Simulator first for Crofton showcased at AFOA Conference

Crofton Engineering’s fixed aircraft training and fire fighting (ARFF) trainer under construction at Exeter Airport.

Crofton Engineering’s fixed aircraft training and fire fighting (ARFF) trainer under construction at Exeter Airport.

Crofton Engineering and Fireblast Global will be exhibiting together at next week’s Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA) Annual Conference, promoting their first joint project in the UK. The two companies are currently constructing and commissioning a fixed aircraft training and fire fighting (ARFF) trainer at Exeter Airport, where it will be the airport’s first purpose-built fire fighting training simulator. Crofton and Fireblast will be showcasing their full range of ARFF training simulators at the AFOA conference.

UK-based Crofton Engineering is project managing the construction and installation of the new simulator at Exeter Airport and has manufactured the fuselage, tail, cradle and steps. US-based Fireblast Global is providing the gas systems, igniters and control technology. The trainer features a wide wing on one side with jet engine simulator, and a narrow wing and propeller engine simulator on the other side. Due for completion in the first quarter of 2017, the simulator will enable the airport to carry out a wide range of live fire aircraft simulations.

“The new aircraft training and fire fighting trainer is the first project of its kind for Crofton Engineering and a showcase of our expanded capabilities in partnership with Fireblast Global,” says Glen Godfrey, Director of Crofton Engineering. “We have been constructing drill towers and bespoke fire training simulators for the emergency services in the UK for over 60 years. Our partnership with Fireblast Global enables us to offer an expanded range of fire training simulators for aircraft, buildings and urban search and rescue scenarios.”

“Fireblast Global is a leader in fire training equipment of all types and has particular expertise in civil and military aircraft simulators”, says Rick Egelin, CEO and President of Fireblast Global. “Our partnership with Crofton Engineering now enables us to deliver this expertise to customers across Europe and the Middle East.”

The AFOA Annual Conference takes place at the London Gatwick Hilton on 18-19 January 2017.