London Fire Brigade invests in electric-hybrid fire engine

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London Fire Brigade has announced it investing in the development of an electric-hybrid fire engine as part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions, supporting the Mayor of London’s ambition for London to be net zero carbon by 2030.

The Brigade is currently working with Emergency One, a leading manufacturer of specialist fire and rescue service appliances, to build a Zero Emission Capable Pumping Appliance (ZEPA1). It will be the first fire and rescue service to use an electric-hybrid fire engine when it is due to start being trialled later this year.

Developing zero emission solutions for fire engines can be particularly challenging as they have demanding performance requirements as they need to both attend incidents as soon as possible, be able to pump water for long periods of time and transport equipment and machinery to deal with fires, flooding and other incidents.

This announcement comes during London Climate Action Week, where there is a huge focus on finding new ways to create a sustainable Net Zero London and follows years of work to reduce the emissions from the Brigade’s fleet and support electric and hybrid vehicles. A total of 96% of all the Brigade’s buildings have electric vehicle charge points, with 242 charging sockets. A further three fire stations have publicly accessible rapid charging.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Our first priority is always to ensure the Brigade provides a first-class prevention, protection and emergency response service for London. But for some time we have been looking towards a more sustainable future and working to identify the challenges and solutions to ensure that we as a fire service can move to a zero emission fleet.

“ZEPA1 is a very big and exciting step for us and the whole of the UK fire service and we are incredibly proud to be part of the innovation that will lead to the UK’s first electric-hybrid fire engines at one of our fire stations.

“It is hoped that in leading the way on developing an electric-hybrid fire engine, the project will help drive and grow the market for zero emission specialist vehicles in the UK’s emergency services and particularly in the fire service.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It’s fantastic to see London Fire Brigade driving innovation among fire services across the country by supporting the UK’s first electric-hybrid fire engine.

“I am passionate about tackling the climate crisis, which is why London is leading the world in taking bold action to reduce carbon emissions, with a commitment to make our capital zero-carbon by 2030. I am determined to build a greener and safer city for everyone.

“Our emergency services are a key part of our clean air goals and this high-performance green fire engine will help to ensure Londoners breathe cleaner air whilst working to tackle blazes across the city – proving once again that sustainability can and must be at the heart of the modernisation of our public services.”

ZEPA1 is planned to be trialled as a frontline fire engine later this year and is capable of meeting all of the Brigade’s demanding operations – ensuring it will carry out the work of a standard diesel appliance in travelling to a fire, pumping the water required to put it out, and travelling back to the station.

City of Varennes Fire Safety Service orders fully electric fire truck

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E-ONE, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., has announced that it is building an all-electric Vector Rescue Decon truck for the City of Varennes Fire Safety Service in Quebec; the first Rescue truck using the first fully electric North America- style fire truck design.

This Vector order, which will become one of the initial EV fire trucks in operation in Canada, came from the City of Varennes.

REV Fire Group introduced its EV fire truck in August 2021, which utilizes 316 kilowatts of proven automotive grade batteries, and can be customized to accommodate specialized fire ground duties such as air support and decontamination of firefighters to remove carcinogens from gear after fighting structure fires.

The Vector design features low battery cell placement which offers a safer, lower centre of gravity for enhanced stability while operating. The crew from Varennes worked closely with the engineers at E-ONE to develop this unique mission critical apparatus to serve their community.

Key features of the Vector Rescue Decon truck are:

  • 100-inch-wide Cyclone cab with raised forward roof and rear vista
  • Extruded aluminum walk-thru body with full height / full depth compartments on each side
  • Upgraded air conditioning system with auxiliary A/C in the crew area of the cab and body
  • Diesel fired interior area heaters with on-demand hot water heating capabilities for
    Decon
  • Thermal battery management system
  • 500-amps of available 12-volt power
  • Range extender for emergency back-up power to stay on scene for extended duties
  • 4-bottle DOT 6000 PSI cascade system, booster pump and 2 bottle fill station for air support
  • Complete Decon package and shower inside the body with changing room for personnel
  • Walk-through body design to cab allows for separation of duties with a dirty firefighter entering in the back door and emerging through the cab crew doors decontaminated.

“This emergency truck is one-of-a-kind,” said Varennes Mayor Martin Damphousse in a city press release. “In addition to having a self-sufficiency that guarantees reliability for the entire duration of interventions, it will meet the needs of the Fire Safety Service on three specific points: the decontamination of firefighters on site with their equipment, air refuelling breathing and release during a call.”

“We are excited to partner with Varennes Fire Safety Service to help protect both their community and the environment with one of the first EV fire apparatus in Canada,” said Kent Tyler, President of REV Fire Group. “It’s our first EV Rescue truck, which demonstrates the Vector’s customization and flexibility to suit a fire department’s needs.”

Rosenbauer showcases electric aerial ladder

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Fire fighting vehicle manufacturer Rosenbauer presented the first L32A-XS on a fully electric series chassis at Interschutz last week.

When it was introduced nine years ago, the standard aerial ladder with lowerable cage boom took aerial rescue operations to a new level – especially in confined spaces – and is now opening the way to the (electric) mobility of the future for fire departments.

The L32A-XS electric is built on a Volvo FE Electric chassis and powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 225 kW (continuous duty) via an automated 2-speed transmission on the rear axle (4×2). For ladder operation, an additional electric motor is installed as an electric power takeoff (ePTO), which provides a peak power of 100 kW and continuous power of 70 kW.

The entire system in the exhibition vehicle is supplied with energy by three lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with a usable capacity of 66 kWh each (total capacity of the battery storage approx. 200 kWh).

The L32A-XS electric aerial ladder offers the same advantages as the Rosenbauer standard aerial ladder in terms of performance, functionality and reliability. With its lowerable cage boom, the L32A-XS electric can be optimally used even in confined spaces and at close range, while the high-performance hydraulics ensure fast set-up times.

Rosenbauer used the exhibition vehicle to calculate two typical operational scenarios to show how often these can be repeated with fully charged battery packs before the batteries need to be recharged:

Operational scenario A comprises a travel distance of eight kilometres (outward and return), two jacking operations, two movement cycles according to DIN EN 140431) as well as one hour of light mast operation and can be repeated eight to ten times – depending on the environmental conditions such as temperature and topography.

Operational scenario B comprises a travel distance of 20 kilometres (outward and return), two jacking operations, five movement cycles according to DIN EN 14043 as well as one hour of light mast operation and can be repeated three to four times – depending on the environmental conditions such as temperature and topography.

Since the reliability of the aerial ladder is crucial in firefighting operations, Rosenbauer has provided various fallback levels of power supply. For example, the high-voltage battery can also be charged slowly during aerial ladder operation, provided the corresponding external power supply is available, if the operation lasts longer than expected and the HV battery charge is nearing the end.

Specific values from operational practice will be available when the L32A-XS electric goes into service at Schutz & Rettung Zurich after the trade fair. As a Rosenbauer innovation partner, Switzerland’s largest civilian rescue organisation will test the prototype under real operating conditions and make the findings and data obtained available for series development.

Global fire truck market to reach over $8,000 billion by 2027

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According to a recent report from Mordor Intelligence, the Global Fire Truck Market has been forecast in terms of Value (USD Million) across all segments is expected to reach USD $8211.74 billion by 2027, up from USD $5,501.8 billion in 2021.

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic affected the fire truck industry worldwide, with the closure of production facilities and transportation businesses causing market instability, causing firefighting vehicle manufacturers to face supply chain issues, the , the market started picking up pace, and the demand for fire fighting vehicles is expected to have notable growth of 6.83% CPAG between 2022-2027.

Evolving government fire safety regulations across all sectors and continuous emphasis of government on the upgradation of fire trucks and associated equipment are expected to drive the demand for fire trucks during the forecast period, but high investments and upfront expenses associated with manufacturing fire vehicles may limit market expansion.

The evolution of electric trucks and growing interest in firefighting apparatuses and local assemblies across the world, however, are expected to create a positive outlook for the market studied.

The fire truck market is segmented by type, by application, and by geography. Based on the type, the market is segmented into type rescue trucks, tanker, pumper, and multi-tasking trucks. Based on the application type, the market is segmented into residential and commercial, enterprises and airports, and military. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the world. For each segment, the market sizing and forecast are based on value (USD Million).

Rising demand

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there have been more than 400,000 house fire cases reported in the United States every year. These fire incidents bring dreadful culture to the people. The scenarios remain the same not just in the United States but across the world. In addition, several residential/commercial fire incidents are being reported across the world where fire incidents have destroyed the lives and property of the people.

An increasing number of high-rise buildings are also leading local municipalities to upgrade their existing fleet of fire fighting equipment, including trucks.

Regional focus

The fire truck market is expected to be dominated by Asia-Pacific, followed by North America and Europe, during the forecast period.

The presence of key low-cost manufacturers of China, coupled with the rising demand from residential and commercial applications in emerging economies, such as China, South Korea, and India, is expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period.

China is the largest Asian market for fire trucks. However, India has witnessed a key increase in the demand for fire trucks over the past years, owing to the high industrialisation the country is undergoing. Industries from segments including oil refineries, steel plants, industrial corporations, and thermal power generation plants have also been demanding industrial grade fire trucks with special emphasis on foam trucks.

Japan saw a decreasing trend in the number of fire-related fatalities as of 2020. This trend is mostly attributed to the advanced technological developments of fire trucks and decreased response time to a fire alert. 

North America’s growth is primarily driven by the growing requirement of advanced safety infrastructure in residential buildings and commercial complexes, which is expected to augment the market demand.

The fire truck market in Europe and Middle-East, and Africa is primarily by the consumption in applications, such as enterprises, industries, airports, and the military, providing new opportunities for key players to expand in the market.

Finally, some prominent players in the market including Rosenbauer, E-one, Magirus, Oshkosh Corporation, are investing in R&D activities to develop improved products and equipment.

The full report can be found here: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/fire-truck-market

Rosenbauer showcases PANTHER electric at INTERSCHUTZ

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Rosenbauer is showcasing the first PANTHER 6×6 with electric driveline at Interschutz this week.

The development of the electric model follows an agreement among International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Airports Council International (ACI), and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 in global aviation.

According to the ACI, some airports 100 want to be climate-neutral as early as 2030, including, for example, Amsterdam, Delhi, London City, Marseille, Rome, Vancouver and all Norwegian and Finnish airports. The ADV airports in Germany are aiming for a joint CO2 reduction of 65%, and by 2045 they want to have achieved the goal of “climate neutrality”.

The electrification of ground support (ground vehicles), which includes the fleet of ARFF vehicles, promises to be one of the biggest levers in this regard. Rosenbauer is also convinced that this measure will play a key role in the “green recovery” of airports after the Covid 19 pandemic.

Safety and performance

Airport operators and fire departments from all over the world were involved in the design of the PANTHER 6×6 electric right from the start.

Safety is also the top priority for the PANTHER electric, and there can be no compromises in performance either. Rosenbauer said it was clear from the very beginning that the PANTHER electric had to meet all global standards for ARFF vehicles and that no compromises would be made with regard to the performance of the overall system, even in purely electric operation.

According to Rosenbauer, the development of the PANTHER 6×6 electric was only made possible by the fact that drivelines, on-board networks and electrical components are now available that can also meet the high performance requirements of an ARFF vehicle.

Despite the increasing electrification in the commercial vehicle sector, the required electrical power demand proved to be a challenge.

Rosenbauer decided to create its own e-drive platform for the PANTHER electric in order to get the best out of the electric components.

The vehicle manufacturer’s development partner is Magna, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers and mobility technology groups. Rosenbauer and Magna will further develop a scalable modular system for the PANTHER, which can be used to electrify not only the PANTHER 6×6 but also other variants in the future.

Refined design

Compared to its predecessor, the PANTHER Electric emphasizes the sheer power and permanent operational readiness of the vehicle with a somewhat more angular and aggressive front as well as clear, simply defined lines and surfaces.

It features a new lighting concept from the airfield projector lamp and the scene lighting to the rear lighting makes the PANTHER electric more visible and safer. The paintwork of the technological leader also symbolizes the transition from the last PANTHER generation, presented at Interschutz 2015, to the new one.

At the front, the PANTHER 6×6 electric is still decorated in black, similar to the trade fair vehicle at the time. From the rear, practically from the engine compartment, comes the new energy, which is expressed with the colour turquoise.

The next steps

Rosenbauer said: “The transition of the concept vehicle to series development will take place over the next two years, with sales of the PANTHER 6×6 electric starting in 2024. For the pre-series, too, Rosenbauer will cooperate with innovation partners, as it has successfully done with the RT, and will incorporate the findings from the test operations under real conditions into the development work and the set-up of series production.”

IFSJ Exclusive: E-Mobility for Fire Services

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Rosenbauer points the way to the future of firefighting vehicles with the its Revolutionary Technology

After going on display at the Emergency Service Show in September 2021 in Birmingham and being tested on the streets of Berlin, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Los Angeles, firefighting vehicle and equipment manufacturer Rosenbauer’s Revolutionary Technology (RT) is among those setting new standards in the fire service industry.

With the RT, Rosenbauer has taken aim at reinventing and redesigning the entire firefighting vehicle with a design that emphasises safety and ergonomics in all respects, boasts a chassis that gives the RT driving characteristics that are more reminiscent of a car than a truck, and provides fire departments with the necessary everyday connectivity to the digital world for the future.

Stable driving

One of the most striking features of the RT is its driving dynamics. Two electric motors with a total output of 2 x 180 kW (peak) or 2 x 130 kW (continuous) drive all four wheels and generate propulsion is a first for emergency vehicles weighing 16 to 18 tons. Its two-speed gearbox ensures that the full torque is available even when starting off on hills, and that there is enough traction for steep gradients.

Due to its compact dimensions (width: 2.35 m) and unique architecture, the driving behaviour of the RT is designed to be more stable than that of firefighting vehicles with a classic body module. Its low-floor chassis has a core tube frame in which one of the two high-voltage batteries is installed, which results in a much lower centre of gravity compared to firefighting vehicles built on truck chassis.

Independent wheel suspension and switchable rear-axle steering are also in place to ensure agility and manoeuvrability, which Rosenbauer says is particularly noticeable when overtaking flowing traffic, in fast bends with a tight curve radius, and when driving on narrow streets. The vehicle also features an air-sprung chassis to allow the driving level to be adjusted to the terrain and the vehicle to be lowered on scene in order to allow unhindered access to the crew cab.

Wireless control point

As you might expect for an electric vehicle, the RT is extensively digitalised. The cockpit offers a command post where all functions from lighting to extinguishing technology can be controlled via a 17″ display centrally installed in the console. Several functions can be activated simultaneously at the push of a button, and the RT can, for example, be switched to ‘ready to start’ or ‘ready to take off’.

A self-contained secure W-LAN network can, for example, be used for wireless control of robots, drones, and other electrical equipment, ensuring networking at the site of deployment, and thanks to the Rosenbauer Connected Fleet Vehicle Management System, the vehicle position, operation and condition can be checked at any time.

Command centre

The soundproofed and air condition cabin’s layout and seating arrangement are designed so that the RT can act as a localised operations centre. The cockpit and crew compartment form a single unit and are fully accessible from end to end. The driver’s and commander’s seats can be turned inward by 90° and the crew seats are situated against the sides of the vehicle and on the rear wall of the cabin, creating a meeting room layout in the cabin for briefings. All relevant data can be shown on the cockpit display, which is visible from all seats.

Mobile power plant

Ensuring firefighting teams are never left without power, the RT is equipped with one or optionally two high-voltage battery storage units, each with a capacity of 66 kWh which feed the traction drive and provide the energy to operate the pump and other consumers at the drafting point. External devices, such as fans or submersible pumps, with a total power consumption of up to 18 kW can be operated simultaneously via the power outlet.

In addition, the RT is equipped with a range extender in the form of a diesel engine with power generator with an output of 225 kW as standard installed in the body to save space. This essentially turns the vehicle into an integrated power plant that automatically recharges the high-voltage batteries when more energy is consumed than stored in them.

At 132 kWh, the battery storage of the RT is sufficient to be able to carry out over 90% of all standard operations purely electrically without the need to recharge, according to the initial experiences of the fire departments which have been testing the vehicle. Whilst using the range extender, the vehicle can see operating times higher than the specifications of EN 1846 can achieve.

Low emissions

According to the Berlin fire department, each electrically powered vehicle would save about 14 tons of CO2 per year compared to a diesel-powered firefighting and rescue vehicle. In addition, recuperation via the electric motors reduces brake wear and also fine dust particles. Exhaust emissions and noise levels are also reduced to a minimum because the energy for lighting and technical equipment comes from the high-voltage batteries, improving the working conditions around the vehicle and reducing the stress levels of the emergency crews.

The future of firefighting

Will fire departments operate fully electrically in the near future? Rosenbauer believes that the answer is yes. The RT has been touring Europe, the US and Canada, as well as parts of Asia over the past two years and has been met with great interest everywhere. Especially in large cities, fire departments have been seen to express a desire to use e-vehicles to help achieve their cities’ ambitious climate targets.

The RT is designed to present a more economic option for firefighting vehicles, not only because of the lower energy costs, but also because 30% fewer parts than conventional vehicles are installed meaning the maintenance effort is reduced. Rosenbauer estimates that around 3,200 e-vehicles will be in use worldwide by 2030, and 700 to 800 could be on the road in Europe by 2025.

Another important future-relevant aspect: The digital vehicle concept of the RT offers the opportunity to network fire departments with one another and with other emergency response organisations using its direct access to Smart City data from the vehicle, enabling firefighters the ability to better plan and carry out operations.

In the future, fire departments will be able to link into traffic control systems and control traffic lights online in order to ensure the fast arrival of emergency vehicles or to block entire sections of the road and will likely use car-to-car communication to warn vehicles up ahead and send traffic jam reports or alternative route suggestions to the vehicles behind. At the same time they will acquire much of the information and data relevant to the operation during the journey from smart buildings and smart traffic lights to smartphones, cameras, sensors, and measuring stations.

During an operation, fire departments will be able to directly access building control systems, guide emergency crews using indoor navigation and remotely monitor their vital signs. Moreover, they will communicate with each other via their own secure networks and use all available information not only during the current operation but also for preventive fire protection for escape route planning or for simulator use.

Complete e-line-up

At Interschutz, the world’s leading trade fair which will be held from June 20 to 25 in Hannover, Germany, Rosenbauer will be among those opening up the next chapter in electric mobility for fire departments. In addition to the RT, a complete line-up of electric firefighting vehicles will be on display, from logistics vehicles to aerial ladders.

Alongside these, a newly developed extinguishing system will be exhibited, which can be used to quickly and reliably extinguish high-voltage batteries in electric cars. In addition, Rosenbauer will demonstrate its expertise in the areas of alternative fuels, autonomous energy systems and equipping fire stations for e-vehicles (charging infrastructure, photovoltaics, etc.).

Andreas Zeller, CSO of Rosenbauer International, adds: “Already in 2012, we outlined the vision of what the future of fire departments would look like in a digitalised and increasingly networked world, and we defined our investment strategy based on this. The most important conclusion for us from this was that the RT is the firefighting vehicle of the future. After all, vehicles are a part of Rosenbauer’s DNA.”

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Ziegler to field test Z6 Hybrid at Frankfurt Airport

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International supplier of vehicles for firefighting, civil protection and the police, ZIEGLER, is set to put its new aircraft firefighting vehicle Z6 Hybrid through its paces with a prototype field test of the vehicle at Frankfurt Airport FRAPORT from 2023.

ZIEGLER has more than 50 years of experience in the production of aircraft firefighting and rescue vehicles and has since now delivered more than 300 Z-Class of different types to national and international airports. Most recently, ZIEGLER introduced the new Z-Class in 2020 as part of the Innovation Rollout.

The new Z6 Hybrid can be driven in three different ways: Exclusively with electric motor, conventionally
with combustion engine (diesel) or with Hybrid Drive Technology. In the latter, the electric motor and
combustion engine work hand in hand in an intelligent network, meaning the Z6 Hybrid is usually powered purely electrically at airports. Depending on the driving profile, a corresponding range even allows over 80% of the journeys to be made electrically.

For situations where every second counts, the Z6 Hybrid’s electric motor and combustion engine accelerate the 39 ton vehicle, to its top speed with values are on a par with an 8×8 chassis with diesel drive.

If the battery is empty and has has to be charged, the full drive power of the diesel engine of a conventional Z6 is available. In contrast to the market, ZIEGLER does not follow the downsizing trend here and thus ensures full and long-lasting reliability for the operation and so if the power of the electric motor is unavailable, all normative requirements are still met.

ZIEGLER has solved the challenge of developing the world’s best alternative drive concept for aircraft firefighting and rescue vehicles. It combines aspects of sustainability, is faster than any comparable product and ensures the usual reliable operation. Thanks to its modularity, the hybrid concept can also be extended to other types of the Z-Class.

The Frankfurt Airport field test will among other things involve testing the operational suitability of the electric drive train and the recording of a wide range of measurement data to optimize the operating concept.

IFSJ Exclusive: Next Generation Firefighting vehicles

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Magirus talks about how firefighting is entering a new level of efficiency and safety with tactical robots, drones and digital solutions

With the presentation of the new generation of turntable ladders with SmartControl, digital solutions like TacticNet or FleetConnect and a brand-new series of fire-fighting and tactical response robots, Germany-based manufacturer Magirus has developed a product portfolio with intelligent networking in many key areas of firefighting.

Its digital-innovative evolution has set new standards for the operational capability, effectiveness and safety of fire brigades. Located in Ulm, the traditional company started its journey to the “Next Generation Firefighting” more than two years ago and presented in the meantime a series of innovative products and solutions to face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges of fire-fighters all around the world.

The premiere of the Wolf R1 robot

With the premiere of the powerful, flexibly deployable tactical response robot with a completely electric drive, Magirus expanded its product range of robotic vehicles at the Civil Protect trade fair in Bolzano in September 2021. The company was taking the next logical step in the field of robotic, remote-controlled firefighting and emergency vehicles. The Magirus Wolf R1 was specially developed to meet the significantly increased requirements of complex, high-risk operations. It combines performance and multifunctionality that are unequalled in this class.

The Magirus Wolf R1 tactical robot allows firefighters to stay out of harm’s way in conditions of intense heat, collapse dangers, hazardous materials investigations or poor visibility, while persevering on the spot with complete precision. Specialised camera systems enable all-round visibility; robust data transmission solutions ensure that the operations command is always supplied with the latest live images and videos. The all-electric crawler drive with 1,050 Nm torque allows the Wolf R1 to move purposefully and quietly on the most difficult surfaces and to act flexibly.

Its performance is particularly useful for high-risk firefighting, reconnaissance, and security tasks. The operational robot has a tractive force of up to four tonnes and reaches a top speed of up to 15 km/h. Its battery capacity is particularly high and can function without tools and can be almost endlessly extended by means of an exchangeable battery. Furthermore, the Wolf R1 features an intuitive and flexible control via radio remote-controlled visual guidance with a range of up to 150 metres, or alternatively, as command control via a system carrier vehicle with a range of up to 2,500 metres.

Tactical mission support

When used with Magirus’s TacticNet tactical operations network and drone escort, the robot holds unrivalled potential, opening up a new level of safety and maximum transparency for mission commanders in difficult-to-access, large-scale, munitions-laden areas, forest fires, tunnels, or the reconnaissance of hazardous situations.

The tactical operations network offers an unprecedented overview of the entire operational area which gives the incident commander a complete overview of the entire operational area at all times live and in real-time allowing the best possible decisions and the best possible action. The WiFi-based and location-independent network also offers the possibility of integrating any number of units and task forces.

The network’s services range from establishing a WiFi-based local network and the provision of livestreams from camera and thermal imaging drones as well as combining map information, images and deployment positions of vehicles and personnel to the map-based selection of units for effective command and control of task forces.

Thanks to the integration of a wide range of information sources, the incident commander and decision-makers on all levels have access to all relevant information quickly, comprehensively and even under challenging circumstances such as limited visibility or difficult terrain conditions. On this basis, the right decisions can be made effectively, allowing the deployment task forces and equipment with maximum safety and efficiency.

TacticNet spans a robust, local mesh operation area network in which participants are linked together via the monitor in the command vehicle, separate tablets and mobile phones. It is location-independent and can be expanded as required. TacticNet allows to superimpose static maps and dynamic images of the respective operational areas as well as information on the locations and status of task forces and vehicles, for example, and, in future, also infrastructure data. HD video communication provides access to unfiltered live information in real-time for everyone involved in the decision-making chain.

The more complex an operational situation is, the more important it is to have up-to-date and comprehensive information. TacticNet provides a decisive safety advantage by displaying the live positions of all units and restricted areas, for example: restricted areas can be directly taken into account in the instructions of incident commanders, avoiding danger zones. Particularly in complex situations such as rapidly spreading building fires, extensive forest fires or large fires in industrial plants, TacticNet offers a completely new quality of situation assessment and provides an extremely valuable basis for quick, targeted decisions, enabling even more successful operations.

Across the Alps

Eight years after the unveiling of the first robot from the AirCore family and only several months after its premiere, the history of Magirus’ remote-controlled and remote-operated tactical units continued with the handover of the first Magirus Wolf R1 in Ehrwald on 18 May 2022. In an extraordinary ceremony on Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, the company handed over the world’s first tactical response robot to the Ehrwald Volunteer Fire Department in Austria.

Björn Scherer, Chief Fire Inspector of the Ehrwald Volunteer Fire Department, is particularly proud of the latest, sustainable expansion of the brigade’s technology and equipment: “In Ehrwald, we are a small, but very innovative fire brigade. The topography and tourism pose special challenges for us. The range of operations is very diverse, yet all the locations must always be quickly and safely accessible – especially off-road, in tunnels and in underground garages, this is not always easy. We have been searching for a long time for solutions to quickly reach deployment scenes that are difficult to access without putting our firefighters in danger. The Magirus Wolf R1 response robot allows us to do just that.”

A new era begins

On the part of the District Fire Brigade command and the District Fire Brigade inspectorate, represented by District Fire Brigade Commander Dietmar Berktold and District Fire Brigade Inspector Konrad Müller, a clear commitment was made to innovative, effective and, above all, protective and supportive equipment for the emergency services.

“The tactical response robot allows firefighters to remain outside the danger zone in the event of intense heat, danger of collapse, hazardous material investigations or poor visibility, while the robot is in action right there with full precision,” says Berkold. “The attached subframe developed for Ehrwald enables the most flexible mounting options for diverse firefighting equipment.”

Thomas Hilse, Magirus CEO, backs this: “Being able to hand over the first Magirus Wolf R1 on the Zugspitze is truly exceptional. Within special applications, robotic and networked solutions are developing rapidly and offer far-reaching advantages in the field. As a tactical operational robot, the Wolf R1 brings safety and efficiency, but also precision, flexibility and tremendous performance.” The Magirus Wolf R1 was developed together with its partner Alpha Robotics Deutschland GmbH and has already been extensively tested and used in practice by fire brigades in Lower Saxony.

According to Hilse, the handover is a further step in “Next Generation Firefighting”, which is already available to emergency services today and clearly demonstrates Magirus’ innovative strength in this field. The company will consistently pursue this path in the coming years and thus provide fire brigades all over the world with the most modern and reliable technology.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Oshkosh Corporation Acquires Maxi-Métal Inc

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Oshkosh Corporation, an innovator of mission-critical vehicles and essential equipment and owner of Pierce Manufacturing, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Maxi-Métal Inc. of Saint-Georges de Beauce, Quebec, Canada.

Maxi-Métal is a leader in the design and manufacture of custom fire apparatus and utility vehicles in the Canadian market and will be part of Oshkosh’s Fire & Emergency segment. It has served fire and emergency professionals since 1983 and is a premier fire apparatus manufacturer in Canada. MAXIMETAL will maintain its name, team members, facilities, and branding elements.

John C. Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Maxi-Métal is an organization known for quality, reliability, and an overriding focus on customer service and support. Their culture and customer focus align exceptionally well with Oshkosh, Pierce Manufacturing and its dealer network.”

“This acquisition will enhance the combined strengths of Pierce and MAXIMETAL by broadening collaboration and expanding sales and distribution capabilities within Pierce’s North American dealer network,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice president and Fire & Emergency segment President. “Oshkosh expects to benefit from MAXIMETAL’s experience and leadership as the company grows its combined presence in the Canadian market.”

Lord Greenhalgh thanks fire industry for Ukraine convoy

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Lord Greenhalgh, the Minister of State for Building Safety and Fire at the Department for Levelling Up, Communities & Housing and Home Office, has expressed his gratitude to the fire industry for their commitment and time in providing the 22 vehicle convoy to Ukraine in a letter to the Fire Industry Association

FIA CEO Ian Moore has received a letter from Lord Greenhalgh, thanking the fire industry for their commitment to providing much-needed fire and rescue equipment to Ukraine after the industry sent a the largest ever single donation of fire and rescue equipment from the UK. 

The Minister stated “The success of the convoy in delivering sorely needed equipment exemplifies what can be achieved when fire and rescue services, the charity and industry sectors, and government work together – and is a testament to your commitment and dedication.”

Lord Greenhalgh continued: “I have been particularly impressed by the scale of the collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders; not only between the fire and rescue services, FireAid and the industry sector, but also the NFCC, the National Resilience Assurance Team in Merseyside, which co-ordinated the activities of the services, UK ISAR and officials in Cabinet Office and Border Force who worked so hard to speed up the administrative processes.”

He concluded “I would also like to pay homage to the fire and rescue services generally for their generosity in donating this quantity of equipment in support of their fire and rescue colleagues in Ukraine.

“I hope you all take pride in what you have achieved in making this convoy happen in support of the Ukrainian fire and rescue services and the Ukrainian people.”