It wasn't a real airliner that crashed and burned right in front of the Capitol building today. It was a high-tech simulator, operated by the Department of the Navy and used to train firefighters in air disaster response.
The Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training Device provides realistic firefighting scenarios with controlled fires in the cockpit, wing engines, passenger compartment, and more. The US Navy and Air Force use mobile aircraft firefighting trainers extensively in the US and at offshore bases. This 45-foot training device was brought from the Norfolk Naval Base.
"This was a very good exercise," said DC Fire/EMS Special Operations Chief Michael Sellitto. "Our firefighters performed well and got a chance to train for a situation we hope will never happen, but one which requires a high level of expertise."
For more information about mobile aircraft and fixed site trainers, contact Pro-Safe Fire Training Systems, http://www.prosafefire.com/.