FS3D - An Interactive Aerial Firefighting Training Tool for USAF MAFFS Flight Crews

MAFFS provides a critical surge aerial firefighting capability during extreme wildfire events. Aircrew training for the mission is invaluable but difficult to schedule, expensive and risky. Becker Support Services is bringing ultra-realistic wildfire training simulations to civilian firefighters with FS3D, a training system compatible with compact, portable, consumer-grade Virtual Reality gaming equipment as well as high-fidelity flight training devices. By creating a multi-participant network of civilian and DoD trainees, role players can collaborate in an immersive, first-person wildland fire environment anywhere in the world, FROM anywhere in the world. Fire, radio, and air traffic all present the same challenges as they do in real life, but with facilitator control. This work will build on Phase I results that demonstrated the technical feasibility and validated the need by delivering prototype systems, customizing MAFFS flight models, and integrating FS3D with 2022 annual training for operational testing.