By Author(s): Bob Vaccaro [3]

See Crimson Fire [4] in Product Connect Published Friday, June 1, 2012

A couple months ago at FDIC, Spartan made a big splash, announcing the reorganization and renaming of its fire apparatus division. The new division, known as Spartan ERV (Emergency Response Vehicles), will replace the Crimson name that the company has used for its fire apparatus division since merging Quality with Luverne back in 2003. In addition to the name change, the technology-wise Spartan has introduced several new products. Let’s first look at the Intelligent Pump Solution (IPS) and One-Touch Rapid CAFS.

New Products      
The IPS is a new next-generation pumper that features a pump capable of producing 1,500 gpm. It is CAFS-capable and available in custom body and tank configurations. It also touts a short wheelbase for better maneuverability and enhanced compartmentation. The pumper features a mid-mount control position that allows for easier access to crosslays and more compartment space.

One-Touch Rapid CAFS makes it easier for firefighters operating the pump to use a one-step process to engage the CAFS system. One-Touch automatically monitors the injection of foam and water into a hoseline. It is capable of air flows from 140 to 250 cubic feet in PTO-driven configurations and 135 cubic feet in engine-driven modes. This produces 185 gpm of water flow and produces Class A and B foam.
 
Apparatus Needs
In terms of apparatus, Spartan introduced Telstar, a new 138' telescopic and articulated aerial platform that was designed in collaboration with Gimaex, a French fire apparatus manufacturer. The new aerial has a 138' overall reach, an 80' horizontal reach, a below-grade capability of 23 feet, a sonar system to sense proximity to obstructions, an automatic aerial stow, automatic truck and outrigger leveling, and the ability to carry 129 feet of ground ladders. The truck has many other features, all mounted on a Spartan Gladiator chassis.
     
If this wasn’t enough, Spartan also partnered with Renault, another French manufacturer, and Gimaex to come up with The Crossover, a new wildland 4 x 4 vehicle. The Spartan 4 x 4 Wildland Crossover includes the Gimaex Flashover Protection System, which provides fire-protected cables and hoses, an emergency air supply in the cab and eight strategically placed nozzles—all powered by secondary electrical and water sources—to protect the firefighter, fuel tank/lines, tires, windows and the windshield.

The Spartan/Gimaex 4x4 Wildland offers:

• Side-slope stability of 32 degrees
• Short wheelbase (138 inches) for increased maneuverability
• Uphill starting capability up to a 60% grade
• Narrow turning radius of 23.4 feet (20.1% better than the competition)
• Fully recyclable AluPrime body structure
• Single tires (no duals)
• Four-door cab that seats up to six people
• 60-mm steel roll cage
• In-cab and remote CAFS operation
• Full pump-and-roll capability
• 500-gpm pump
• 400-gallon water tank, plus an 80-gallon self-protection reserve tank
• Booster reels
• Bumper monitor
• Hosebed that holds 1,000 feet of 2" hose
• Energy-efficient LED compartment and scene lights
• G-Touch electronic control system, which allows the combination of the chassis, bodywork and firefighting installations for easy operation and safety
• 7" high-resolution display screen with “soft-keys”
• Touch-screen rear pump monitor
• Back-up camera hook-up

Final Thoughts
As I mentioned in a previous column, just about all of the major apparatus manufacturers have expanded sales overseas in the past several years, hopefully helping them to stay afloat with slumping domestic sales. And Spartan is no different. The company feels that it can use its new products not just in the United States, but in the overseas markets as well.

Further, as far as I was concerned, all of the products and technologies introduced at FDIC 2012 had firefighter safety in mind, which is great.
   
So take a look at all of the new Spartan ERV concepts and products on its website, on YouTube or at one of the apparatus shows. I really think you’ll be impressed with what you see.

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