ULM, GERMANY—The Munich Fire Department has recently put 15 new Magirus turntable ladders into operation. The identical M32L-AS turntable ladders are on a low-profile chassis. To mark the delivery, a symbolic key was handed over to the head of Munich’s Fire Protection Authorities, engineer Wolfgang Schäuble, at the fire station No. 1 by Marc Diening, Magirus CEO. “Based on this further development of the low-level turntable ladder family we are able to support the Munich Fire Department even more effectively at their missions,” emphasized Diening while voicing his thanks for the constructive cooperation with the Munich FD.

Low archways and narrow old-town streets as well as increasing numbers of automobiles on the roads often make it difficult for the Munich FD to get to where it is needed. The specific requirements for very compact dimensions and extreme agility are met by the Magirus low-level turntable ladder concept. This vehicle combines high standards of safety, comfort, and ergonomics with a total height of 3 meters and a total width of 2.40 meters. "The turntable ladders on low-profile chassis guarantee direct, fast access and reliably ensure the rescue of persons in Munich and the surrounding areas," Schäuble pointed out.

The development work initiated by Magirus with the chassis manufacturer IVECO is the basis for the compact dimensions. Compared to a standard Eurocargo chassis in the 16-ton class, the cab is positioned in front of the front axle and is significantly lower. The vehicle's enormous manoeuvrability offers significant advantages when it comes to travel time. Up to a speed of 30 km/h, the rear axle of the vehicle steers independently. A reduced turning circle of approximately 14 m allows simple manoeuvring and significantly minimizes shunting. The turntable ladder for the Munich Fire Department also solves the increased design requirements connected with the Euro VI emission category especially impacting on compact vehicles.

For the turntable ladder configuration, the Munich Fire Department decided on the unique Magirus articulated technology. The M32L-AS has a four-part ladder set with Magirus Single Extension technology. The first ladder section is in the single extension before further ladder sections follow in parallel. Compared to standard turntable ladders, an extended outreach is available for rescue operations.

An articulated arm can lower the RC300 rescue basket directly in front of the cab at the press of a button. The Magirus Direct Entry (MDE) concept facilitates boarding in the basket as well as the attachment of different components such as stretchers, water monitors, chainsaws, or additional spotlights to the two multifunction columns. Thanks to the security cameras in the basket and in the pivot of the articulated arm, the operator always has a comprehensive overview, even when a ladder section is angled.

The largest municipal fire department in Germany has relied on the innovative firefighting technology from the Ulm-based company for decades. This collaboration goes back to the late 1970s, with the joint development of a turntable ladder concept that was a true game changer of this time. The requirement profile was short and concise: low, narrow, agile, and with utmost operator convenience. In 1980, Magirus delivered 12 turntable ladders on low-profile chassis. The Magirus turntable ladder concept convinced. In 1997, all turntable ladders

OSHKOSH, WIS. – Oshkosh Airport Products, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) company, is delivering three more Oshkosh® Striker® 6 X 6 aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicles to airports administered and operated by Servicios Aeroportuarios Bolivianos S.A. (SABSA) for the country of Bolivia. The Striker 6 X 6 apparatus will join three others already on duty; one each at the following airports: Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba, and El Alto International Airport in La Paz.

“The three Oshkosh Striker 6 x 6 apparatus in this second round of deliveries, together with the three vehicles placed into service in late 2014, will provide unmatched emergency response capabilities at these prominent international Bolivian airports,” said Jeff Resch, Oshkosh Airport Products vice president and general manager. “The follow-up purchase is a strong vote of confidence in the Striker vehicle and in our ability to service and support airports around the globe, no matter the location.” 

The second set of three Striker vehicles are shipped to the Port of Iquique, Chile where they are loaded onto flatbed vehicles for a challenging overland journey to their respective airports. The first delivery, to Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, was completed last month. The second and third deliveries – to Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba and El Alto International near La Paz – will take place later this summer. 

“We appreciate the support provided by the people of SABSA, and their commitment to provide state-of-the-art airport emergency response capabilities at airports throughout Bolivia,” said Marcelo Solis, vice president of Leits Inc., Oshkosh Airport Products dealer for Bolivia. “We are honored that Oshkosh Striker ARFF vehicles will continue to play an important role at these fine airports long into the future.” 

The Oshkosh Striker, available in 4 X 4, 6 X 6 and an all-new 8 X 8 configuration, feature advanced safety systems, innovative fire suppression technology, unmatched chassis performance, and unsurpassed reliability and durability. Each of the three Striker 6 X 6 vehicles for Bolivia is outfitted with a roof turret, an Oshkosh low attack bumper turret, and a dry chemical system. The engine power pack components are readily accessed through walk-in doors – on either side of the engine compartment – for easier servicing.  

In addition, the Striker serving at El Alto International Airport is equipped with a cold weather/high altitude package that includes piping inside the compartments to protect its firefighting components. 

SABSA is a nationalized company dedicated to the administration, modernization and expansion of the major airports in Bolivia. Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz handles large commercial jets and is the hub for Bolivia’s largest airline. Jorge Wilstermann International Airport serves the Cochabamba region, and is situated at an elevation of 8,360 feet. El Alto International Airport is located eight miles southwest of La Paz and, at 4,061 meters (13,325 feet), is the highest elevation international airport in the world.

Oshkosh Dealer, Leits Inc. – Specialty Vehicles Division, of Miami, Florida, provides service and support.

About Oshkosh Airport Products, LLC

Oshkosh Airport Products, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation company, is a designer and builder of industry-leading airport firefighting and snow removal vehicles. Its flagship Striker® Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle and Oshkosh® H-Series™ snow removal chassis are known for their durability and superior performance and sold throughout the world. For more information, visit www.oshkoshairport.com. 

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