Dennis Rapier launched
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• Dennis Specialist Vehicles finally launched its Rapier fire appliance chassis at last week's fire exhibition in Torquay, after a year of demonstrating it to UK fire brigades (CM 6-12 Sept 1990).
A dedicated design rather than a modified commercial chassis, the model shown is the first of 18 sold so far and will be based in Maidstone.
It is equipped with the first Eurobody to emerge from John Dennis Coachbuilders' new factory at Guildford.
The body has easily replaced panelling and a choice of fixed or pull-out shelving while a rotationally moulded polyethylene tank carries 1,800 litres of water.
The Rapier's 157kW (210hp) turbocharged or 179kW (240hp) charge-cooled Cummins 6CT/6CTA diesel with Allison MDCR five-speed transmission sits in a Cromweld 3CR12 stainless steel space-frame chassis.
Low-profile 265/70R 19.5in tyres help bring the bare frame height down to 750mm. The Rapier has a much lower centre of gravity than existing appliances giving improved roll stability during high-speed manoeuvring.
Dennis says the Rapier at 11 tonnes GVW on test maintained ground contact to 42° of tilt before outer wheel-lift occurred.
Dennis also claims excellent road holding from the anti-dive geometry embodied in its coilsprung double wishbone inde
pendent front suspension.
Rear coils are located on trailing taper-leaf springs, all joints being maintenance-free. Air over hydraulic front disc and full air wedgedrawn rear brakes have dual-circuit ABS with ASR traction control as standard.
Renault revealed
heavier, more powerful off-the peg chassis at 12 tonnes with eight to nine-man extended tilting cab. These are its 146 and 168kW (195 and 225hp) Midliner M200 and M230 models (CM 22-28 Aug).
RTI aims to revive its Dodge Commando links with the brigades and has already sold four to the Kent force.
Volvo is busy producing four 154kW (206hp) 4x4 fire tenders for BAA (British Airports Authority), based on the M6 chassis but with permanent four-wheel drive. And it is building off-road fire tenders for BAA based on its M6 military chassis.
Simon-Dudley showed its "state-of-the-art" ST290S aerial rescue platform which will join the Greater Manchester brigade.
It has an all-hydraulic (chainless) operation with quieter pumps, an on-board diagnostic system, 450mm high hand rails, and top-hung steel cage.