In the June issue of FireRescue magazine, I highlighted some current and future trends in apparatus design, many of which were first introduced at FDIC in April. There’s always too much to fit in one article, though, so following are some more highlights from the FDIC show floor related to apparatus.
American LaFrance
American LaFrance was back at FDIC this year after a short hiatus to deal with its bankruptcy declaration. The company’s Eagle chassis was the center of its FDIC display. “The 2012 Eagle will feature the Cummins lineup of 2010 EPA engines and the Allison EVS 3000 series transmissions as an option (previously only available in the Metropolitan model),” says Torben von Staden, ALF president. The 1,627-square-inch radiator allows for maximum cooling to allow the engine to capture peak horsepower and torque ratings. The cab includes upgrades that have been made standard, including a new multiplex VMUX electrical system designed to enable real-time performance, safety and truck data to be fed through an easy-to-read dash-mounted display.
A noticeable highlight on the new Eagle: the relocation of the DEF tank. The DEF tank contains urea and can be corrosive in nature, so positioning the tank in the cab can lead to unpleasant odors over time. ALF avoids this issue by placing the tank outside the cab, under the passenger step well.
“In 2011, we will open Eagle sales as well as the LTI ladder line to other apparatus manufacturers,” von Staden says. The company has streamlined operations to include three service and assembly centers at Summerville, N.C.; Ephrata, Penn.; and Los Angeles. “We have also started to select dealers around the country that fit the culture and future growth goals of the company.”
Elkhart Brass
Elkhart Brass used FDIC to introduce several new products in an exhibit space designed specifically to allow attendees the opportunity to experience its products, not just see them. Elkhart Chief Operating Officer Don Sjolin says the company developed the display to provide firefighters with a more realistic and visually compelling demonstration of the capabilities of its featured products. “For example, we created a two-story structure to demonstrate the capabilities of the HERO Pipe high-rise system,” Sjolin says.
The HERO Pipe is designed for high-rise fires beyond the reach of ladder trucks. It works from the exterior of virtually any building and delivers a high volume of water at the point of attack from the floor below. Incorporated with Elkhart’s Sidewinder EXM for targeting streams by remote control, this new system provides a safe and effective solution for urban firefighters.
Another featured product was the new Scorpion EXM monitor, a high-tech, high-flow monitor that can be integrated with other truck systems for unprecedented control. It features exceptional flow efficiency up to 3,000 gpm and a durable design with NEMA 6 (full submersion) fully sealed electronics.
Other new products Elkhart showed: the SM500E, which is the newest member of X-Stream Master Stream nozzle family, and the Model 105A high-rise elbow with integrated Model 114 drain valve. This combination helps relieve pressure from traditional high-rise set-ups, and the 30-degree elbow all but eliminates hose kinking from the standpipe valve.
Hackney
Fireground interoperability is garnering more and more attention, and Hackney is addressing this through its VisionComms division, which developed an interoperable, resilient mobile communications system designed specifically to be first-responder friendly. The modular system is designed to be installed in a small cabinet that can be mounted in the back of an SUV or rack-mounted inside a conventional mobile command vehicle. Its open architecture permits any of the components to be integrated into existing communications systems that may have become outdated or partial systems that do not afford true interoperability.
“Our goal from conception of the project was focused on developing a system that any first responder can have operational in a matter of minutes,” says Ed Smith, Hackney Director of Sales and Marketing. “The operator does not need any formal IT experience or special training. Activation is as simple as depressing a single switch that starts the pre-engineered boot-up sequence.”
The system permits communications via satellite link or, when available, cellular data links. Once this link is established, the system is connected to the “cloud” and permits voice, data and video transmission to and from the outside world. Voice, data and video may also be moved inside the established perimeter wirelessly via a private WiFi network. The network can be extended for miles, utilizing WiFi extender nodes mounted on tripods, permitting laptops, smartphones and WiFi phones to communicate with each other or, as authorized through password protection, to the outside world. This allows responders to move maps, photos and other data to field recipients with speed and simplicity. Up to eight different radio frequencies can communicate with one another and even with outside telephone or cellular phone callers. Additional frequencies may be accommodated with the addition of a second radio gateway.
Hale
In 2010, Hale introduced SafeBuy, a vehicle-mounted system of critical fire suppression components that have been pre-engineered to work together to ensure an uninterrupted flow of suppression agent. This year at FDIC, following a year-long tour of the 10 largest U.S. fire departments, Hale displayed several upgrades to SafeBuy, including new bezels in black and chrome, with tapered and ribbed sides, designed to complement the bezels used in Hale’s existing line of electronic products. The bezels are also available powder-coated in various colors to help identify different gauges.
In addition, Hale displayed the Class 1 UltraView line of displays, which features a fully modular design that allows users to customize more than 100 parameters for electronic engine monitoring and diagnostics.
Class 1 also showcased a new series of backlit pressure gauges, which use LEDs to light the liquid-filled gauges. The lighted gauges are available in red, green, blue, yellow and white for 2.5-, 3.5-, 4.5- and 6-inch gauges. They offer bright illumination with a rugged design that allows for steady needle viewing under the pulsation and vibration normally seen on fire apparatus.
Rosenbauer
“Rosenbauer has always shown new technological innovations at FDIC, and this year was no different,” said Neil Channey, director of digital media. Rosenbauer’s new Smart Cab promises the functionality, drivability and roominess of a custom chassis with the serviceability and pricing of a commercial chassis. At FDIC, the Smart Cab was shown installed on a Freightliner rescue pumper.
Smart Cabs are also mounted using a specially designed metacone rubber-mounting system to reduce road shock, vibration and noise. The cab has standard forward-facing seats with optional seating for up to eight firefighters, 70 inches of headroom and 100 inches of width. It also has Rosenbauer’s EZgress swing-out steps for easy entry and egress, without air or electricity to operate.
Spartan
Spartan used FDIC to launch the Spartan Force, which can be configured as either a rescue or a pumper and offers advancements in performance, safety and service. The Spartan Force is pre-configured, pre-engineered and aggressively priced for departments facing aging apparatus fleets and constrained budgets. Powered by a 380-hp Cummins ISC 8.3L VG turbo diesel engine, the Spartan Force offers a spacious cab, flat floor and a 10″ raised roof with four doors and seating for six, as well as a lifetime frame and cross-member warranty.
Sutphen
Sutphen displayed a Shield Series S2 Pumper with Scene View pump controls. This allows the pump operator to operate the pump panel off the roadway, out of harm’s way, and gives the firefighter a view of the fire scene. It’s sort of like a side-mount top-mount.
Also on display: Sutphen’s new generation SPH 100′ mid-mount aerial, with 8″ taller compartments, a new platform leveling device, a new LED bucket, pedestal and outrigger controls, enclosed pike pole holders and removable pump panel access.
