All-wheel-driven Fire-fighter for Aerodrome Service
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BEFORE officials of the Air Ministry and other GovernIneI1i. representatives an " air crash " was staged at Luton Airport last week to demonstrate a Karrier crash tender ordered for Speke Aerodrome. The vehirle, which is provided with foam and carbon-dioxide fire-fighting apparatus, and is equipped for dealing with any outbreak occurring in the hangars, stores, or other buildings on the aerodrome, merits particular interest, inasmuch as it is the first machine of its type based on a four-wheel-drive chassis.
In design, the chassis is similar to that now being employed by the War Office. Both axles are driven through a four-speed gearbox and a centrally positioned transfer c.asc which, in addition, gives a reduction on all main bbx speeds, thus providing eight forward and two reverse speeds. A six-cylindered engine, developing 80 b.h.p., together with Dunlop l0.50-in.-20-in. Trakgrip tyre equipment, enables speeds of 45 m.p.h. to be obtained ancl affords an acceleration of 30 m.p.h. in 19 secs.
Such a notable performance is further assisted by a specially designed spring-suspension system employing Woodhead trunnion-ended springs to give adequate articulation when travelling over rough ground.
Mounted at the rear of the chassis is the Airfoam pump, which is driven from the transfer case and is capable of delivering 1,200 g.p.rn. It is fed from a composite tank containing 300 gallons of water and 25 gallons of foam solution, which gives a minimum of four minutes running.
The foam is conveyed through copper pipes to four permanent outlets, and to each of these is attached 60 ft. of specially treated unlined canvas hose and a branch pipe with spreader nozzle. The carbon-dioxide equipment consists of two cylinders suspended on both sides of the water tank. Each pair has independent operation. Sufficient space is provided for a crew of six men, all of whom are situated so that they have an unhampered exit. There is ample accommodation for such gear as breathing and rescue apparatus, and space for the rescue man to clothe himself with an asbestos suit. Also included amongst the equipment are a spring drawbar attachment, felling axe, salvage hooks, and flameproof gloves.