Bronto Skylift stole the show at INTERSCHUTZ with its display of the world’s tallest rescue and firefighting platform. It has a working height of 90-metres (the height of a 33-storey building).
Bronto’s Merja Viilola comments: “The new RLX range of Aerial Ladder Platforms features  several new innovations. The telescopic cage boom gives more overall reach. We can provide the biggest rescue cage and the highest safe working load in the market - this effectively means an increased rescue capability. The more compact overall design means better manoeuvrability of the vehicle - whether in traffic or at emergency sites.”
“Bronto Skylift offers the best outreach on the market. It provides a larger action area with one set-up, can reach further than other models (max. working outreach up to 29.3m) - and also provides a significantly greater  up-and-over reach - a maximum up-and-over capacity of 11.4m,” reports Merja Viilola.
The company’s new RLX model is said to represent the most advanced features available anywhere. The RLX range consists of six models covering the working heights from 34 to 68 metres. Alongside the biggest rescue platform currently available, Bronto’s other developments include:
* Added space on the rescue platform (cage for six persons); easier movement inside the rescue platform; and a special fitting which ensures stretchers and wheelchairs can be accommodated inside the rescue platform.
* better manoeuvrability for the vehicle (thanks to a more compact design) which means it is capable of reaching streets, corners and underpasses which were previously inaccessible to firefighters.
Bigger reach, greater loads
According to the specification, the RLX provides the highest SWL in the industry (540 kg). “This means  increased rescue capability, carrying heavier loads and more people,” says Merja Viilola.
“In fact, industry should note that the RLX provides a better height-to- weight ratio than any other aerial platform available on the market. The Rescue Ladder eXtra versatile vehicle has been designed with a more economical, more manoeuvrable, lighter chassis. It’s a more compact machine which can reach higher than other models. Industrial fire departments will find the RLX provides access to otherwise load restricted roads & bridges and that it creates less outrigger pressure on load-restricted surfaces.”
Bronto’s RL Range remains popular, with the newest addition being the Bronto Skylift F38 RL. The unit has a working height of 38 metres. With a transportation height of 3.3m - 3.7m (depending naturally on the chassis) the unit is regarded as very compact and easy to use even in a city or industrial environment.
The F38 RL’s maximum working height (depending on transportation height) is 38 metres, with a maximum height to the cage bottom (depending on transportation height) at 35.8 metres. Its maximum working outreach is 21.6m, the working reach below the ground level is 5m, while its safe working load (without water discharge) is 400 kg. It offers a continuous rotation feature of 360°.
An automatic ‘one-button’ variable jacking type unit represents the unit’s stabilising system. This feature substantially reduces the width required for setting up and operating the aerial yet it provides full working height and working outreach depending on where the jacks have been placed. There are two independent automatically operating and self controlling safety systems to prevent an unsafe configuration.
Working with its Belgian rental partner, Maes Hoogwerkers, Bronto Skylift has developed a plan to rent firefighting units to industry. The first rental fire unit is Bronto Skylift’s Aerial Ladder Platform with the working height of 27 metres, currently in use with the Malle fire brigade in Belgium.
For the firefighters of Malle fire brigade the advantages are clear: instant delivery, 24-hour service and guaranteed availability of a back-up unit provided by Maes Hoogwerkers. “The rental period can be negotiated to suit the customer needs,” explains Merja Viilola. “When the fire brigades start increasingly evaluating the lifetime costs of their equipment, long-term lease or rental arrangement may become more cost-effective alternative than buying a machine.” More information? Visit: www.bronto.fi
TZine from Plastisol
A development with arguably the biggest impact    for industrial fire trucks comes from Plastisol B.V. based in Wanroij, The Netherlands - and unveiled at last month’s INTERSCHUTZ Show. Plastisol’s completely new GRP superstructure design, the TZine, has been produced using a completely new assembly-technology, providing a  better shock absorption than the traditional GRP assembly-methods.
Company MD Rob Walraven told IFJ: “This new assembly technology has been developed by Plastisol, and has been thoroughly tested and safety- approved. The fully-integrated C-profiles and cable channels in the interior of the TZine design offers easier mounting in the vehicle’s lockers. The exterior offers integrated ladder recesses. The steps are completed with illumination units and a rubber safety rim.”
The TZine superstructure is built to meet a standard range of width and length variations the benefits of this include reduced engineering time  and shorter delivery time, says the company.
Rob Walraven comments: “Our GRP bodywork is easy to repair when damaged and features shock-absorbing and flame-retarding characteristics with unlimited design possibilities. Plastisol bodywork features a corrosion-proof, zero-maintenance lightweight construction, with a 10-year warranty, a long economical, technical lifecycle and built to suit client requirements. As a bodywork manufacturer meeting ISO 9001:20007 Plastisol B.V. is probably best known for producing water/foam pumpers and tenders, HazMat vehicles, aircrash tenders and support vehicles.”
Margot Nijkamp-Diesfeldt, Plastisol’s Communications Manager, comments: “One of the main advantages of the GRP (Glassfibre Reinforced Polyester) we use is that it weighs generally 35 to 40% less than the more traditional materials used in firefighting vehicles. In combination with the shorter vehicle and the lighter construction, the same tools and tank capacity can still be transported. Also the GRP material can absorb the impact of the tension put on the chassis and body, without the wear and tear this would cause on steel or aluminium.”
Plastisol offers a complete range of crew cab extensions especially designed to match the design of the original cabins. The crew cabs have also been tested for ergonomic use and ECE safety regulations.  More information? Visit: www.plastisol.com
PANTHER prowls INTERSCHUTZ
Two of the world’s most versatile ARFF vehicles undoubtedly include the PANTHER 8x8 MA-5 and the PANTHER 6x6 CA-5. Spokesman for the the Rosenbauer group, Walter Dolezal, told IFJ: “The original PANTHER was introduced in 1991 and its design form has been emulated all over the world. Now in 2005, the design and technology of                     the PANTHER 8x8 and 6x6 series have been updated to give you 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.”
The PANTHER’s construction 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.
The PANTHER offers a 360° view thanks to completely transparent doors and a front screen which extends upwards to give the driver and passengers perfect all round vision. All screens              are made of safety glass with a front screen of laminated glass.
New LCS Logic Control System
“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.
The newly-designed dashboard with central display/control elements located between the driver and the offside passenger support genuine one-man control of the vehicle’s fire fighting technology, based on the new Rosenbauer ( LCS Logic Control System) control concept.
The PANTHER 8x8 cab has electrically operated swing doors. When open, the doors point forward and allow the driver to put the wheels on full lock. There are a number of great touches inside: the electric drives enhance actuation control. Climate control provides a constant temperature in the cab which provides 1 + 2 seats (8x8 design in compliance with ADV).
The PANTHER 6x6 cab has revolving doors that open through 90° and gas spring supported actuation. As well as providing manual climate control, the vehicle has 1 + max. 5 seats.
The superstructure is also innovative; it uses  premium, corrosion-resistant materials (aluminium, GRP formed parts and covers and polypropylene extinguishing agent tanks)
There is a full height GRP locker between the axles. The covers, which open vertically, protrude only slightly from the vehicle thus reducing the danger of injury.
“The PANTHER 8x8 has pneumatically-operated locker covers, which can be controlled from the cab. The engine/pump compartment cover can be raised hydraulically to improve access for maintenance and servicing work” explains Walter Dolezal. “In contrast to this, the PANTHER 6x6 has manual locker covers.”
Turret & chassis innovations
In the PANTHER 8x8 the RM60E roof turret and the RM15 E bumper turret have been completely redesigned and combined with fire pumps for improved performance and innovative controls. The PANTHER 8x8 now has an N100 low-pressure pump for performance of 8000 l/min at 10 bars and a H5 high pressure pump for 300 l/min at 40 bar. Another feature is the new, electronically-controlled RVME 600 around-the-pump proportioning system.
The PANTHER 6x6 retains the tried and trusted combination of the R 600 N2 with RVMA 500 for 6200l / min at 11 bar.
The chassis choice is interesting: one the one hand, there is the PANTHER 8x8 MA-5, the new 1000PS MAN rear-engine chassis with Allison automatic transmission (Type MAN SX 40.1000 8x8), and on the other the PANTHER 6x6 CA-5 with its completely new Rosenbauer Motors USA 705 HP rear-engine chassis, Caterpillar 4-stroke diesel, and twin disc automatic transmission.
“Both chassis comply with the Euro3 directive and have 24V vehicle voltage, which Rosenbauer believes will help boost sales of the 6x6 vehicle on the European market,” says Walter Dolezal.
The RM45AR turret
The height-adjustable bumper boom turret with water monitor has been designed to provide flow rates of up to 4,750 l/min - this was specially-developed for ARFF vehicles. Meeting NFPA 414, the RM45AR fulfils the demands placed on a primary turret, thus removing the need for an additional roof turret.
“The bumper turret and the extinguishing agent jet have simple controls.” points out Walter Dolezal.  “The height-adjustable monitor can be lowered to floor level. This supports firefighting attacks from below the target - aircraft wings, for example. The front-mounted position means there are no restrictions due to the vehicle superstructure.”
The turret features an electro-hydraulic drive with a  swivel range +/- 45°, a boom turret length of  1,000 mm,  a height adjustability of 1400 mm and a water turret flow rate up to 4,750 l/min, for water, non-air-aspirated foam (AFFF) and CAFS, a rotation angle of 180° and a swivel angle 240° (-90° through +150°). There is an electrical adjustment for solid/spray jet monitor control electrical monitor control with joystick for monitor boom and monitor control. It also has an impressive throw range for water of up to 70m for a solid jet at 4,750 l/min. More information? Visit: www.rosenbauer.com
Ziegler -  ALPAS system for
bodywork
“Our fire vehicles feature the ALPAS-System - ZIEGLER’s patented Aluminium Panel System for rigid and corrosion-free superstructure - this offers the highest flexibility for internal installations. We also provide the CAN-BUS System electronically controlling all vehicle functions (pump operation, monitors, warning devices,” comments Ziegler’s Joerg Hitzler.
ALBERT ZIEGLER GmbH & Co. KG is a multinational bodywork manufacturer which meets ISO 9000 and DIN EN ISO 9001:2000. Ziegler produces water/foam pumpers and tenders, HazMat vehicles, aircrash tenders and  support vehicles. It also produces ‘Swap’ bodies (containers) for all types of equipment (hoses, breathing apparatus, hazmat, technical support etc.) for all types of chassis - Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Volvo, Scania and others.
The volunteer fire department of Mainz-Drais - which has industrial sites it must protect - currently has three fire trucks (each with Ziegler ALPAS bodies and Daimler Chassis). The LF 8/12 pumper, the LF8 pumper and the MTF personnel vehicle.
“The pump vehicle LF 8/12 generally corresponds part 5 of DIN 14530. This vehicle has a 1200 ltr water tank and carries a portable generator (5 kVA) as well as a power saw and an FP 8/8 pump.  The MTF is the most modern Mainz-Drais firetruck and is used to ferry resources and equipment to incidents,” comments Joerg Hitzler.
Ziegler’s 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 maximum 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
SIDES & the S 3000S
SIDES mounted an impressive display at INTERSCHUTZ with the S 3000 S foam crash tender  fitted with a ‘Snorkel’ - the piercing nozzle on an articulated telescopic boom. Spokesman Rafi Kirkorian told IFJ: “Designed for 8, 9 & 10 category airports, the SIDES airport vehicles range now incorporates a penetrating piercing nozzle on articulated telescopic boom.
“The articulated telescopic boom is fitted with water, foam and powder extinguishing options and has a piercing nozzle to apply cooling and extinguishing water through the skin of an aircraft’s fuselage skin.”
The ‘Snorkel’ - made by Texas-based Crash Rescue Equipment has an articulated telescopic boom with a maximum reach of 15.5m and a horizontal angle of 15° each side of the vehicle.
The boom located at rear of the cab, includes the following options: a piercing nozzle; a solution output of 950 l/min; a water/foam nozzle (with a  vertical orientation: + 108° to -120° and a horizontal orientation: 180°)
Solution output is between 1,500 l/min to 4,000 l/min. The dry powder nozzle powder output is 300 kg /min.
The combined foam nozzle and powder nozzle located in the centre of the foam nozzle has a solution output of 4,000 l/min and a powder output of 300 kg / min. Other features include: a video camera with colour monitor in the cab; an infrared camera; and an automatic stabiliser for the nozzle.
The S 3000S has a maximum speed of 120km/h, can accelerate from 0 to 80km/h in just 28 seconds and is powered by a Detroit Diesel EURO engine. More information? Visit: www.sides.fr
Metz Turntable Ladders
Ever had problems with those hard-to-reach areas on your facility? If you’d been at INTERSCHUTZ you would have seen an example of one of just two fully automatic turntable ladders with MB Vario chassis ever made - this particular model belonged to the Celle Fire Department.
“Extensive capability trials proved the L20 Turntable Ladder with Program-Logic-Control was exactly the right choice for the city fire department. In the past, firefighters had discovered that their available vehicles could not get to hard-to-reach areas like Celle’s prison or its tall, medieval castle,” comments Petra Peck of Metz.
“The extremely compact size of the L20 with Vario chassis first caught the Fire Department’s attention. Firefighters were also impressed by the way the L20 turret turns completely inside the contour of the ladder - this means it can provide vital aerial services in very narrow streets. The L20 can be driven to any part of the city and put into action immediately,” explains Petra Peck.
Onboard accessories include a 360° rotational stretcher support, a monitor supplying 1,600 l/min at 12 bar, a 230V/400V power supply to the cage  and  230V /1000W flood lights. The turning circle with cage is approximately 14.70m and the working height is approximately 20m.
What’s also interesting about this vehicle is the short crewcab on the L20 (GVW 8,275 kg) - this is based on an MB 814 D Vario chassis and has an engine capacity of 100 kW/136 HP. It has a stick-shift gearbox. Mounted on the body is a fully hydraulic turntable ladder and vertical outrigger system - this features a three-section, steel ladder set and a folding rescue cage which carries 180 kg or 2 persons with equipment.
A specialist of ladder bodywork, METZ developed the first fully automatic turntable ladder for this rescue height with the proven METZ specific PLC-technology. PLC coordinates the simultaneous positioning of cage and jacks, this shortens set-up times. Additionally all ladder movements, elevation - extension - rotation are possible at the same time.
PLC also monitors important safety devices. All the movements of the turntable ladder and loading on the ladder set are detected continuously by the METZ weighing system and processed by the PLC control. Just short of the permitted loading limits, movements are slowed down or stopped, as appropriate, leaving possible only movements sequences which reduce the loading.  More information? Visit: www.metz-apparatus.com or www.metz.aerials.com
Vema - Aerial/Platforms For Fire Services
A member of Kiitokori Group of Finland, Vema Lift Oy is one of the leading world manufacturer of Aerial Ladder Platform vehicles for fire and rescue services and also custom-builds fire vehicles to client specifications. Vema aerials are also well-known for their compact CPL profile designed for narrow inner areas in cities (e.g. as exemplified in the Vema 201 TF).
“Vema’s present TFL Range includes six standard models of Aerial Ladder Platforms with working heights of 27 metres, 32m, 33m, 38m, 45m and 55 metres. All the models reflect our top-of-the-line technology approach, with computerised control and monitoring systems to choose from. They have a variety of technical  and functional features and options and each model can easily be adapted to a specific local need of any fire & rescue service,”  comments the company’s Marketing Manager, Timo Kangasniemi.
Special features of Vema TFL’s new vehicles include:
* Stabilising outriggers which can be placed according to the space available;
*  A roomy cage for firefighting and rescue operations, with four entry doors, and wheelchair and stretcher accommodation;
* Automatic boom ladders, equipped with an automatic rung in-line feature;
*  Heating for the telescopic water piping up to the cage (this is a patented system to prevent ice building up, and will function in temperatures as low as -30°C.
* Radio-controlled automatic levelling of the vehicle within a few seconds;
* A long second boom - together with an additional third boom design -  to provide access to the most difficult targets;
* A radio-controlled water monitor;
* A V.O.C. outreach control system;
* Low GVW in overall design together with short vehicle length make it easy to manoeuvre in traffic, ensuring a quick arrival at the rescue location;
“All Vema units can be installed on most common types of commercial chassis,” reports Timo Kangasniemi. Vema Lift Oy is ISO 9001 - 2000 Edition certified company and all Vema products have been CEN certified. Visit: www.vema.fi

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