Transporting heavy equipment in impassable terrain is just as much a part of its job as exploring and fighting fires in dangerous areas: The RTE Robot of the Wildenau Volunteer Fire Department is a multifunctional assistant that can play to its strengths in many operational scenarios.
One device for many roles: This is the remote-controlled, multifunctional, and modular crawler type RTE Robot vehicle from Rosenbauer. The Wildenau Volunteer Fire Department in the Innviertel region of Upper Austria was one of the first fire departments to be equipped with the system.
Fire-fighting vehicle
It is housed in the new large fire-fighting vehicle (GLF) and can be used for logistics purposes as well as for firefighting work. And it is precisely this multifunctionality that makes the RTE Robot so unique and invaluable to the fire department.
The RTE Robot can be loaded with a wide variety of standardized live load modules
Basically, the RTE Robot can be loaded with a wide variety of standardized live load modules. In the new GLF for the Wildenau Volunteer Fire Department - an AT series vehicle with tail lift - it is equipped as standard with a ‘drafting point’ MEC. The container, which weighs several hundred kilos and includes a portable pump, suction pipes, fuel and accessories, is equipped to provide extinguishing water from open water sources (e.g., a pond or a stream). Thanks to the RTE Robot, one person is all it takes to easily transport the container to the priming point by remote control - even in rough terrain.
Remote-controlled crawler
Thanks to its wide rubber drive tracks and excellent traction, the electrically powered crawler type vehicle can cope with steep inclines as well as deep ground or wet meadows.
At the priming point, the container can either remain on the RTE Robot or be unloaded so that the remote-controlled crawler type vehicle can be used for other purposes. The GLF of the Wildenau fire department also contains a ‘hose’ MEC. With the help of the RTE Robot, not only can the container itself be transported, but it also plays to its strengths when it comes to laying out the hoses. Not only do users need fewer personnel for these tasks, but they can also rely on the all-terrain capabilities of the RTE Robot in areas that are difficult to reach - such as a forest or vegetation fire. The driving speed of approx. 6 km/h proves to be extremely practical and matches normal walking speed.
High-performance fan
The RTE Robot can be additionally equipped with a B 16 battery-powered high-performance fan
Other potential applications include the transport of sandbags in flood operations or the removal of fallen trees with the fixed shackle. Incidentally, the RTE Robot is anything but water-shy: even driving through streams or flooded traffic routes is possible thanks to IP67 certification (dustproof and protection against temporary submersion).
If the Wildenau Volunteer Fire Department is called out on a firefighting operation, the RTE Robot can be converted for the purpose quickly, easily, and without tools. Only two people are needed to unload the ‘drafting point’ MEC and replace it with the module containing the RM15 water turret. Furthermore, the RTE Robot can be additionally equipped with a B 16 battery-powered high-performance fan.
Positive pressure ventilation
Thanks to the VGA and infrared camera built into the turret, the RTE Robot is ideally suited to exploring an operational site. The crawler type vehicle can also be used to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible without putting the crew in grave danger.
The crawler type vehicle can also be used to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible
In firefighting operations, the RTE Robot of the Wildenau Volunteer Fire Department can be used for firefighting and positive pressure ventilation at the same time. With an output of up to 1,600 l/min, the RM15 turret, which is also installed in many other vehicles such as the AT or even the PANTHER, is highly effective in terms of its extinguishing effect. Both the crawler type vehicle itself as well as the fan and turret can be controlled by the remote control device and thus from a safe distance.
Completely different requirements
With the development of the RTE Robot, Rosenbauer once again demonstrates its pioneering role in modern firefighting equipment. With the modular crawler type vehicle, it is possible to adapt to completely different requirements extremely quickly and with just a few steps. Equipment weighing hundreds of kilograms can be transported without difficulty and with far fewer personnel - even in rough terrain. In firefighting operations, it is possible to enter areas without putting the crew in danger and to find out the situation there, or commence the extinguishing attack.
Compact dimensions, easy operation, the high live load of over 600 kg, and the unique modularity with many application possibilities make the RTE Robot an indispensable assistant that can play to its strengths in a multitude of operations.