Canada’s Department of National Defense (DND) has placed an initial order for four KME FORCE air-transportable 4×4 aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles. Deliveries will begin in March 2011.
The trucks can hold 5,000 liters of water, 340 liters of foam and 250 pounds of dry chemical. They are being equipped with a 2,000-gpm pump, roof monitor and high performance bumper turret. Due to the possible harsh climate conditions, a 7,500-watt diesel generator and winterization package for environments of minus-40 degrees to plus-40 degrees Celsius has been specified.
The units include a KME chassis with a Twin Disc transmission and a CAT C-13 525-hp engine. The apparatus feature an innovative coil spring over live rigid axle configuration allowing for superior wheel movement, but fewer moving parts, resulting in the perfect balance between ease of maintenance and performance, according to KME. All are fully air-transportable on a C-130 Hercules aircraft.
KME FORCE cabs and bodies with integrated water tanks are constructed of glass reinforced polyester (GRP) and offer significant weight savings, low center of gravity, high tensile strength and superior corrosion protection.
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