Firefighting vehicles - getting that tender feeling
Published: 01 January, 2006
One of the most difficult challenges for any fire & rescue service - and for firefighting vehicle manufacturers - can be found in airport environments. FIRE & RESCUE reports on some of the latest developments with an impact on the market.
Versatility is definitely the name of the game when it comes to airports. When it comes to providing a wide range of vehicles from command vehicles through to firstintervention vehicles, IVECO MAGIRUS is definitely a market leader.
Company spokesman Alfred Bidlingmaier told FIRE & RESCUE: “IVECO MAGIRUS can also supply light and special firefighting vehicles up to various different turntable ladders and aerial telescopic platforms with a rescue height of up to 54m. Rescue vehicles and equipment carriers, as well as swap body vehicles with large roll-off containers, complete the range.”
For the protection of buildings and facilities, offers
In airport circles, IVECO MAGIRUS is best known for its airport crash tender range - the DRAGON x4, x6 and x8. The company offers three variants in this ‘top-of-the-range’ category that meet even the most stringent requirements.
“These are real powerhouses in the form of currently unrivalled high-performing IVECO 1.024 hp or 1.500 hp engines with last generation common-rail injection technology do not only provide for an enormous acceleration but also for an enormous fire fighting power,” Herr Bidlingmaier explains.
“They can provide up to 6,000 l/min pump capacity, 14,000 litres of firefighting agents in a combination of water, powder, and foam. Also available are precise monitors with long-throw ranges to guarantee a fast and effective firefighting operation. The impressive cross-country capabilities of these vehicles provide for unrestricted mobility. The IMPACT series, with the variants x4 and x6, is regarded as the ideal adjunct to the DRAGON range and can even be viewed as a cost-effective alternative for smaller airports.
Based on highly cross-country capable, single tyre IVECO four-wheel-drive chassis, these vehicles are extremely mobile but nevertheless equipped with an impressive firefighting power: depending on vehicle type up to 12,000 litres of fire fighting agent can be carried on board. There are more than 150 IMPACT vehicles currently in operational use worldwide at airport fire departments.
More information? Visit: www.ivecomagirus.de
ARFF developments from Rosenbauer:
The spokesman for the the Rosenbauer group, Walter Dolezal told FIRE & RESCUE: “The design and technology of the PANTHER 8x8 and 6x6 series have been updated to give state-of-the-art design and technology,” he comments. “We placed special emphasis on ergonomics, passenger safety, modern materials, powerful firefighting technology, and EURO 3 compliant drive units.”
Two of Rosenbauer’s best known and most versatile ARFF vehicles are the PANTHER 8x8 MA-5 and the PANTHER 6x6 CA-5. “Originally produced in 1991, the PANTHER’s construction now complies with the ECE R 29 crash test standard (frontal pendulum impact test and roof load of 1.5 t), while the cabs for the previous 6x6 version for ASA Australia also complied with this standard,” he says.
Thanks to completely transparent doors and a front screen which extends upwards to give the driver and passengers perfect all round vision The PANTHER offers a 360° view . All screens are made of safety glass with a front screen of laminated glass.
“The steeper angle of the front windscreen gives the driver and passengers more headroom, and the wide doors make the cab feel more spacious. The roof hatch located behind the monitor allows for quick and safe manual release in case of emergency,” says Walter Dolezal.
More information? Visit: www.rosenbauer.com
ALPAS bodywork makes rugged vehicles.
Ziegler’s latest Airport Crash Tender - currently in service At Stuttgart Airport - is based on a M.A.N. chassis 36.1000 VFAEG 8x8 and features a MAN V 12-cylinder diesel engine with 735 kW / 1,000 PS, EURO 2 features. It has a RENK 5-speed automatic transmission with retarder and mechanical emergency shifting. As well as a progressive coil spring suspension, it has an EG brake system with ABS. The vehicle features a max. speed of 138 km/h and an acceleration of approximately 25 seconds from 0-80 km/h. Notable features include the ZIEGLER ALPAS large cab for a crew of 1+2 or 1+3. This provides an excellent viewing angle for driver and for extinguishing actions, thanks to good visibility from the large windows. It carries Ziegler’s GRP extinguishing agent tanks with water/foam capacities from 11,000 up to 15,000 litres (depending on GVW). Another innovative item is the ZIEGLER pump unit with separate MAN engine, operating completely independently of the vehicle engine. The pump can provide a performance from 6,000 l/min up to 10,000 l/min with a throw of 75m up to 90m. More information?www.ziegler.de
