US Navy Awards contract for Kidde Mobile Aircraft ARFF Live Fire Training Systems
by Louis Orotelli

The US Navy, Naval Air Warfare Center (NAVAIR), Training Systems Division (TSD) awarded a 5-year contract to Kidde Fire Trainer, Inc. for the supply of Mobile Aircraft FIRETRAINER® systems.

The Mobile Aircraft FireTrainer® is a commercially available (hot) live fire training simulator that replicates ARFF (aircraft rescue firefighting) emergencies on military fighter and transport aircrafts. The Navy will use the trainers to conduct training of its firefighters.

Mobile Aircraft FIRETRAINER® similar to the ones ordered by the US Navy

The trailer-mounted aircraft replica utilizes retractable wings, enabling easy transport to training locations all over the world. Fire scenarios include: flight deck, galley, fuselage, cargo, passenger area, auxiliary power unit, wheel-brake, and 3 engine fires (low wing, high wing, and tail engines). The ARFF fire training simulator body is fabricated in stainless steel to withstand harsh marine environments.

“The US Navy’s selection affirms that Kidde Fire Trainers is the leading supplier of (hot) live fire training simulators, worldwide” according to Kidde Fire Trainers Sales Manager, Wes Barbour. The selection was based on technical approach, past performance, price and small disadvantaged business participation comparisons.

Kidde Fire Trainers’s relationship with the US Navy spans four decades. KiddeFT developed the world’s first live fire training system for a US Navy contract in 1979 and has deliver 22 FIRETRAINER® simulators to the US Navy to date.

Kidde’ training systems, controlled by computer and fueled by propane or natural gas, allow realistic fire training in a safe, controlled and environmentally sound manner. FIRETRAINER® systems have been widely adopted by municipal, airport, and industrial fire departments as well as military and maritime fire training organizations throughout the world.

Kidde plc is a leading global supplier of fire and safety products, systems and services to industrial, commercial, aerospace, combustion control and retail customers.

The US Navy will utilize Mobile Aircraft FireTrainers to conduct pier-side and shipboard training of its firefighters. (photo: www.news.navy.mil)