Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in the UK has completed a successful twelve-month trial of the innovative ‘AT-Stinger’ fire appliance from Rosenbauer UK – a global market leader in the supply of firefighting vehicles.
The leased truck will now be purchased by the service, alongside the procurement of a second unit, which is due for delivery later this year.
Throughout 2017, the service operated the rented AT-Stinger – which is the latest in municipal firefighting technology – putting it through its paces. During this period, the truck has proven itself as the most effective appliance in Lancashire’s fleet, being utilised at countless incidents, from the busy station of Blackburn.
Alongside the successful execution of demanding tasks in Lancashire, the leased AT-Stinger was also deployed cross-border into Greater Manchester and North Yorkshire to assist with various complex incidents, which it successfully executed on every occasion.
The AT-Stinger concept was devised by Rosenbauer UK in 2015, in conjunction with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. The goal, from both parties, was to redefine the standard in aggressive firefighting capability while having the ability to react to smaller incidents too.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has since released an official report, attesting to the robustness, versatility and capability of the AT-Stinger, which is available for other UK Fire and Rescue Services to use.
Prior to the development of the AT-Stinger, various trials, user feedback and Union consultation indicated that a new firefighting tool was needed. The truck’s criteria were clear; an advanced pump, self-sufficiency and something that didn’t fall within the typical ‘aerial appliance’ category. It also required the ability to react to small incidents whilst, significantly, carrying six highly-skilled firefighters.
The result was a truck that delivers 4,500 litres per minute, if required, over a distance of 85 metres. This capability of water delivery is powered by its own, giant, Rosenbauer ‘NH45’ pump, which is ordinarily used as a base pump to feed multiple units.
In conjunction with the initial demands, Rosenbauer UK also developed the 16.5 metre ‘Stinger’ boom package with wireless operator controls and a highly-effective piercing tool. This is capable of penetrating a roof of a building, wall or window before releasing 1,000 litres per minute of water from the injected spike.
This device ensures that fires are tackled with almost immediate effect from arriving at the scene, dramatically reducing blazing compartment temperatures and allowing the crew to enter the building.
“Lives have been saved, as have millions of pounds worth of commercial and residential property, due to the capability of the AT-Stinger,” commented Rosenbauer UK’s managing director, Oliver North.
“We are all impressed by the huge impact which the truck has made on the front line in Lancashire. But innovation is only as good as those who embrace it, and I have to say, Blackburn’s firefighters have been nothing short of world-class in proving this concept.
“They have pushed this new technology to its limit whilst in-turn providing unseen and, arguably, unrivalled results, nationwide. As a manufacturer of both standard and aerial appliances, it is clear there isn’t an appliance available on the market which offers this level of durability, aggression and, most importantly, firefighter safety.”
The second AT-Stinger is planned into Rosenbauer UK’s production schedule and is anticipated for delivery in late 2018.
For further information from Rosenbauer UK visit: www.rosenbauer.co.uk
To view the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service video visit: LFRS AT Stinger
Image shows the AT-Stinger as operated by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service outside of the Rosenbauer UK facility. Picture supplied by Rosenbauer UK.
