MUNICIPAL VEHICLES FIRE APPLIANCE
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• The Brigadier, a mainline B-type fire appliance, was designed and constructed by Reynolds Boughton (Devon), a company with a worldwide reputation for airfield crash rescue vehicles.
Three years ago Reynolds Boughton started a research programme to find out exactly what the brigades needed from an appliance.
It took two years of discussions with fire brigade personnel at all levels for the company's designers and engineers to establish a list of design priorities. These included: a low centre of gravity for safe handling a safety cab with enhanced environment for the crew; greater safety and ease of entry and exit from the cab.
From the paper design, through a series of wooden simulations, the Brigadier B-type emerged to satisfy these recommendations.
The result is a fire appliance that looks, and is said to perform, very differently from its predecessors.
From the outside its most significant feature is a non-tilting forward control crew cab. Its steel frame and aluminium/ GRP construction provides a high degree of strength and protection to the occupants. Adequate space allows for the accommodation of an officer and driver in the front, four crew members facing forward in the rear, and stowage for brea thing apparatus sets and spare cylinders. Additional stowage is also provided under the crew seat.
On the nearside a large air-operated double-door and a step height of 540mm enables safe passage for the crew dismounting at speed in full breathing gear. The folding crew door, contained within the confines of the body, provides further safety advantages preventing any danger of injury to crew or passers-by. In the event of a serious accident, whereby the nearside door becomes blocked, an emergency door provides the crew with an alternative exit on the offside, in addition to the driver's door.
Attention to driving visibility ensures a clear view of the vehicle's extremities on both sides.
BETTER BALANCE Technically, the Brigadier has several new and important features. Its Volvo TD71A diesel engine, producing 169kW (227hp) at 2,400rpm and 766Not (5651bft) at 1,500rpm, and four-speed Allison transmission with torque converter are midmounted low down within the chassis members behind the crew cab. This gives the appliance a better balance in terms of load spread between the axles and, more importantly, lowers the height of the centre of gravity. Similarly, a low-profile water tank is used. These two major changes to weight distribution give the Brigadier a centre of gravity some 250min lower than the majority of the 2,500 to 3,000 appliances in operation throughout the country.
Bendix CRM anti-lock control is incorporated within the full-air-braking system and a spring park brake meets with the JCDD.3/1 standard. ZF 8043 integral hydraulic power-assisted steering is specified for ease of control.
Priority was given to providing easy access for routine engine and transmission maintenance. Daily inspections of oil and water levels may be accomplished after raising the passenger seat squab. For major attention both the engine and transmission can be removed from below.
During its evaluation it served as a "first away" appliance. Based at Exeter fire station it attended 150 operational calls and covered 3,0001an. The Exeter Fire Brigade was impressed by "the road holding, cornering ability and turning circle of the appliance".
The exhaust also aroused some comment_ It runs up through the chassis passing through the bodywork behind the crew cab to give a vertical discharge. When the vehicle is working statically this ensures that the fumes are directed away from the pump operator standing at the rear of the vehicle.
At 2.44m the extra 152mm width over most appliances allows a wider spring base to give the required stability. Building to normal commercial standards also allows a wider specification of axles. Reynolds Boughton is also offering the option of a narrow 2.28m wide model.
The purpose of any in-depth evaluation is to identify problem areas and make the necessary alterations. Throughout the Brigadier's development Reynolds Boughton maintained a close working relationship with the Devon Fire and Rescue Service and was keen to listen and implement any suggestions wherever possible.
LEVEL OF INVESTMENT Most problems identified were of a minor nature and promptly rectified. One such item which remains outstanding is the location of the triple windscreen wiper pivots. These will be mounted on the lower edge of the screen.
The level of investment, not just in cash terms but also in terms of time and effort made, is a major development project for Reynolds Boughton. Following its successful trials several other brigades have already expressed a wish to carry out their own evaluations.
The unit is available from the manufacturer to individual requirements as a complete vehicle, or the chassis can be supplied complete with water tank and fire pump to any specified approved bodybuilder for individual body styling.
0 by Bill Brock