- entrol has delivered a simulator for the Air Tractor AT802 Fire Boss amphibious firefighter to Aquarius Aerial Firefighting, a subsidiary of Europe’s largest all-cargo airline, Cargolux.
- To maximize tactical realism, entrol has incorporated original components into the simulator, ranging from the cockpit seat and flight and engine controls to genuine Garmin hardware for training.
- entrol’s high-fidelity flight models are complemented by advanced technology, including a triple-laser projection visual system, a thermal camera, and a Head-Up Display (HUD).
- The unique addition of a second station facilitates practising two-ship missions common in aerial firefighting.
Madrid, March 18th, 2026
entrol, the manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD, and FFS flight simulators, is pleased to announce the successful installation of a state-of-the-art Air Tractor AT-802 simulator for Aquarius Aerial Firefighting (Aquarius AFF) in Luxembourg. This device was specifically configured for the “Sea” (Fire Boss) version and a cornerstone of the pilots training program.
The project stands out for its focus on operational realism. To ensure a seamless training experience, entrol has integrated original components of the aircraft type, including the real Garmin G600 TXi avionics and the pilot seat. This combination of real hardware and proprietary software eliminates tactile differences in the cockpit, allowing pilots to develop precise muscle memory for critical missions.
Operational fidelity and genuine hardware
To bridge the gap between simulation and real life situations, entrol has gone beyond standard replicas. This unit integrates original Garmin G600 TXi glass cockpit hardware, to ensure that pilots interact with the exact interface used in real missions. Complementing the avionics, the simulator includes a real aircraft seat, providing the specific ergonomics and tactile feedback required for endurance firefighting missions.
Tactical excellence: seeing through the smoke
(EVS & HUD)
Aerial firefighting is a high-stakes environment where situational awareness is easily compromised by dense smoke and terrain. Entrol has therefore the simulator with a unique technological suite designed for “eyes-out” operations:
- Enhanced Vision System (EVS) & HUD: The integration of an Aerodisplay HUD with a long-wave infrared (LWIR) thermal camera allows pilots to “see” through thick smoke. The system projects critical flight symbology—including airspeed (left), altitude (right), and heading (top)—directly onto the pilot’s line of sight.
- Thermal Imaging Feed: Combined with the flight data, a high-contrast monochrome thermal feed is displayed, allowing the identification of hotspots, terrain relief, and fire line when visual references are completely obscured by smoke. This ensures accuracy during water drops and enhances crew safety in hostile environments.
“This simulator is a leap forward in tactical training for Europe,” explains Juanjo Lechosa, Business Development Manager at entrol. “We have developed a specific vibration system that replicates the structural loads during water scooping and the sudden change in Center of Gravity (CG) during a drop. This allows Aquarius AFF pilots to master the most dangerous phases of the mission in a controlled, high-fidelity environment.”
The simulator includes a geo-specific database with high-resolution imagery of critical operational areas, such as the Welzow Aerodrome (EDCY) in Germany. Furthermore, the Advanced Debriefing Station allows instructors to review mission parameters in 3D, analyzing drop accuracy and flight path efficiency to optimize tactical performance.
The simulator includes a geo-specific database with high-resolution imagery of critical operational areas, such as the Welzow Aerodrome (EDCY) in Germany. Furthermore, the Advanced Debriefing Station allows instructors to review mission parameters in 3D, analyzing drop accuracy and flight path efficiency to optimize tactical performance.
