Aerial firefighting is a critical component of wildfire suppression, utilizing fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to deliver water or retardant and support ground operations. These missions take place in complex, high-tempo environments that demand precise airspace management, tactical planning, and real-time coordination. Wildfire aerial operations are directed by the Air Attack Officer (AAO), who manages both fixed-wing and rotary-wing resources, and the Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO), who specifically oversees rotary-wing operations. These roles are essential to ensuring the safe and effective deployment of aerial assets, particularly in remote or inaccessible terrain where rapid response is vital to containment success. To support the development of these specialized roles, the wildfire aerial simulator provides a realistic, scenario-based training environment focused on airspace coordination and communication protocols. The simulator enables AAOs and HLCOs to practice in a controlled, repeatable setting. Given the high-risk nature of aerial firefighting, simulation-based training offers a safe and cost-effective alternative to live exercises, reducing operational risk while enhancing preparedness. The Aerial Firefighting Simulation System (AFSS) at the Hinton Training Centre (HTC) began development in 2014 following a visit to the British Columbia Wildfire Service’s simulator in Kamloops. A basic proof-of-concept was initially built, and by 2015, HTC had developed Alberta’s first AFSS prototype featuring a main cockpit, networked flight stations, and a 200-degree cylindrical visual display. From there, the system evolved through the addition of role player stations, visual system upgrades, transitioning to the Lockheed Martin Prepar3D platform, and integrating Lorby Wildfire Response and Comms software. These developments significantly improved system stability, realism, and training effectiveness. Building on this foundation, Alberta Wildfire, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), and Conair collaborated—under the strategic direction of Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS)—to develop the National Aerial Firefighting Simulation System (NAFSS) as part of the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP-2018-CP-2347). This national initiative aimed to standardize Air Attack Officer (AAO) training across Canada and led to the deployment of two fully operational, networked simulators—one in Alberta and one in Ontario. The simulators were designed and constructed by CogSim Technologies, the firm awarded the contract to deliver the NAFSS platform. A list of the hardware and software components used in Alberta’s simulator configuration can be found in Appendix D. To build on the success of the NAFSS, this initiative aims to enhance the existing simulation system by expanding its capabilities and improving the training experience for all participants.
Information/Pre-bid Meeting
Wed•Jul 23, 2025•1:30 pm (MT)
