Fast delivery ensures rapid ARFF response

Published: 01 July, 2008

The authorities of privately-owned Engadine Airport in Samedan, Switzerland, aim to offer travellers a state-of-the-art infrastructure and the highest level of safety, which is why they have an ambitious investment programme.
“To handle ICAO Cat. 6 aircrafts, we are required to eAmploy seven firefighters and a truck with a capacity of 8,000 litres on the tarmac,” explains Chief Ground Services Martin Binkert. “Before our brand-new appliance arrived, we had to bring in a vehicle and staff from St. Moritz, or from Samedan. Because aircraft often run late in winter because of extreme snow and fog conditions, the situation became unacceptable for the volunteer firefighters in the area and therefore Engadine Airport decided to go ahead with a new, made-to-measure fire engine in winter 2006/7. We chose Vogt Ltd from the four proposals we received for the new vehicle because it offered an excellent technical product for an attractive price which included a guarantee to deliver and commission the vehicle before 19 December 2007 – the start of our winter season”, explains Airport CEO Corando Manzoni. “The fact that Vogt Ltd. is well-known for its expertise in manufacturing fire appliances for regional airports gave us a strong sense of security.”
AA well-integrated package
The new Vogt fire engine is especially developed for airports with ICAO Cat. 5 or 6. The crew-cab offers space for four firefighters, plus a driver, and is built on a 6x6 chassis.
The appliance is highly cost effective because the main engine also powers the water pump, which works at full capacity even at slow vehicle speeds, via the auxiliary drive from the main engine. Geographical preferences around the world differ greatly, but basic ICAO-requirements remain the same and therefore the package for Engadine Airport includes special equipment that enables firefighters to work under extremely harsh winter conditions. Engadine valley is often exposed to temperatures of -20°C for long periods and therefore Vogt designed a hot air system that distributes heat to the water tank, the crew-cab and the pump compartment. The roof- and the front monitor are controlled by either the driver or the commander, with a joystick that is placed between their seats. The vehicle’s control-screen is centrally located between the two seats, allowing the user to access relevant data online. Vogt makes full use of its expertise in centrifugal pumps, which are developed and produced in the company’s own manufacturing facility. Vogt-pumps are made of brass and incorporate a maintenance-free shaft seal, which is more resistant to wear and therefore has a longer life cycle than any aluminium designs.
“Our company has manufactured centrifugal pumps for the firefighting industry since 1932,” comments Sales Director Jürg Vogt. “One of the secrets behind the quality and extremely short delivery time, is the large amount of knowhow and experience our company has developed over the years.”

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