Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service has taken delivery of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4, specially converted to operate as a high-tech incident support unit for the area.
Supplied by dealer Bell Truck and Van, the long-bodied vehicle is based on a 5-tonne Sprinter 519 CDI and has a V6 engine. The conversion was carried out by Macneillie.
The Sprinter 4x4 sits higher than its standard counterpart and uses rear-wheel drive for road use, with all-wheel drive available for off road.
Unlike conventional 4x4 vehicles, which use differential locks, the Sprinter 4x4 employs a version of the Mercedes 4-ETS (electronic traction system), which is integrated with Adaptive ESP anti-skid technology.
Communications equipment supplied by Excelerate Technology for the air-conditioned vehicle includes a roof-mounted, foldable satellite dish and a camera mounted on a retractable 6m mast. Messages and real-time data can be streamed back to headquarters without the need to rely on the public network.
Converter Macneillie also fitted M1-compliant swivelling seats, a 10kVA generator, which is accessed via the rear doors and housed behind a sound-proofed bulkhead, and stabiliser legs to ensure continuity of satellite signal during operations.
An awning and external hatch, through which a 40in screen can be viewed, means the area beside the vehicle can be used for meetings and briefings.
"This custom-built vehicle will allow us to deliver our services in a more co-ordinated and professional manner," says Alex Bennett, chief fire officer.
"The Incident Support Unit represents a significant financial investment but, given that we expect to run it for at least 10 years, I have no doubt that it will prove to be money very well spent."
Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service operates four other all-wheel-drive Mercedes vans.
Three are used by its water rescue teams and carry inflatable boats. The fourth is a specialist rescue vehicle and equipped with heavy-duty cutting gear, as well as stabilisation tools.
