Replica Grumman S-2 Tracker Training Device

Developed by GeoSim Technologies, the Tracker is a dual-pilot training device modelled on the Grumman S-2 Tracker. The simulator provides a realistic platform for VFR, IFR, procedural, emergency and specialised aerial firefighting training.

The cockpit, pilot and co-pilot positions and instrument panel arrangement closely replicate the operational aircraft, providing crews with an effective environment in which to develop aircraft handling, procedures, crew coordination and mission skills.

Retardant-Drop Training

A successful aerial firefighting drop requires considerably more than simply flying over a fire.

Pilots must consider terrain, wind, aircraft performance, approach geometry, escape routes, other aircraft and the required placement of the retardant.

GeoSim can create mission scenarios allowing crews to repeatedly practise:

• Drop approaches
• Run-in procedures
• Target alignment
• Drop timing
• Terrain clearance
• Escape manoeuvres
• Go-around decisions
• Changing wind conditions
• Reduced visibility
• Operational decision-making

Simulation allows these procedures to be practised repeatedly without consuming retardant, fuel or valuable aircraft hours.

Multi-Aircraft Firefighting Training

GeoSim simulators can be networked to create a coordinated aerial firefighting environment.

The S-2 Tracker can therefore operate within a simulated mission involving other aircraft, including air attack and coordination platforms.

This allows crews to practise communications, sequencing, separation and mission procedures as part of a wider aerial firefighting operation.

Train the aircraft, the crew and the firefighting mission together.

Realistic Flight Model

The Tracker uses X-Plane Professional as its underlying flight simulation platform, complemented by GeoSim-developed software, hardware interfaces and aircraft-specific systems.

Flight characteristics can be developed and refined with input from experienced S-2 Tracker pilots to reproduce the handling and performance required for meaningful procedural and operational training.

Train Without Risking the Aircraft

The most valuable firefighting training is often the most difficult to conduct safely in an operational aircraft.

The GeoSim Tracker allows pilots to practise low-level operations, emergency procedures, difficult approaches and demanding firefighting scenarios without placing the aircraft or crew at unnecessary risk.

It also reduces:

• Aircraft operating hours
• Fuel consumption
• Maintenance exposure
• Training-related wear and tear
• Dependence on suitable weather
• Operational aircraft downtime

At the same time, scenarios can be paused, repeated and modified until the required procedures and skills have been mastered.

Aerial Firefighting Mission Training

The S-2 Tracker operates in one of aviation’s most demanding environments. Low-level flight, mountainous terrain, smoke, turbulence, changing winds and congested airspace can all form part of a single firefighting mission.

The Tracker allows crews to rehearse these demanding operations in a controlled simulator environment before encountering them in the aircraft.

Training can include:

• Firefighting mission procedures
• Fire approach and departure profiles
• Retardant-drop procedures
• Low-level operations
• Mountainous terrain operations
• Fire traffic-area procedures
• Navigation and communications
• Emergency procedures
• Pilot and co-pilot coordination

Pilot & Co-Pilot Crew Coordination

The Tracker  is configured as a dual-pilot simulator, allowing the pilot and co-pilot to train as a crew rather than independently.

This provides an effective platform for developing:

• Crew Resource Management (CRM)
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Checklist discipline
• Workload management
• Communication
• Situational awareness
• Emergency response
• Decision-making under pressure

Complex failures can also be introduced during demanding mission scenarios, requiring both crew members to identify the problem, communicate and respond appropriately.

Location-Specific Training

The simulator provides worldwide scenery using GPS-derived terrain and extensive airport and navigation databases.

GeoSim can also develop high-detail custom operational areas, enabling crews to train over recognisable terrain relevant to their actual area of operations.

For aerial firefighting organisations, this provides the opportunity to rehearse missions involving:

• Mountainous terrain
• Valleys and ridgelines
• Known fire-prone areas
• Operational airfields
• Waterways and landmarks
• Local approach and departure routes

Crews can therefore become familiar with an operational area before flying the mission in the aircraft.

Custom Cockpit & Systems

The cockpit design, pilot and co-pilot positions and instrument panel arrangement closely resemble those of the operational S-2 Tracker.

GeoSim specialises in developing operator-specific simulator solutions and can replicate:

• Instrument configurations
• Avionics
• Radios
• Navigation equipment
• Controls and switches
• Operational procedures
• Firefighting systems
• Operator-specific equipment

Different configuration? Tell us what you operate and we can discuss replicating it.