Recently, ETC Simulation announced the launch of ADMS-ARFF, a new simulator based on the ADMS, Advanced Disaster Management Simulator software.

ADMS-ARFF was developed so Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) crews can realistically train in operating crash trucks for any aircraft incident or disaster. Skills trained include vehicle operation, tactical deployment, airport orientation, driving and radio procedures and command and control. Multiple ADMS-ARFF simulators can be coupled to offer team training. The system allows ARFF crews to train realistically, without the restrictions, danger and environmental and operational impact that live fire training presents. ADMS-ARFF is realistic, safe, non-polluting, cost effective and available 24/7. Additionally, crews can train on scenarios that are difficult or impossible to organize as live scenarios.

ADMS-ARFF consists of an out-the-window visual display, extinguishment operation console with turret controls and critical switches and gauges, a steering wheel and pedals. With these controls the crew operates virtual roof and bumper turrets that can flow water, foam or dry-chem agents for fire suppression. An operator can drive to an incident scene and position the vehicle while the vehicle commander sitting in the passenger position can command and control the operation. Both positions can use the turrets at anytime. The heart of the simulator is the ADMS software platform that powers the dynamics and physics and visualizes the crashed aircraft, casualties, fuel leaks, fire, smoke, weather conditions, debris, and the entire airport environment. ADMS calculates and visualizes all effects of decisions and actions in real time. An instructor can configure an infinite number of incidents with the Scenario Generator and review trainee progress with the Observation and Scoring System.

ADMS President and former Chief of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Fire and Rescue Training Centre, Marco van Wijngaarden commented, "ADMS-ARFF is an ideal training solution for the ARFF-world. You can train as you fight and learn to tackle challenging scenarios without any harm to the environment. It is a critical utility for training responders who might otherwise only have an opportunity to learn during an actual emergency - and by then, it's too late. ADMS-ARFF imparts knowledge, skills and experience within a realistic context, will enhance performance and operational preparedness, and can also allow for valuable preparation for live training."

ADMS-ARFF was introduced to the world at the ARFF Working Group Conference, September 5-9 in New Orleans, and then at the International Aviation Fire Protection Association (IAFPA) Conference, October 16-18 in Singapore, where ETC was invited to present a white paper, available for download below. Conference participants were invited to take the Driver or Commander seat and experience the system for themselves.

In October, ETC announced signing of a contract with the Netherlands Institute for Safety, NIFV (formerly known as NIBRA). The contract includes the upgrade of all NIFV existing training systems to the latest generation platform of ADMS (Advanced Disaster Management Simulator), ADMS-CORE3, and the delivery of new training scenarios.

NIFV is a national center of expertise with four Academies: Fire Academy, Academy for Crisis Management, Emergency Medical Service Academy and Academy for Leadership, and also delivers ADMS-training to the Police Academy. NIFV has used ADMS for over six years for training, education and research. To keep state-of-the-art, NIFV annually upgrades and expands their ADMS systems.

Since 2001 NIFV has trained thousands of trainees with their mobile ADMS team training systems, focusing on multi-agency command and control.

ADMS President, Marco van Wijngaarden, commented, "We are very pleased to deliver the fifth major upgrade to NIFV. Within this contract we will transfer all of NIFV's 27 incidents to the latest ADMS- CORE3 version. Together with their new Railway Incidents NIFV will soon have 30 incidents available. CORE3 has extended functionality, the latest in 3D physics based simulation and improved vehicle, people, fire, smoke and hazardous material models. We will also deliver three incident locations: a roundabout with a major Road Traffic Accident with several vehicles and a LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) truck, a multi-purpose building with a bank, shops, offices and bar with explosions and internal fires and a suburban area with several blocks of family houses. These incidents can be changed with the ADMS Scenario Generator to present infinitely challenging training situations."

ETC Simulation, developers of ADMS, the Advanced Disaster Management Simulator, recently announced that the United Kingdom's Serco International Fire Training Centre (IFTC) has contracted for a major upgrade to their current ADMS system.

IFTC has used the ADMS simulation training platform since 2002 in exercising Airport Fire Officers from around the world in emergency command, control, communication and cooperation.

Greatly expanding their training capability, this new contract marks the upgrade of the IFTC system to the latest ADMS software platform, Core3, which supports a completely 3D immersive environment, physics-based smoke, fire and fluid as well as an upgraded Artificial Intelligence engine which will drive more realistic interactions between trainees and virtual entities and between trainees and the dynamically evolving scenario. IFTC's new system will also include a new typical UK airport environment, new aircraft and responder vehicles and the ADMS Scenario Generator software, which will allow for great flexibility in designing and varying exercises. Consistent with IFTC's existing ADMS training system, the new system will be CAP 699 and ICAO Annex 14 compliant. The new system also marks the transition from training only fire officers to involving all responders, including rescue, law enforcement and emergency medical services.

Serco International Fire Training Centre (IFTC) based at Durham Tees Valley Airport (formerly Teesside), in the North East of England, has been delivering fire training to the aviation, offshore, petrochemical and maritime sectors from all over the world for over 50 years. For more on IFTC: www.iftc.co.uk