ForgeFX Simulations developed this aircraft deicing simulator for Global Ground Support, a leading manufacturer of airport ground support equipment used both commercially and by the military. Building upon the success of the initial application of the deicing training simulator built by ForgeFX a decade ago, a next-generation version of the simulator is now available to customers. This next-generation aircraft deicing simulator includes many upgrades and features, including support for virtual reality, multiplayer, VoIP, and more.

Global Ground Support, VR Deicer Simulator

Global Ground Support’s VR Deicer Simulator, developed by ForgeFX Simulations, is now available to customers worldwide. This cost-cutting networked multiplayer VR training simulator is a ground breaking training option available to aircraft deicing operators, allowing for safe, effective and cost-cutting training. Trainers can dial-up over a million virtual training scenarios to run their trainees through, choosing which type of aircraft to deice, and what the environmental conditions are, everything from temperature, to wind speed and direction, to precipitation level and type.

Global Ground Support VR Deicing Simulator by ForgeFX Simulations

Global Ground Support VR Deicing Simulator by ForgeFX Simulations

The training simulation teaches equipment operators year-round to use Global Ground’s Support deicers quickly, with more flexibility and at a lower cost than traditional training. No real-world equipment is taken off the line and no expensive consumables, such as fuel, oil and deicing fluids, are required for simulation-based training.

Virtual Reality Training Simulator for Aircraft Deicing Operator

Virtual Reality Training Simulator for Aircraft Deicing Operator

Global Ground Support’s mission is to provide the best in equipment and ground support to get flights in the air on time. Global Ground Support partnered with ForgeFX Simulations to develop this aircraft deicing operator simulator that trains operators in virtual reality, where variables like weather, aircraft, temperature, and precipitation levels are all controllable.

Virtual Reality Aircraft Deicing Simulator

Virtual Reality Aircraft Deicing Simulator

Virtual Reality Operator Training Simulator

Deicer Simulator Benefits

Simulation-based training ensures that operators are active participants in the learning process, instead of passive audience members merely watching traditional pre-training presentations and videos. Clearly, operators require experiential training, but preferably not with the actual planes or deicing equipment until after they are familiar with the equipment, weather conditions, and procedures.

Global Ground Support Virtual Reality Operator Training Simulator

Training Deicing Operators via a Virtual Reality Training Simulator

This virtual reality based operator training simulator allows operators to become highly familiar and proficient with the real-world controls, in addition to gaining detailed knowledge and understanding of the procedures involved in the entire process.

Operator Training Simulator Performance Analysis

Operator Training Simulator Performance Analysis

This scoring system also incorporates a high-score board, encouraging operators to compete against each other and have fun while perfecting their efficient execution of proper techniques.

Aircraft Deicing Operator Virtual Reality Training Simulator

Aircraft Deicing Operator Virtual Reality Training Simulator

The simulation tracks the performance of users, recording their scores for review by instructors. Users are scored on their performance, including amount of contaminant removed, time taken, gallons of fluid used, no-spray area violations, and aircraft collisions.

Virtual Reality Aircraft Deicing Training Simulator

Virtual Reality Aircraft Deicing Training Simulator

VR Deicer Simulator in the News

Want more information about this deicing training simulator? Check out these articles:

US Air Force Using Aircraft Deicing Simulator

AMC Command Chief Visits Spangdahlem Mobility Airmen

Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey, Air Mobility Command command chief, tests out the de-icing simulator at the 726th Air Mobility Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Feb. 13, 2017. The simulator allows the user to de-ice and anti-ice different types of aircraft under a wide range of weather conditions. Frey visited with AMC Airmen stationed at both Ramstein Air Base and Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany during her visit. The 726th Air Mobility Squadron provides air transportation, cargo, maintenance and enroute support to Allied and American forces.

US Air Force Air Mobility Deicing Simulator

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber

New Deicing Simulator Saves Money, Manpower, Increases Training

Staff Sgt. Tyler Mousner, 92nd Maintenance Group Maintenance Qualification Training Program instructor, uses the deicing simulator Dec. 3, 2014 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The simulator was recently installed and will allow Airmen to train without using deicing equipment and use expendable resources. All new, and many currently assigned to the 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and some new Airmen to the 92nd Maintenance Squadron will train on the new simulator.

Deicing Simulator Saves Money

U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes

United State Air Forces in Europe and Africa Leadership to Airmen: Cultivate a Culture of Change

Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany – Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, operates a deicing simulator on an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft during a tour Oct. 18, 2013. Airmen of the 726th Air Mobility Squadron utilize the simulator to increase their proficiency before operating on actual aircraft.

US Air Force General Gorenc Operates Aircraft Deicing Simulator

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joe W. McFadden / Released

Mobility Squadron Gets it Done in More Ways Than One

Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany – Senior Master Sgt. Brian Rogers, 726th Air Mobility Squadron maintenance superintendent, practices deicing an aircraft using the aircraft deicing simulator inside the AMS maintenance building, Feb. 10. Aircraft deicers are vital to the squadron’s mission in Germany because they enable aircraft to depart on their missions even in freezing weather conditions.

Air Force Mobility Squadron Aircraft Deicing Simulator

Air Force Mobility Squadron’s Aircraft Deicing Simulator

AMS employs more than 100 Airmen to complete its three primary missions of aerial port, command and control, and maintenance. These missions are essential to executing the mobilization of service members and cargo in support of operations in Europe and bases in U.S. Central Command.

US Air Force Leveraging Aircraft Deicing Simulator Developed by ForgeFX Simulations for Global Ground Support

Senior Master Sgt. Brian Rogers, 726th Air Mobility Squadron Maintenance Superintendent, practices deicing an aircraft using aircraft deicing simulator

Training Operators in Virtual Reality

Training Deicer Operators

When planes take off in stormy weather, they must be properly deiced to reduce the risk of accidents. In addition, deicing operators must be extremely careful when deicing planes, since any collision between deicing equipment and a plane is costly and can cause flight delays. With stakes as high as these, training highly competent deicing operators is crucial. However, relying solely on traditional training can be expensive and difficult, requiring specific weather conditions and the use of costly consumables. This is where leveraging simulation-based training for aircraft deicer operators comes into play.

Aircraft Deicer VR Simulator – Official Trailer

The aircraft deicing simulator that ForgeFX developed for Global Ground Support’s line of aircraft deicers, trains aircraft deicing operators, in virtual reality, for millions of potential training scenarios so that they are prepared for whatever conditions they may encounter in the real-world. The software, coupled with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) hardware, which includes joysticks, pedals, and a VR headset or wide-screen display, gives the user a first-person perspective of an operator sitting within the cab of the real-world deicer.

Custom Virtual Training Simulators by ForgeFX Simulations

Custom Deicing Training Simulator by ForgeFX Simulations for Global Ground Support

The simulation includes a true-to-life real-time fluid rendering system, accurately representing the nozzle and spray dynamics, allowing operators to acquire the necessary finesse to expertly operate the deicer. Training simulation sessions begin by selecting the type of aircraft to be deiced and parameters, including the time of day, wind conditions, temperature, and the type of precipitation present in the environment. The operator has full control over the deicer’s boom arm, cab rotation, truck location, nozzle settings, fluid selection, spray selection and lights.

Deicing Simulator for Global Ground Support by ForgeFX Simulations

Deicing Simulator for Global Ground Support by ForgeFX Simulations

Aircraft Deicing Simulator Image Gallery

A collection of screen shot images of the aircraft deicing simulator. Click the forward and back arrows to see images.

What are your training needs?

For an assessment of needs that are specific to your project, please contact ForgeFX Simulations so that we can review your requirements, discuss potential options with you and put forward a software development proposal to achieve your goals.

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