Innovative CFT technology in response to firefighting megatrends.
The world around us is constantly changing. Based on the megatrends in firefighting, Rosenbauer is already designing the firefighting vehicle of tomorrow - today.
The future trends such as the silver society, gender shift and individualization suggest that the working methods of fire departments will change fundamentally. The CFT, therefore, stands for an ergonomically optimized vehicle that can be adapted to a wide variety of requirements and operated intuitively. Connectivity, globalization and knowledge culture reflect the importance of communication and digitization in our society. The networking of man and machine will become increasingly important and will also make a decisive contribution to the success of operations. The topics of mobility, new ecology and urbanization are important when it comes to environmental protection and traffic. The Concept Fire Truck is electrically powered and is, therefore, environmentally friendly, maneuverable and safe.
In June 2020, the CFT becomes the RT (Revolutionary Technology), a new vehicle series that brings the advantages and functionalities of the CFT into series production. The series development will be completed in 2021 with practical tests at the first customers Berliner Feuerwehr, Brandweer Amsterdam Amstelland and Dubai Civil Defense. You can find further information on the RT here.
Ergonomics & Functionality.
Low and comfortable Acess Heights
In road driving mode, the Concept Fire Truck has a ground clearance of 250 mm. If necessary, the vehicle can be lowered by 100 mm at the scene, thus providing convenient access for driver and crew. The CFT can be easily raised to a ground clearance of 350 mm when driving over rough terrain, and even to 480 mm when crossing flooded roads.
Outstanding Ergonomics
Against the backdrop of future trends such as the Silver Society and the gender shift, Rosenbauer anticipates the need for a reduction in removal heights and is already focusing on the ergonomic stowage of equipment in the vehicle. The lowerable undercarriage allows all CFT equipment to be easily reached from the ground. The usual hinged steps have been omitted and there is no need to climb onto the vehicle roof.
Crawler
The remote-controlled crawler manipulator has compact dimensions, can be loaded with up to 750 kg and is multifunctional due to the capacity of the modules. Both the simple transport of heavy objects such as the hydraulic rescue device or a portable pump and the use of a water turret for firefighting operations are examples of applications that are possible without any problems with the crawler manipulator.
Flexible Design
Compared to a standard vehicle with the same maneuverability, the CFT offers more space in the equipment compartment. Water and foam tanks could be installed in various sizes, as the vehicle is designed to easily grow with the requirements of the wheelbase. The rear compartment also offers individual and innovative solutions. For example, the CFT has been equipped with a lifting platform to accommodate various manipulation systems.
Surround Illumination
An integrated high-performance LED surround lighting ensures 20 times higher luminosity in the CFT than in conventional firefighting vehicles. The extreme luminous intensity of the LED strip running horizontally on the vehicle enables homogeneous and glare-free light and shadowless illumination when working at the scene. In addition, the Concept Fire Truck is equipped with a cornering light and warning lights.
Communication.
Cockpit
In the cockpit, the CFT is equipped with a rotating driver and commander's seat. A conference seating arrangement for the crew cab was chosen to improve communication during the operational trip and during the operational briefing. The main control station serves as a central information point for all occupants.
Fully connected
The CFT is equipped with a WiFi access point as well as the Rosenbauer EMEREC operations management system. The wireless control panel allows the functions of the CFT, as well as drones, to be controlled from any location. In the event of technical problems, the built-in background assistance system also enables external access to the vehicle and remote diagnosis if required.
Driving Performance & Safety.
Driving Safety
An electronic mirror system, rear view cameras and ESP in 4x4 driving mode ensure safe driving of the Concept Fire Truck. Haptic feedback (vibrations) in the driver's seat draws the driver's attention to potential dangers on the road and thus intuitively supports them during navigation.
High Driving Dynamics
The combination of high acceleration and all-wheel drive ensures the excellent driving dynamics of the CFT. The vehicle is optimally balanced with a load distribution of around 50/50 and the low center of gravity also ensures excellent road holding, which in turn significantly increases driving safety.
Agility
With front wheel steering alone, the CFT reaches a turning circle of 15 meters. The all-wheel steering system achieves a reduced turning circle diameter of only 12 meters. The crab steering allows the vehicle to be moved sideways in tight driving situations and is particularly important for maneuvering in cramped spaces.
Narrow Vehicle Dimensions
Compact dimensions of 7.6 meters in length and 3.06 meters in height clearly set the CFT apart from other firefighting vehicles in its class. In addition, the CFT stands out due to its width of only 2.35 meters and the narrow sliding doors. The small dimensions have a positive effect on safe handling in dense urban areas.
Electric drive
The CFT is equipped with two electric motors, which considerably reduce the noise and pollutant load compared to ordinary firefighting vehicles. Its electric drive is sufficient for 30 minutes of electrical operation and can also drive the extinguishing water pump. For a smooth and longer deployment, an additional diesel-operated range extender is installed in combination with a generator.
Low Emissions
The electric drive significantly reduces air and noise emissions. In particular, purely electric operation at the operational scene creates a great improvement in terms of local air pollutants, as well as a silent energy supply from the battery for the operation of auxiliary consumers. The range extender is an eco-efficient passenger car diesel engine that is significantly quieter and has lower exhaust emissions than a truck engine.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Do you have any questions or suggestions that you would like to share with us? Feel free to contact us.
The CFT is basically a concept study. With this "bearer of technology," it is possible for us to present answers regarding the future firefighting trends on the basis of the innovative vehicle architecture. And, yes, the CFT is ready for operation. This means that although the vehicle is fully functional and travels on its own axle, it is not designed for use by fire departments.
A new vehicle based on CFT technology is currently being developed for series production, which will be put to the test as part of an innovation partnership with the Berlin Fire Department.
The drive of the CFT is purely electric, that is, electric motors provide the drive on both axles. With the battery storage installed in the CFT, a purely electric journey of approx. 30 km is possible, which is basically sufficient for a wide range of typical fire department operational journeys. In addition, the CFT also has a so-called range extender on board. This diesel engine drives a generator and, if necessary, provides sufficient energy supply should the journey or operation take longer or the battery level reach a critical level.
The main feature of the concept study is not only the electric drive, but also electric operation at the scene. For example, the extinguishing water pump can also be powered electrically for a limited time. For longer operations, it is possible to switch over to the direct mechanical drive using the range extender.
The power supply unit integrated in the CFT, which provides electrical energy from the battery storage, also offers an advantage for the emergency crews at the scene. This eliminates the need to carry a power generator, which generates not only electricity but also noise and exhaust gases.
Rosenbauer specially developed the chassis for the Concept Fire Truck, which forms a closed unit with the driver's or crew's cabin and body. Only the implementation of the electric drive train made it possible to realize this ergonomic and highly functional vehicle architecture, which allows a degree of freedom in the vehicle body, such as the spacious cab space and also the low-floor entrance.
Fire red is the traditional color of firefighting and emergency vehicles in German-speaking countries. But since the CFT is a concept vehicle, we deliberately decided against the classic red. To increase the visibility as well as to emphasize the special and ecological importance of the Concept Fire Truck, we have chosen the color lime green.
The Concept Fire Truck is designed as a rescue vehicle (or HLF) with pump and tank as well as hydraulic recovery equipment in the equipment compartments and loads of special equipment. Due to the innovative space distribution, the CFT offers more storage space and can be adapted to the individual needs of fire departments.
The CFT is equipped with a horizontal LED strip below the windshield, which also illuminates when the blue warning light is activated. It is intended to ensure free movement in traffic. However, the display is also used for pulling activities and provides information on the force applied by the cable winch, as the green-yellow-red color scale indicates the load or pulling force.
The CFT was presented to the public for the first time at Rosenbauer's 150th anniversary celebration in September 2016. Since then, the concept vehicle has been presented to various fire departments and shown at selected trade fairs and events. When the CFT is presented at public events, this is communicated in advance on the various Rosenbauer channels.
The RT (Revolutionary Technology), a vehicle based on CFT technology, is currently being developed for series production. As part of a practical test, the function is tested under real conditions together with the Berlin fire brigade, Brandweer Amsterdam Amstelland and Dubai Civil Defense. You can find further information on the RT here.
