Mitsubishi Electric and Fire GO improve safety for firefighters

Mitsubishi Electric and Fire GO improve safety for firefighters with advanced simulation training

Fire GO’s mobile aircraft fire trainer, controlled by Mitsubishi Electric systems, brings realistic firefighter training directly to airports.

Ratingen, March23, 2026 Mitsubishi Electric –Fire GO GmbH has implemented Mitsubishi Electric’s industrial automation solutions to manage its mobile aircraft fire trainer. The German manufacturer uses these technologies to provide realistic training environments for airport firefighters, enabling safer and more effective emergency response preparation.

The need for greater mobility

Fire GO GmbH, based in Alsdorf, Germany, manufactures fire simulation systems for emergency services worldwide. The company builds fireproof structures that simulate real aircraft fires using controlled gas systems. These systems respond authentically to firefighting foam and water.

“Everything that can catch fire in reality and requires fire brigade intervention, we build from fireproof materials and allow it to burn realistically,” explains Jochen Schürgers, Managing Director of Fire GO. “The system is computer-controlled, gas-powered, and it reacts to extinguishing agents just like a real fire.”

Building on this expertise, the company recently tackled a new challenge. Its latest project involved creating a full-scale aircraft replica from ten 20-foot containers, complete with 28 fire simulation points representing various emergency scenarios, from cockpit fires to engine blazes.

The company needed to develop a mobile aircraft simulator that could be quickly deployed at different airports. This would make high-quality training more accessible while ensuring reliable operation in safety-critical scenarios. Traditional stationary systems lacked the flexibility required for comprehensive training programmes across multiple airport locations.

Where consistent performance is essential

Working with Siebers Mechanical Engineering from Marsberg, Fire GO selected Mitsubishi Electric’s automation technologies to control the mobile simulator.

The MELSEC System-Q PLC control system manages all simulator functions, including complex scenarios across the full-scale fire trainer, which replicates an A320/B737 aircraft with an authentic cockpit, passenger cabin, and cargo hold. It also coordinates gas flows, safety systems, and fire behaviour parameters.

The GOT2000 (Graphic Operation Terminal) is an HMI touchscreen from Mitsubishi Electric. These terminals allow instructors to monitor training sessions and adjust fire scenarios in real time. For example, they can increase flame intensity or change wind direction to test different firefighting strategies.

The GENESIS data monitoring platform records everything that happens during training sessions. This includes how quickly firefighters respond to specific scenarios and which techniques prove most effective. This information helps instructors identify areas where firefighters need improvement and supports the optimisation of emergency procedures.

“The reliability of our MELSEC System-Q platform, combined with the GOT HMI interface and data collection, provides a robust foundation for training systems where consistent performance is essential,” comments Jörg Springsguth, Sales Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Europe. “When firefighters depend on their training to save lives, every component must function reliably.”

Simulated mistakes lead to real improvements

The Mitsubishi Electric automation system has delivered measurable improvements in training capability. The control system ensures precise management of fire simulations, keeping scenarios realistic yet safe.

Firefighters can practice dangerous techniques without risking injury or equipment damage. The mobile design allows training to take place directly at operational airports, enabling firefighters to train with the specific aircraft types and layouts they will encounter in real emergencies.

With 28 fire simulation points, training covers a wide range of scenarios, including engine fires, landing gear incidents, cabin emergencies, and fuel spills. This provides comprehensive preparation for real-world airport emergencies.

Data monitoring offers detailed insight into training effectiveness. Instructors can track responses and identify the most effective techniques. The system’s reliability ensures uninterrupted training sessions.

“Regular preventive maintenance, a smooth supply of spare parts, and reliable troubleshooting keep our systems fully operational and ready for use,” notes Schürgers.

Research demonstrates the value of this approach

Fire GO’s mobile simulator addresses key challenges in firefighter preparation. Automation ensures consistent, high-quality training scenarios regardless of location.

The system enables firefighters to practice decision-making in controlled environments, where mistakes become learning opportunities rather than life-threatening situations.

The mobile deployment capability allows training to occur directly at the airports where firefighters operate, improving the relevance and effectiveness of training programmes.

Research conducted by the Allen Fire Department in Texas, USA, shows that simulation-based training can improve firefighter decision-making competency by 22 percent.

Beyond airport operations, this mobile simulation solution is also relevant for industries with similar safety requirements, such as chemical production, energy facilities, transport infrastructure, and logistics hubs.

In these environments, it is essential to create controlled and repeatable training scenarios to prepare teams for extreme conditions. By combining advanced automation technology with specialised engineering expertise, complex fire dynamics can be replicated with precision and reliability.

This allows emergency personnel to train in realistic yet safe conditions, while objective data collection supports continuous improvement in skills and decision-making across industries.

About Fire GO GmbH

Fire GO GmbH, headquartered in Alsdorf (NRW), develops and maintains advanced fire simulation systems designed for realistic live fire training. The company provides both servicing and new designs of gas-powered, computer-controlled installations, ensuring safe and reliable training environments for fire departments and emergency services.

About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

With more than 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a recognised global leader in the manufacture, marketing, and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in various sectors, including industrial technology, energy, transportation, and communications.

Source: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation