.
(Almost) everything is easier on a simulator than in reality, and you can practice whenever you want, without having to decommission the actual deployment device. The combination of virtual and real training significantly improves the performance and technique of the trainees. This doesn’t just apply to Formula 1; this experience is available for every fire fighter who trains on a Rosenbauer Simulator.
The new Aerial Ladder Tactical Simulator (ALTS) is amazingly easy to use. All that is needed for training is about 25 m2 of space and an electrical outlet. The portable simulator system stows away in a compact aluminum box and can be set up in mere minutes. It consists essentially of two high-performance laptops, VR goggles, two joysticks, and the actual control console from the aerial ladder. A trainer operates the computer and VR technology and plays the different scenarios. The trainee stands in the middle of the room, wears the VR goggles and controls an aerial ladder using two joysticks or the control console. Within the space, which is called the “VR cage,” the trainee can move about freely or teleport virtually.
A possible training scenario might be: Identify the scene of the emergency in a virtual city, choose the correct approach and location, and position the aerial ladder there to rescue a person on the fourth floor. The trainer is able to not only specify different instructor objects using the Smart Model Library, but also complicate the setup conditions, for example, with parked cars, manhole covers, trees, power lines, or other obstacles. The trainee, in turn, can use the joysticks to both extend the supports and erect and turn the ladder, switching between the main and cage operating panels (available as a console starting in 2020). The virtual aerial ladder has the exact same characteristics as the original, the Rosenbauer-XS.
When the virtual ladder has been properly positioned, the system receives an initial positive feedback and the next task can be tackled. The view in the 3D goggles changes and now displays the actual working height. For example, the trainee is given the task of rescuing an injured person from a balcony and starting extinguishing activities in the apartment. On the one hand, the trainer can define how seriously the person is injured and whether he needs to be rescued using a stretcher or a wheelchair. But he can also define the fire scenario as well as program heavily smoky rooms, flashovers, and backdrafts.
After the virtual assignment, the entire exercise can be reproduced as often as you like and discussed or debriefed with the trainee. The system also allows the creation of scoring maps for the certification of machinists.
Classroom Tactics
The new Aerial Ladder Tactical Simulator completes the Rosenbauer “classroom training program.” On the ERDS, the Emergency Response Driving Simulator, emergency driving in public spaces can be practiced in realistic conditions. The trainee sits in a true to the original cab replica, which is mounted on a motion platform that can simulate any traffic situation with any road conditions and varying weather conditions. A step further, the PANTHER Tactical Simulator trains on the operation of aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles and operational tactics for the respective airport. The simulator can be programmed to integrate all runway traffic and an entire vehicle fleet can participate in the virtual deployment.
All Rosenbauer simulators are available for rental or purchase. In addition, Rosenbauer continually offers simulator training with courses for aerial ladders at the Karlsruhe Competence Center.
Aerial Ladder Tactical Simulator (ALTS)
– Two high-performance laptops
– HTC Vive complete set (incl. VR goggles, controller, and base stations)
– ALTS software
– All cables and power supplies are pre-configured
– Robust, compact transport box
– Fast setup with plug&play installation
– Virtual city with various streets, buildings, and objects
– Smart Model Library (parked cars, overhead cables, trees, manhole covers, etc.)
– Various operational scenarios (different injuries, smoke, fire, flashover, etc.)
For more information please visit: www.rosenbauer.com
