Munich fire department orders new all-terrain ZIEGLER firefighting vehicles

by Featured NewsVehicles

ZIEGLER to supply new LF 20 KatS vehicles to Munich fire department

Order builds on 2024 framework agreement

Albert Ziegler has been commissioned to deliver three new LF 20 KatS firefighting vehicles to the Munich fire department.

The vehicles form part of the city’s wider fleet modernisation programme and build on a 2024 framework agreement covering 83 HLF 20 vehicles for Munich and Augsburg.

According to the company, the latest order reflects the long-term cooperation between ZIEGLER and the City of Munich and reinforces the city’s confidence in the manufacturer’s firefighting technology.

Specifications of the LF 20 KatS

The LF 20 KatS vehicles are based on the MAN TGM 18.320 4×4 BB chassis with a 320 HP (235 kW) engine.

Each truck has a total permissible weight of 16 tonnes, a length of 7,300 mm and a width of 2,500 mm.

ZIEGLER said the design supports safe driving across uneven terrain and in poor conditions, with low-track tyres and an all-terrain configuration.

The vehicles feature the latest generation of the company’s ALPAS body system, providing adjustable storage for firefighting equipment.

A Z-Cab crew compartment accommodates one driver and eight firefighters, allowing rapid deployment of personnel during large-scale incidents.

Improved control and operational consistency

Jörg Fiebach, Chief Fire Officer at BF Munich, said: “With the three new LF 20 KatS, we are creating synergies with the 80 HLF 20 we have ordered and are thus achieving uniform operation across all vehicles.

“It also allows our emergency crews to benefit from a consistent and intuitive control system for all new vehicles – whether HLF or LF.

“This makes training easier, speeds up operational processes and increases the safety of our crew.”

Continued partnership between Munich and ZIEGLER

Markus W. Weber, Chief Sales Officer at ZIEGLER Group, said: “The order for the three new LF 20 KatS shows that Munich also relies on proven technology and modern equipment in the area of disaster control.

“We would like to thank the state capital for its trust and look forward to continuing to support the Munich fire department as a partner.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The delivery of three LF 20 KatS vehicles to the Munich fire department highlights the operational value of uniform control systems and modular vehicle design in large fleet programmes.

Procurement officers and emergency response managers may find relevance in the standardisation achieved through ZIEGLER’s Z-Control interface, which simplifies training and supports interoperability across different vehicle types.

Technical teams and equipment specifiers can note the ALPAS body system and Z-Cab configuration as examples of adaptable, crew-focused design that enables rapid deployment in complex terrain.

For fire engineers and municipal planners, the integration of disaster-control capabilities into urban fleets illustrates how operational resilience can be strengthened through consistent vehicle platforms.

This article was informed by information from the following source: ZIEGLER

Rosenbauer deliver 100th RTE Robot to Munich

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentVehicles

Rosenbauer handed over the 100th RTE Robot to the district of Munich, alongside its regional sales partner BAS.

The anniversary vehicle will go to the Gräfelfing Volunteer Fire Department. The RTE Robot is based on the 800 chassis (payload: 625 kg) and is equipped with a T5 remote control including video transmission, an RM15 thrower module (1,600 l/min) and a positive pressure fan that can be operated together with the thrower. The fire department will install a larger fan on another empty base module.

Before placing the order, a comprehensive market survey was conducted, during which all candidates underwent practical testing. The RTE Robot was chosen for its compact design (pallet size), off-road capability, modularity, and versatility, leading to Rosenbauer being awarded the contract.

Munich District Fire Inspection’s statement

Munich District Fire Inspection spoke on the arrival of the RTE Robot saying: “With the delivery of the third RTE Robot to the Gräfelfing Fire Department, the Munich district now has excellent area coverage in case of emergencies.

“This location was the missing piece identified during the evaluation of applications from fire departments two years ago, ensuring efficient coverage of the western and southwestern parts of the district,”

Features of the robot

The Munich District acquired three fully equipped RTE Robots. Heimstetten, Hohenbrunn, and Gräfelfing were chosen as bases. The first two devices were ordered in 2023 and delivered in March 2024. In June 2024, the district placed the order for the third RTE Robot, stationed in Gräfelfing.

Each RTE Robot order included the chassis with thrower module, ventilation module, and a module for transporting roll containers, including roll containers from Rosenbauer. These RTE Robots can function as fire-fighting robots, ventilators, smoke extractors, and for transporting heavy equipment in difficult terrain. The modules can be quickly and easily swapped at the site without tools or effort.

During the procurement phase, the specific needs of the fire departments were taken into account, and practical experience was incorporated into the design. After delivery, a development partnership was established with the Heimstetten and Hohenbrunn fire departments to test new accessories in practice and implement feedback into technical improvements.

Area Sales Manager Equipment/ Firefighting Systems, Rosenbauer Germany, Martin Lazar’s statement

Martin Lazar, Area Sales Manager/ Firefighting Systems at Rosenbauer Germany said: “The 100th RTE Robot for the Munich District represents our ongoing innovation and close collaboration with fire departments.

“It is a great honor to be part of this development and to see how our technologies make a real difference in action.”

Over 100 RTE Robots have now been produced, more than half of which were assembled in 2024. The roll containers are manufactured in Neidling, while the assembly of the tracked vehicles and superstructure modules takes place in Leonding.

In addition to Germany, the RTE Robots are already in use by fire departments in Austria, Denmark, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and the USA.

Munich District has recieved the 100th RTE Robot from Rosenbauer: Summary

Rosenbauer has delivered the 100th RTE Robot to the district of Munich, a moment that has been recognised by Rosenbauer as being a great honour and a chance to see the impact of their technology in action.