FARMINGTON, Conn., February 25, 2008 - Kidde Fire Trainers recently launched the world’s largest aircraft fire training system, the Kidde A380 Aircraft FIRETRAINER® A-250.  The full scale replica of the A380 forward fuselage provides a broad range of training options and incorporates innovative design techniques to increase realism.  Kidde Fire Trainers is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). 

“Surges in air traffic around the world have placed increased demands on aviation emergency services, including aircraft fire protection units,” said Louis Orotelli, International Marketing Manager, Kidde Fire Trainers. 

“The need for realistic fire training is now more vital then ever; however the question has been how to solve the previously unseen challenges associated with this new class of large scale aircraft,” Orotelli continued.  “Our response – build the biggest aircraft simulator in the world.”

Kidde designed the trainer’s forward fuselage to mimic the A380’s triple-decked layout and included actual features such as; passenger seating, overhead luggage bins, a WC, galley, internal staircases, cargo areas and access doors. 

“The A380’s sheer scale, multiple decks, and number of passengers will make rescue efforts particularly challenging,” said Orotelli.  “Therefore it’s important that airport fire fighters train on an accurate and realistic replica that addresses all of these factors.”

The unit was also designed to allow for multiple fire scenarios including LPG, aviation fuel and carbonaceous fuel. Intense heat and smoke can also be added to the mix, making the Kidde A380 Aircraft FIRETRAINER one of the most flexible and realistic training environments available today. 

The new unit was recently installed at the Serco International Fire Training Centre (IFTC), one of the world’s largest aviation fire training facilities, based at Durham Tees Valley Airport in the Northeast of England.

Kidde Fire Trainers has been supplying the IFTC with state of the art fire training systems for more than a decade.  Prior to the A380 Aircraft FIRETRAINER, Kidde installed a CAT 5 Dual Fuel Fire training aircraft.

“IFTC has been at the forefront of delivering fire training to the aviation, offshore, petrochemical and maritime sectors for more than 50 years,” said Chris Wood IFTC Serco General Manager.  “We are always working to ensure that our fire training grounds remain at the forefront within the industry.  The Kidde A380 Aircraft FIRETRAINER is the first of its kind anywhere and will play a huge role in expanding the training services we can offer our clients.”

The new simulator will become part of IFTC’s extensive fire training grounds which also includes fully equipped classroom facilities and provides instruction to fire-fighters from more than 70 countries.

Kidde Fire Trainers is part of UTC Fire & Security, a $5.8 billion company that provides fire safety and security solutions to more than one million customers worldwide.  Headquartered in Connecticut, UTC Fire & Security is a business unit of United Technologies Corp., which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide. More information can be found at www.utcfireandsecurity.com.

Contact:
Kimberly Reidy
Media Relations Manager
UTC Fire & Security
860-284-3094
Kimberly.reidy@fs.utc.com