Allison equips Shimojishima Airport fire engines with Automatic Transmissions

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Shimojishima Airport, one of the largest airports in Okinawa Prefecture’s outlying islands, recently selected the Dragon X6 TEP, a Magirus-manufactured airport fire engine, under a contract with Morita Technos Corporation, to replace its aging fire engines.

In order to rapidly respond to an accident and provide aircraft crew and passengers with escape routes and sufficient time to escape, the Dragon X6 TEP with two Allison fully automatic transmissions and two powerful engines is able to arrive at accident sites quickly with driving speeds up to 110 km/h.

The Dragon X6 TEP, which the airport deployed in December 2020, has two Allison 4500 six-speed fully automatic transmissions and two Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ Cursor13 Euro-5 engines. With a maximum torque of 5000 Nm and a maximum output of 824 kilowatts, it reaches speeds of 80km/h in roughly 20 seconds.

This significantly reduces dispatch times for disasters occurring at any airport location, as defined by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) regulations, and in the case of Shimojishima Airport, can reach the most remote location 3 kilometers away in 102 seconds. It is the most powerful and fastest 10,000 liter class 6×6 aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle in the world.

The fire engine’s tanks are some of the largest of any airport fire engine, holding 11,500 liters of water and 1,300 liters of chemicals. The fire engine can pump 6,300 liters per minute from the main turret. The left engine is used to operate the pump, spraying water and foam.

A consistent level of pumping performance is maintained while moving at any speed, whether moving forward or in reverse. In the unlikely event that one of the two engines were to fail, recovery mode would engage and driving would be handled by the remaining engine.

“The driving performance and firefighting capabilities of the Dragon x6 TEP stand head and shoulders above those of other 6×6 airport chemical fire engines,” said Tsuyoshi Hamakawa, Firefighting Group Chief of the Shimojishima Airport Management Co., Ltd. Airport Support Division. “Allison’s patented torque converter increases engine torque, and the Continuous Power TechnologyTM provides uninterrupted power to the tires, so you can accelerate without feeling like you’re driving a 40 ton vehicle.

“That makes it the only ARFF vehicle that can reach accident sites within two minutes from the initial report. Shimojishima Airport has the longest runway in Okinawa prefecture, and since we began offering fixed route service in 2019, we’ve been developing as a gateway for tourists from both Japan and overseas. We’re constantly training to ensure that we can deal with any situation, and we’re preparing to welcome an influx of tourists following the pandemic, keeping them safe and secure.”

Xiangjiang General Aviation Development Company pioneers aerial firefighting missions

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China’s Xiangjiang General Aviation Development Company (Xiangjiang GA) has signed a contract for one AW139 medium twin-engine helicopter and one AW109 Trekker light twin helicopter. The helicopters will be utilised by various municipal branches in the Hunan province, performing public HEMS, fire-fighting and public security missions.

The project represents a brand new public sponsored approach in the establishment of a nationwide HEMS and aerial fire-fighting network in China. 

Hunan, with a population of 66 million and a GDP of US$ 700 billion, is the first province in China to reform its low altitude airspace and pioneer a public HEMS service through the establishment of Xiangjiang GA.

With the fleet combination of the AW139 intermediate and AW109 Trekker light twin both to be delivered within 2023, Xiangjiang GA will be able to perform a wide range of public services missions, with a future fleet and capability growth in mind.

The new AW139 and AW109Trekker will continue to expand the number of Leonardo helicopters in China. Leonardo has already delivered more than 40 AW139 and 13 AW109 Trekker helicopters to serve various Chinese operators, confirming itself as the leader in the OGP, EMS, VIP and law enforcement market in China.

The AW139 has logged orders over 1,250 units from more than 290 operators in over 80 countries to date for all missions. Therefore, this confirms the AW139 as the world’s most important helicopter programme since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling type in its category. With the latest product enhancement on the AW109Trekker Avionics system, the 4-axis auto-pilot will be applied on Xiangjiang GA AW109Trekker to further increase product safety and manoeuvrability.

More than 200 Leonardo civil helicopters of various types have been sold to Chinese operators to date for a range of both commercial and public services.

Big Bear Fire department orders Pierce fire Apparatus

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has announced that the Big Bear, California Fire Department placed an order for three custom Pierce fire apparatus, including two Pierce Arrow XT 4×4 pumpers and an Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower with mid-mount configuration.

The new fire apparatus purchase is part of a fleet upgrade and replacement initiative for the Department and was coordinated through authorized Pierce dealer, South Coast Fire Equipment, Inc.

Big Bear Fire Department Captain Norman Dykesten explained: “Due to economic challenges and a consolidation nearly 15 years ago, fire apparatus replacements were on hold, making upgrade and replacement initiatives a major priority in recent years.

“As we began the bid process, we appreciated South Coast Fire Equipment’s responsiveness and efforts to introduce configurations we didn’t know existed. The value and quality construction we received from Pierce within our available resources were immense, and we are confident the new fire apparatus will be exactly what we need to continue serving our community.”

Big Bear Fire Department’s new fire apparatus will feature:

Pierce Arrow XT 4×4 Pumpers

  • Arrow XT chassis
  • 500-gallon water tank
  • 1,500 gpm pump
  • Cummins X12 engine
  • Command Zone™ Multiplex Electronics

Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower

  • Arrow XT chassis
  • Mid-mount configuration
  • 300-gallon water tank
  • 2,000 gpm pump
  • Cummins X15 605 hp engine
  • Integrated ground pads
  • 20’ setback capacity
  • 20-degree below grade operation
  • TAK-4 T-3™ Independent Suspension

The fire apparatus order is the first the Big Bear Fire Department has placed with South Coast Fire Equipment. Fleet upgrades also include the addition of a Type 3 Model 34 Wildland vehicle from Boise Mobile Equipment.

The Big Bear Fire Department operates out of four fire stations with 58 personnel and responds to over 4,500 calls per year. The service area is a unique mix of rural, mountainous, and urban neighbourhoods. The jurisdiction includes two resorts offering skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as mountain bike trails and golfing in the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

The population for this resort community can fluctuate from approximately 17,800 full time residents to upwards of 250,000 on any given day or holiday weekend, depending on tourist activity. This creates an ever-evolving basis of fire suppression and ambulance needs, for which the Big Bear Fire Department must always be prepared.

Captain Dykesten added: “Although San Bernardino County Fire is able to provide immediate assistance should mutual aid become necessary, one of the biggest challenges Big Bear Fire Department faces is significant additional resources are farther away. The next closest community is 25 miles from us. The commute on mountain highways makes accessibility to critical equipment particularly important for our crew.”

Tim Olley, sales representative at South Coast Fire Equipment commented: “We enjoyed having the opportunity to share all of the advanced features Pierce offers to help the Big Bear Fire Department select apparatus to best fit their needs. Our team looks forward to building our relationship and providing dedicated service support for many years to come.”

Nevada Division of Forestry invests in air support for wildland firefighting

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The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) has announced a partnership with Rutledge Airborne Applications to provide critical air support for wildland firefighting throughout Nevada. The three-year partnership contract increases fire response capabilities by utilising state-of-the-art single engine air tankers (SEATs).  

SEATs are compact, versatile aircraft that can launch from smaller regional and local airports, such as those in Minden and Elko. They are capable of flying multiple missions within an hour, depending on proximity to a refill base. The aircrafts can also cover a greater range and fly at higher speeds than NDF’s current helicopter fleet.

Because of their smaller size, SEATs can safely manoeuvre in areas that are difficult to access. “We can go virtually anywhere, and we’ll work out from whatever base is closest to the fire to keep us efficient.” – said Cade Boeger, a pilot for Rutledge.

With fire seasons growing longer and more extreme each year, with the new partnership Nevada is reimagining their approach to fire preparedness to meet today’s challenges, including climate change impacts.

“This new partnership with Rutledge gives us more flexibility and efficiency in our response to wildfires. Our priority is to protect firefighters and first responders, Nevada families, communities, and natural ecosystems,” said Nevada’s State Forester Firewarden Kacey KC.

The first two SEATs arrived in Reno on Sunday night and are ready to assist firefighters on the ground anywhere in the state.

Ziegler to deliver three industrial fire trucks to Netherlands Railway zone

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Ziegler has announced that it will deliver three industrial firetrucks to the Safety Region Zuid-Holland Zuid (VRZHZ) and ProRail for Kijfhoek railway zone and rail zone Dordrecht.

Ziegler Brandweertechniek will build the three industrial firetrucks in an important step to improve the security at the yard Kijfhoek in Zwijndrecht. 

At the beginning of June, the contract was signed by VRZHZ, ProRail, the municipality of Zwijndrecht and Ziegler Brandweertechniek B.V.

The new industrial fire trucks are faster, more manoeuvrable, more economical and are prepared for the use of more sustainable (fluorine-free) types of extinguishing foam. The fire trucks, which are thoroughly tested and have more extinguishing capacity, are intended for both the yard Kijfhoek and the rail zone in Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht, ensuring there will always two vehicles available for both areas.

Mayor Hein van der Loo of the municipality of Zwijndrecht said: ”The purchase of these industrial firetrucks is one of the measures to make the Spoorzone and Kijfhoek even safer. These vehicles allow the fire brigade to fight an incident safely and quickly. That is in the interest of all of us. It is now up to our partner Ziegler to deliver the fire trucks on time.”

The industrial firetrucks are to be completely engineered and manufactured in the Netherlands by Ziegler in Winschoten. The production process will takes approximately 12 months. After the production, there will be an extensive quality check and practical testing. The entire process takes about 24 months to delivery.

Umatilla County Fire District orders Spartan Star Series Pumper

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Spartan Emergency Response, a subsidiary of REV Group and manufacturer of fire apparatus, has announced that the Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 in Oregon has ordered a Smeal 100’ Rear Mount Platform and a Spartan Star Series Pumper. Both units were sold by authorised dealer True North Emergency Equipment.

The new apparatus are part of the district’s vehicle replacement plan, which included the purchase of two Spartan Emergency Response pumpers three years ago.

“Morale has been improved with the addition of these new apparatus and the community pride is going strong,” said Chief Scott Stanton. “Spartan Emergency Response and Smeal have proven to deliver a quality product, and True North Emergency Equipment has been great about responding to or taking care of any questions or concerns we’ve had.”

“The Spartan ER and Smeal teams are humbled to have had the Umatilla County Fire District expand their fleet further with us based on the value of the previously delivered units,” said Chris Wade, Director of Sales, Spartan Emergency Response. “We look forward to another opportunity to dedicate our labor to this additional fire apparatus and provide the district, and its citizens, dependable, quality vehicles.”

Ziegler delivers fire engines to two German fire departments

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ZIEGLER has delivered the second batch of the total of six LF 10 with ALPAS and Z-Control of the latest generation to the fire departments of the city of Kehl and the municipality of Meißenheim on 24 June.

ZIEGLER was awarded the contract within the scope of inter-municipal cooperation after the tender and the demonstration of the vehicle at the beginning of 2021. Four of these vehicles were delivered to the city of Kehl and two to the municipality of Meißenheim.

The six identical vehicles are built on a MAN new TG chassis. As a result, the fire departments are now in the possession of new compact and manoeuvrable vehicles with a low centre of gravity, favourable extraction height and extensive equipment. In addition, 2,500 litres of water are available for firefighting operations.

The control and pump operation works via Z-Control of the latest generation. The operation of the vehicles with the new operating concept of the ZIEGLER Group is simple and self-explanatory, which is why it is very popular with fire departments worldwide and has become indispensable for the operation of a firefighting vehicle.

This could also be seen in the reactions of the firefighters from Kehl and Meißenheim on site: Familiarisation with the operating concept was easy for everyone involved, and within one day the firefighters had been trained and were then able to transfer the vehicle to its new home.

Nörvenich volunteer fire department orders electric fire engine from Rosenbauer

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The municipality of Nörvenich in North Rhine-Westphalia has ordered a Rosenbauer RT (Revolutionary Technology) for its volunteer fire department, joining the ranks of customers such as the Berlin Fire Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Dubai Civil Defence.

The purchase contract was signed on June 20 at the world’s leading trade fair, INTERSCHUTZ, and the vehicle will be delivered by the end of June 2023.

“The RT is leading fire departments into the age of electric mobility in a sustainable way,” said Andreas Zeller, Sales Director of Rosenbauer International AG, “and we are seeing more and more emergency response organizations around the world expressing an interest in this vehicle.

“We are particularly pleased that Nörvenich as a volunteer fire department in Germany to opt for an RT, and this confirms the trend. We estimate that by 2025, there will already be 700 to 800 vehicles with alternative drives operational in Europe. The RT is setting the technological benchmark, as it is certainly the most mature and well-conceived solution and much more than just an electrified fire-fighting vehicle.”

Oliver Hartlieb, chief of the Nörvenich volunteer fire department, said he is particularly delighted with the RT’s cab concept: “The conference seating arrangement makes it much easier for the emergency crews to communicate.”

He was also won over by the functionality of the air-suspended chassis, which allows the RT to be lowered at the operational site: “This makes it much easier to access the equipment stored in the superstructure.”

“With the RT, our volunteer fire department, which is divided into nine firefighting units and covers 14 towns over an area of 66 km2, is getting much more than a fire truck with an alternative form of propulsion,” added Timo Czech, mayor of the municipality of Nörvenich.

“We are getting state-of-the-art technology that is ahead of its time in many ways. This helps us to build up our own experience at an early stage, both with regard to the drive and the many new solutions on the vehicle, which will be helpful to us in future purchases and concepts.

“I am also pleased that our fire department appreciates the fact that they are now trailblazers as well. I thank our municipal council and the fire chief, who have supported my proposal for the purchase of this vehicle from the very beginning. Thanks to public subsidies, the procurement has also become financially viable for the municipality of Nörvenich.”

Brazilian fire service welcomes Magirus FireBull to its fleet

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The Brazilian state of Ceará has received its first FireBull from Magirus. A delegation with high-ranking representatives of the Governor, the fire brigades and partners were guests at the Magirus Experience Center in Ulm for the technical acceptance and handover of the world’s first tracked fire engine as well as a MultiStar combination vehicle and several portable fire pumps.

The FireBull tracked fire engine from Magirus combines the AirCore extinguishing technology, flexible set-up options and the extremely all-terrain PowerBully chassis from Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG to form a globally unique, versatile special fire-fighting vehicle. The AirCore water mist technology enables efficient fire-fighting with high penetration depths and throwing distances of up to 80 metres, but also an excellent cooling effect with minimal water consumption.

The FireBull can transport high volumes of extinguishing agent (9,000 litres of water, 2,000 litres of foam) with a minimum ground pressure of 0.300 kilograms per square centimetre at a permissible total weight of 30 tonnes, an central advantage in impassable and difficult-to-access terrain.

In the future, the FireBull will be used in the region around Porto do Pecém. In addition to being called out for use in vegetation fires or operations in the nearby reserve and protected area, the region has a large port, beaches and numerous large industrial operations ranging from recycling plants to steel production, some of which have difficult-to-access terrain.

Carlos Décimo de Souza from the Secretariat for Research, Technology and Education of the Governor of Ceará expressed his thanks for the very good, trusting and cooperative partnership: “We are thrilled to be able to take delivery of these state-of-the-art Magirus vehicles here in Ulm.

“With the consistent renewal and constant expansion with innovative, unique deployment technology such as extinguishing robots and powerful special vehicles such as the Magirus FireBull, we want to ensure that our emergency forces can make a sustainable contribution to the protection of people, material and companies in our region and are themselves always protected in the best possible way.”

Rising wildfires a growth catalyst for firefighting aircraft market

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The global firefighting aircraft market size is expected to grow from $7.11 billion in 2021 to $7.73 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8 according to a new report from The Business Research Company that provides firefighting aircraft market statistics. The market size is expected to grow to $9.60 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 5.6%.

The growing number of wildfires is expected to drive growth in the firefighting aircraft market going forward. Firefighting aircraft are used to stop the spread of fire in the forests and minimize the damage. As a result, a growing number of wildfires will increase the demand for firefighting aircraft.

New product innovations have emerged as the key trend gaining popularity in the firefighting aircraft market. Major companies operating in the firefighting aircraft market are focused on new product innovations to meet consumer demand.

Major players in the firefighting aircraft market are Airbus SE, Coulson Aircrane Ltd, Kaman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, ShinMaywa Industries Ltd., Textron Inc., Viking Air Ltd., Rockwell Automation Inc., Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Bombardier Inc., Siemens AG, Conair Group Inc., Sabena Technics, AeroFlite, and Canadair.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the firefighting aircraft market in 2021. North America was the second largest region in the global firefighting aircraft market. The regions covered in the global firefighting aircrafts market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.