Concept Smoke Systems Supports Army Training During Dry Weather Restrictions
Concept Smoke Systems has supplied the Van Hunks and B1 smoke machines to the British Army to help maintain realistic training following restrictions on the use of pyrotechnics during dry summer conditions.
With dry grass and vegetation vulnerable to ignition, pyrotechnic effects had been banned for the training concerned due to wildfire risks. The Army needed an alternative way to introduce smoke and reduced visibility into exercises, retaining these valuable training challenges while addressing the reason for the restrictions.
Reducing reliance on pyrotechnics
Artificial smoke provides a practical alternative to effects that generate smoke by burning a pyrotechnic charge. By producing smoke from a specialist fluid, these machines avoid the burning smoke composition and spent hot pyrotechnic casings that can present an ignition hazard around dry vegetation.
This helps reduce a significant source of wildfire risk while allowing instructors to recreate challenging visibility conditions.
Two machines for different training needs
The Van Hunks provides high smoke output for scenarios requiring larger volumes of smoke, while the compact, handheld B1 offers battery powered portability for introducing smoke where mains electricity is unavailable. Together, they give instructors flexibility to create both broader smoke effects and more localised scenarios.
Reduced visibility can add a valuable dimension to training, challenging communication, coordination and the ability to work effectively when familiar surroundings become harder to navigate. Controllable smoke also allows instructors to introduce an effect when required, stop production and repeat an exercise for subsequent groups.
A reusable alternative with lower running cost potential
Alongside the practical benefits, reusable smoke machines offer the potential for substantial savings over repeated use of disposable pyrotechnic smoke effects.
Each pyrotechnic device is consumed during use, requiring another item for the next activation. A smoke machine can be refilled and used across successive exercises, with ongoing costs principally covering smoke fluid, power or fuel, and routine maintenance.
For units carrying out regular training, this can reduce the cost of repeated smoke effects and allow more practice within the available budget. Actual savings depend on the frequency of use and the effects being replaced.
Demonstration and practical training at Concept
As part of the supply, Concept welcomed members of the Army to its Maidenhead premises for live demonstrations and practical training on the various pieces of equipment.
The visit provided an opportunity to compare smoke outputs, understand the different operating methods and gain hands on experience before using the machines during exercises. It also allowed the team to discuss their training requirements directly with Concept and build confidence in selecting and operating the equipment.
Concept is pleased to support the Army with practical smoke solutions that help preserve training realism, reduce reliance on disposable pyrotechnics and address the challenges posed by dry summer conditions.
To discuss smoke equipment for military or emergency service training, contact Concept Smoke Systems.
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