Abstract
Aim: The paper advocates the potential use of virtual simulation during training of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators.
Introduction: The article identified the role and function of UAV in context of tasks performed by the Fire Service and revealed principles associated with the utilization of UAV in accordance with national legal requirements. A discussion identified current approaches used in the training of UAV operators, which is based on experience gained to date. The use of UAV craft minimizes dangers to human life as well as facilitates faster diagnosis, hence, the growing interest in this type of machine. Based on the analysis of available literature, it is possible to identify the range of applications for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV): • conduct of reconnaissance and contamination measurements in the danger zone, e.g. the threat from chemical agents, • monitoring of woodland areas, flood developments and inspection work, • monitoring of developments involving major scale road traffic accidents, • observations and analysis of building fires, • developing a communication and surveillance network during firefighting operations.
Methodology: Firefighting and rescue operations performed by units of the National Firefighting and Rescue System (KSRG) are characterized by large diversity. However, it is possible to identify component parts, performance of which can be improved on the basis of information provided by the UAV. Practice drills for such elements, conducted during training and simulations, can be performed using specialized equipment, in this case ULBP, with a limited number of operators undergoing training and reduced risk of damage to relatively expensive equipment. An alternative is to perform virtual reality exercises, which would minimize the risk of destruction or damage to UAV equipment and allow for the repetitive accomplishment of tasks in replicated conditions, encountered during actual firefighting and rescue operations. This approach would ensure the safety of operators and minimize training costs. The paper articulates principles associated with the use of UAV for the range of tasks encapsulated by the KSRG framework. The article contains details of a proposed virtual reality environment project, including a description of potential applications to run during simulation exercises, which is intended to increase the effectiveness of training for UAV certified operators and significantly reduce training costs.
Conclusions: Commercially available advanced virtual simulation environments such as VBS3 allow for the construction of a wide range of training scenarios. The virtual simulation environment is characterized by a high fidelity level of simulated activities and high quality of imaging. The proposed UAV simulation model reflects basic properties of an actual UAV platform and allows for interaction with the virtual environment and others.
Keywords: UAV, training, simulator, virtual simulation
Type of article: review article