Concept Smoke Systems Demonstrates Smoke Technology at DIO’s Catterick Whinney Hill Training Estate
In April 2019, Concept Smoke Systems had the privilege of visiting Whinney Hill Training Estate, part of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) expansive military training facilities in Catterick, North Yorkshire. As one of the UK’s key training sites, Whinney Hill plays a vital role in preparing British Armed Forces for real-world operations by simulating complex battlefield conditions.
Concept was invited to demonstrate the capabilities of its industrial-grade smoke generators within this high-intensity training environment. The objective was to showcase how smoke can be used to enhance operational realism, stress decision-making, and better prepare troops for the unpredictable conditions of modern conflict.
The Whinney Hill Training Estate
Whinney Hill forms part of the larger Catterick Training Area, one of the busiest and most important military training zones in the UK. With varied terrain and a mix of rural and urban-style environments, it provides the perfect location to test tactics, develop situational awareness, and refine responses to rapidly evolving threats. The estate is regularly used by a wide range of units, including infantry, engineers, and specialist response teams.
Three Realistic Scenarios Demonstrated
During the visit, Concept Smoke Systems delivered a hands-on demonstration of how artificial smoke can be deployed across different training scenarios:
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Building Fire Simulation
Using high-output smoke generators, Concept simulated a structural fire inside a mock urban building. -
Vehicle Fire Simulation
A second scenario focused on a vehicle-based incident, where smoke was used to replicate the thick, disorienting effects of a fire in or around a military vehicle. -
General Atmospheric Effects
Concept also demonstrated how smoke could be dispersed across open ground and built-up areas to create low-lying or widespread atmospheric conditions. This type of deployment is particularly effective for mimicking battlefield haze, post-blast environments, or NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) scenarios.
Each scenario made full use of Concept’s robust equipment portfolio, including systems capable of continuous, high-density output for extended training exercises.
Training Value and Feedback
The demonstrations were well received by DIO personnel and training facilitators, who acknowledged the value of artificial smoke in enhancing immersion and realism. By introducing environmental stressors that impact vision and orientation, smoke-based training helps to harden personnel responses and test team communication under duress.
Concept’s visit underlined the importance of high-quality simulation tools in preparing military personnel for real-life operations. Concept Smoke Systems remains committed to supporting the UK’s defence training infrastructure by delivering reliable, field-tested smoke generation solutions that elevate realism and improve training outcomes. The Whinney Hill demonstration exemplified how artificial smoke is not just a theatrical effect—but a powerful tool for mission-readiness and tactical confidence.
Equipment used:
