Client: Chicago Department of Aviation

Location: Chicago, IL

Design, fabrication, and construction of a new Static Large Frame Aircraft (LFA) mock-up based on the new B747-8 and Airbus A380 planes was necessitated, in part, by the fact that the longer, upgraded runways at O’Hare can accommodate these larger Group VI aircraft. Firefighters, needing to practice rescues and extinguishing within a space designed to simulate these larger aircraft, now have a state-of-the-art facility in which to do so. This project was a collaboration between the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and the Chicago Fire Department (CFD).
The three-deck, 35’ tall LFA mockup is approximately 70’ long and 20’ in diameter, and has wings extending 50’ ft from center. This setup creates a realistic training environment: 14 different types of interior and exterior fires and the programming capability to combine different scenarios, including sound effects. With the ability to fit-out cargo, economy, and business/first class areas, there are also luggage racks, restrooms, over-wing slide exits, and galleys, as well as a flight deck and a crew sleeping area; the plane also tips and rotates, making the entire rig a robust model in which disaster recovery can be simulated. Fuel spills, engine fires, major structural failures, and landing gear scenarios are created by a computerized fire control and safety management system. To accommodate a rig with these capabilities, modifications were made to existing infrastructure and burner elements in the fuel burn area.
In addition to training ARFF teams serving O’Hare and Midway International Airports, the training system at O’Hare also doubles as a training center for several other regional gateways in the area, including Rockford International Airport, DuPage Airport and Chicago Executive Airport.