Designed and implemented precisely to the customer's wishes and equipped with an extensive range of state-of-the-art equipment: The four new unique detection and decontamination vehicles for the Emergency Management Fire Rescue Bureau meet the highest demands.
The requirements that the Chinese Emergency Management Fire Rescue Bureau outlined for the new detection and decontamination vehicles were very high. And thus, they posed a welcome challenge for Rosenbauer's experienced technicians, who developed and then implemented the corresponding vehicle concept.
Because, with the exception of the MAN TGS chassis with its 480 hp engine, the concept on which the four new vehicles are based is a completely new development. The combination of high-end detection, command function, and extensive personnel self-autonomy, as well as a high-pressure decontamination unit, has never before been implemented in a single-vehicle.
Analysis of gases at a distance of 5 km
Several state-of-the-art detection devices have been installed in the vehicles: One such piece of apparatus is a high-quality gas detector that uses spectral analysis to detect, analyze, and locate a wide variety of gases at a distance of up to five kilometers using GPS and maps. If necessary, this can easily be extended over the upper edge of the roof at the push of a button, while in its retracted position it is protected within the superstructure. A detector for nuclear gamma radiation and numerous other mobile analysis devices are also installed. Command and analysis room features seating with integrated breathing apparatus holders provided
Another special feature is the so-called glove box: In this container, which is housed in the command and analysis room in the front third of the vehicle, hazardous substances can be analyzed in a sealed environment. Thanks to an artificially generated vacuum and an in-house-developed filter system, no hazardous substances are able to escape.
The command and analysis room features comfortable workplaces for two people, with seating with integrated breathing apparatus holders provided for an additional three people. All control units for the equipment are clearly arranged on a large control console, with the majority also being able to be controlled via remote control.
Weather station, cameras, and light mast
Thanks to a pneumatically extendable weather station, the crew is not only able to see the weather conditions at all times, but can also simulate the potential spread of a cloud of hazardous substances if necessary. Also, due to the extendable, rotatable, and swiveling camera system with zoom function, operation sites can be observed from a safe distance. If required, the camera images can be transmitted to the 55" screen in the command and analysis room or to a laptop - as can all other relevant information.
Thanks to Wi-Fi and other transmission capabilities, the images can also be made accessible to other vehicles or the control center. By utilizing the Birdview technology, the crew can view their own vehicle and its immediate surroundings from a bird's eye view. A pneumatically extendable LED light mast and well-designed vehicle illumination ensure appropriate lighting for night-time operations.
Decontamination of people and materials
A shower cubicle for decontaminating people who have come into contact with dangerous goods is situated in the middle of the superstructure. The water comes from a 1000-liter fresh water tank and is treated with UV light before use, thus killing any germs. Water heating and chemical admixing round off the automated shower facility's water supply system. The resulting wastewater is collected in a separate 600-liter tank. The entire water treatment system is also designed for use with an isolated shower tent. A high-pressure decontamination unit and accessories are also installed in the rear of the vehicle
A high-pressure decontamination unit and accessories are also installed in the rear of the vehicle. This means that equipment can be largely decontaminated and cleaned in-situ when needed. Depending on the hazard type, various decontamination agents can be added via a separate proportioning system. If necessary, the high-pressure unit can also be used to generate steam. The 60-meter hose reel ensures a large movement radius for decontamination work.
Self-decontamination of the vehicles
But that's not all: The four detection and decontamination vehicles can also decontaminate themselves. Separate lines are attached to the roof of the superstructure and driver's cab, which allow the vehicle to clean itself if required. The safety of the crew itself is also ensured by the vehicle's equipment: a central breathing air supply system allows up to five people to breathe pure, clean air in the event of an emergency. It is fed by three compressed air bottles, the volume of which is sufficient for at least one hour at maximum consumption. The equipment compartments provide sufficient space for protective clothing and other equipment needed to analyze hazardous goods and for decontamination.
Pneumatically retractable stairs, an extremely quiet diesel-powered generator in the rear, retractable awnings on both sides, air conditioning, auxiliary heating, and a jacking system for perfect positioning of the vehicle: these are just a few more equipment highlights of the four new detection and decontamination vehicles for the Emergency Management Fire Rescue Bureau in China, which will provide valuable service in emergency operations.
Speaking of operations: the four vehicles have already been delivered to China, and the teams are currently receiving intensive training on how they are operated. They are then stationed at central logistics bases in four provinces and will offer quick and efficient support for challenging missions in the event of an emergency. Because that's exactly what they have been developed and built for.