FDIC is an annual must-attend event for apparatus buffs, but for many fire officers, this event is about more than just seeing the cool new deliveries–it’s a place to get information on all of the latest developments in apparatus technology, and understand how those developments will impact future purchases. For those of you who weren’t able to attend this year, we went straight to the manufacturers to get the answers to the following three questions:
- What technological innovations have you introduced in the past year?
- How does each of these innovations drive improvements in firefighter safety or productivity?
- What technological innovations do you expect to see in your apparatus and in the industry over the next year or so?
Following are some highlights.
Technological Innovations
Engine design has long been a war over space–where to put the pump, how to create more interior room and what compartment sizes to provide to fit the ever-growing complement of tools. Not surprisingly, several of the apparatus manufacturers’ new designs for 2011 are continuing developments in this battle.
Pierce tackled the issue with a brand-new cab-forward engine called the Dash CF (for more, visit http://tinyurl.com/DashCF-FDIC), built on Pierce’s PUC chassis with a 181″ wheelbase and a 96″ wide cab. “We moved the engine rearward to just behind the front axle and down between the frame rails,” says Mike Moore, vice president of business development for Pierce. “This engine placement dramatically increased the room for the driver and officer. It also allowed us to lower the windshield 10 inches, which significantly increased visibility.” Other features include drop windows to the driver and officer doors, as well as a large center window along the side of the cab, all of which reduce blind spots.
“We also relocated the radiator/cooling package to the top of the truck to free up more room in the cab,” Moore says. “Moving it significantly reduces noise in the cab because we could eliminate the fan clutch that makes so much noise at highway speeds and during pumping, making for a noticeably quieter truck.”
Crimson focused on providing more compartment space by reducing the space taken up by the pump. Its new Transformer provides ergonomically designed compartments in which the equipment can be easily accessed, with an array of pull-out trays, shelves and equipment mounts. Jim Salmi, Crimson president, notes that the company is focused on developments that address the changing role of the fire service. “We are seeing far more runs for EMS and vehicle accidents than fires,” he says. “As a manufacturer, we are constantly addressing the need to provide more capability and functionality to the firefighter in a safe and effective manner.”
Over the next year, KME will be introducing a new pumper rescue vehicle named the KME PRO (pumper rescue operations). “The PRO configuration includes a large-capacity body with 382 cubic inches of storage space in a tight, 176″ wheelbase and an overall length of under 31 feet,” says Phil Gerace, director of marketing for KME. The vehicle will feature a 2,000-gpm pump system with a simple, diagrammatic panel, panel camera and all-electric controls. “This system keeps the operator in control of the apparatus while being away from the noise and discharge portion of the panel,” Gerace says.
E-One is also playing with the position of the pump. E-Max, its latest pumper, uses a new pump location to maximize compartment space and a split-shaft pump design with fewer moving parts to reduce wear and tear over the life of the apparatus. “The vehicle has 586 cubic feet of storage space with a short wheelbase,” says Amanda Gummer, marketing and communications manager for E-One. “It also has low preconnected handlines and a rear access ladder. The unit has the capability to store equipment for fire, rescue and EMS without sacrificing tank size, pumping capability or wheelbase.”
Gummer says the E-Max design is based on extensive research and customer feedback from fire departments. Features include a 24-inch-wide pump panel, a 1,250—1,500-gpm pump, manual or electric valves, Class A or B foam, CAFS or ATP foam systems, low intakes for easier hose connection, an enclosed ladder tunnel, a large rear compartment and pump-and-roll capability.
Firefighter Safety
As NFPA 1901: Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus puts more and more focus on safety, it’s becoming harder to talk about new developments in apparatus design without talking about firefighter safety. Most of the manufacturers are addressing safety in changes both small and large.
KME undertook a testing and design project on its Predator chassis about 18 months ago. “The goal was to bring the Predator chassis to best-in-class in every category that was important from a safety and performance point of view, and I think we’ve really done that,” Gerace says. “Over the course of this project, KME has spent millions in engineering, development and testing to integrate products that not only protect operators and occupants, but also help to prevent accidents in the first place.”
Working with the CAPE testing center in Indiana, KME completed a frontal impact test at 2.1 times the standard (best in the fire service) and a roof crush test at 120,000 lbs. “KME exceeded the test requirement by over 90,000 lbs., the best in the fire service,” Gerace says. “In addition, we did side-impact tests, severe road driving tests and even hot and cold chambers to test the climate control system. But it’s more than just about testing. Our engineering team is regularly engaged with our testing facility, which results in product improvements and updates to provide an even safer chassis.” All KME cabs now include standard frontal collision and rollover protection; KME is also testing new concepts like bumper and cab crumple zones.
The Dash CF from Pierce is an example of how small details can produce large dividends in safety. The increased cab space gives the officer space for mobile data terminals, turnout gear and other equipment. “Having the tools needed at hand, with significantly better visibility, and a cab that’s wide open to improve communications among the crew, assists them in preparing better for the situations they will face,” Pierce’s Moore says. “The additional room in the cab also allowed us to move all seats in board. This provides more elbow and shoulder room, which we believe will also encourage the use of seatbelts as they will be much easier to reach.”
Another small but important detail: The cab-forward design lowers the cab on the chassis, creating steps that are 4 inches lower than NFPA maximum step heights. That might not seem like much, but over the thousands of times firefighters will enter and exit the cab, it can significantly reduce knee and back injuries.
Ferrara has introduced a new aerial instrumentation panel that gives the operator exact information about the ladder tip height from the ground, which can be important for command personnel. “Ferrara’s MVP model design with frame rail height speedlays has been adapted to an aerial ladder,” says Paul Christiansen, marketing director. “These speedlays mean firefighters don’t have to climb to deploy or reload a preconnect.”
While some manufacturers are focused on ergonomic developments, Spartan has targeted another area primed for improvements: emissions. Spartan’s Secondary Power System (SPS) is offered on the Gladiator chassis. In recent testing conducted with the Dallas Fire Department, it delivered an estimated 51% fuel consumption improvement. “In addition to cost savings, the SPS technology reduces exhaust emissions and noise pollution–a great safety feature for firefighters working on scene,” says Ed Dobbs, senior vice president for Spartan.
Trends to Come
So if compartment space, alternative pump configurations and safety features are what manufacturers are focused on for 2011, what’s to come further down the line? For several years we’ve seen manufacturers attempting to deliver multi-purpose vehicles that can replace more than one piece of apparatus in a fleet, potentially driving cost savings. The industry continues to debate this topic.
“Four years ago, we saw a trend for larger, multi-use vehicles,” Pierce’s Moore says. “But with that trend comes a problem: Vehicles were getting too large and less maneuverable. Pierce’s PUC increases compartment space and shortens the wheelbase while not giving up cab space. Based on fire department response to the product, we see this trend continuing.”
On the other hand, Crimson is banking on the multi-purpose vehicle concept. “Economic conditions are providing difficult budgetary constraints,” Crimson’s Salmi says. “Easy to operate, multi-purpose vehicles are becoming more popular as a result. The Boomer concept we introduced a couple of years ago speaks to this issue. This product provides the elevated master stream at 30 feet above grade, a light tower and 1,000-lb. lift capacity as an add-on to a conventional pumper. A single operator can manage all these functions from the pump panel with a radio control system. It becomes a ‘Swiss army knife’ option to increase the capability of a pumper.”
Pierce and Crimson also expect more departments to spec vehicles with CAFS.
The other major trend: green technologies that reduce emissions and fuel consumption. “I expect an increased focus on the effective operation of fire department fleets–which includes reducing fuel consumption, monitoring maintenance cycles, etc.,” Salmi says. “Managing fuel consumption and the carbon footprint will become more of a theme in the fire service than ever before. This will enable fire departments to tap into different funding streams.”
Some examples of this trend: Rosenbauer’s Green Star technology, which promotes idle reduction and employs clean diesel technology, and Spartan’s recent multi-year supply deal with the Navistar Engine Group. As a result of this agreement, Spartan’s Gladiator chassis will now feature the EPA 2010-compliant MaxxForce 13 Big Bore engine featuring clean diesel technology.
See for Yourself
Whether you’re speccing a new vehicle or just trying to stay on top of the apparatus trends, now that you’ve heard what the manufacturers have to say about their apparatus innovations, it’s time for the next step: Get out and see the recent deliveries, talk with the end users and attend shows so you can climb in and on the vehicles yourself. With new advancements and technologies coming fast and furious, understanding the world of fire apparatus requires you to spend significant hands-on time researching and determining what innovations are a good fit for your department’s needs.
