Brigades team up for front-line specification
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by Colin Sowman • Dennis Specialist Vehicles has won the chassis-cab contract arid John Dennis Coachbuilders will supply the bodywork to a consortium of seven fire brigades which has drawn up a common specification for a front-line fire appliance.
The group has negotiated a three-year deal for supply of the Dennis Rapier and Sabre chassis. Engineers from each force were involved in sorting out the vehicle specification.
For the chassis-cabs the standard specification includes antilock brakes and traction control (ABS and ASR), a retarder. stainless fuel tanks and exhaust, central locking, polycarbonate side windows, a 100 amp alternator, 110 volt auxiliary alternator, an auxiliary compressor, rear air sus
pension and automatic chassis lubrication.
From 130 different options, the final body specification demanded 27, covering pumps and valves, pneumatic hose rewind, foam reservoirs, lighting and public address systems.
By sealing a three-year deal, the seven brigades have been able to take advantage of bulk order pricing and "call off" availability without having to commit to any particular number of appliances.
Four brigades have already ordered vehicles through the consortium and brigades beyond the initial seven can join provided no significant alterations are needed, At the end of the three-year contract competitive tendering will determine whether the contract will be extended for three years.