Simulation Engine

Real Hydraulics — Not Arcade Physics

PumpForge models real hydraulic behavior so operators build correct intuition. Same inputs always produce the same outputs. Operators who pass here can pump on the fireground.

Update Rate

20 times per second

Standards

NFPA & NFA aligned

Consistent

Same inputs = same outputs

Failure Modes

Cavitation, burst, overheat

Validation

NFPA 1002 aligned

NFPA-Aligned Simulation

The hydraulics model is grounded in NFPA 1002 and NFA curriculum standards. Operators who train on PumpForge build the same intuition they need on the fireground.

NFPA 1002 • NFA curriculum

Consistent & Repeatable

No randomness, no arcade mechanics. Given the same scenario parameters and the same operator inputs, the simulation produces identical results every time. This makes scoring fair and repeatable.

Repeatable • Auditable • Fair

Realistic Failure Modes

Operators experience every failure mode they could encounter on a real apparatus: cavitation from low intake pressure, hose bursts from over-pressure, pump overheating from closed recirculation, and tank depletion from poor water management.

Cavitation • Burst • Overheat • Tank depletion

Pump Curve Behavior

The simulator models realistic pump performance. As flow increases, available pressure decreases according to the pump's rated capacity. Operators learn to work within the pump's actual performance envelope.

Flow vs. pressure • Rated capacity limits

Multiple Supply Types

Hydrant supply with residual pressure, tank water with declining level, draft operations with primer and vacuum, and relay pumping with intake boost. Each supply type behaves differently and requires different operator techniques.

Hydrant • Tank • Draft • Relay

Real-Time Gauge Response

Gauges respond to operator inputs the way a real pump panel does. Throttle changes don't produce instant pressure jumps — operators learn the feel of a real panel where changes take time to stabilise.

Realistic response • Natural feel

Want to try the same math without signing in? Use our free Pump Discharge Pressure (PDP) calculator — the identical friction-loss engine, open to anyone.

Common Questions

Hydraulics questions, answered

Is the hydraulics simulation deterministic?

Yes. The same scenario parameters and operator inputs always produce identical results, with no randomness or arcade mechanics, which makes scoring fair, repeatable, and auditable.

What failure modes does it model?

Operators experience cavitation from low intake pressure, hose bursts from over-pressure, pump overheating from closed recirculation, and tank depletion from poor water management.

Which water supply types are supported?

Hydrant supply with residual pressure, tank water with declining level, draft operations with primer and vacuum, and relay pumping with intake boost. Each behaves differently and requires different operator technique.

What standards is the engine based on?

The model is grounded in NFPA 1002 and National Fire Academy curriculum standards and updates 20 times per second for realistic, real-time gauge response.

Hydraulics that hold up on the fireground

Run an evolution and check the hydraulics yourself. We're onboarding beta partner departments now.

Join the Beta Program ← Back to Features