Firefighting: World's largest simulator
A few days ago, the new Air Force firefighting training center with modern simulators and facilities was opened at the Payerne military airbase. The civilian fire department is also expected to benefit from this in the future.
The "Phénix" firefighting training center comprises three fire simulators, namely one each for fighter aircraft, helicopters and transport aircraft. In addition, there are three simulators for fires in workshops or aircraft hangars. It also includes a central building with theory rooms, dressing rooms and technical facilities.
Also for civilian firefighters
The simulators are operated with liquid gas (propane). Instead of extinguishing agents, only water is used for the simulators. This is then recycled and used again for extinguishing exercises.
According to a statement by the federal government, the world's largest simulator for airport fire departments with up to four vehicles and an incident commander is also available for training purposes. Phénix will be used primarily by professional and militia personnel at military airfields. In addition, use by civilian firefighters is also planned, according to the press release.
New construction saves costs in the long term
The former training facilities at the respective airfields no longer met the legal requirements and should have been renewed, according to the media release. In order to benefit from synergies and save costs, it was decided in 2010 to dismantle the decentralized facilities and build a new center in Payerne.
According to the Swiss government, the new site in Payerne was chosen because the Payerne airbase is the main operational base for all Swiss Air Force aircraft and the training base for all airborne troops. According to information, the total cost of construction was 28 million Swiss francs.
