Scania Magirus Multistar Combined Aerial Rescue Appliance debuts at the Emergency Services Show 2009

Designed to meet a broad range of operational requirements, the versatile and flexible CARA combines day-to-day fire and rescue capability with an aerial platform on an 18-tonne four-by-two chassis equipped with a purpose-built crew cab and ample stowage space.

"This joint-project actually began as two separate projects when both Cambridgeshire and Hereford & Worcester commenced scoping exercises and preparing business cases for replacement vehicles," comments Graham Maltby, Workstream Director – Fire Vehicles & Emergency Response Equipment  for Firebuy Limited.  "Cambridgeshire was looking to renew its aerial capability, whilst Hereford & Worcester focused on meeting the operational requirements of its north-east area.  For both Services, it emerged that a vehicle with fire fighting and rescue capability and an aerial platform would be the preferred option.

"Both Services then approached Firebuy, which identified an opportunity for collaborative procurement.  It also presented a case for inter-operability across the service."

Based on a 310 horsepower Scania P 310 fire appliance chassis equipped with Scania's factory-built all-steel, six man safety crew cab, an on-board extinguishing capacity of 1,500-litres of water, plus any supplementary in-built foam systems, was required by both Services.  The joint-specification also called for an equipment carrying capacity of a minimum of one tonne, which was to achieved on a four-by-two vehicle, thereby also permitting operation in confined spaces.

Given the constraints of a 4x2 18-tonne chassis, the only aerial package available to the project was the Magirus Multistar.  Comprising a two-piece articulated boom and  three telescopic booms, this versatile item of equipment provides a maximum cage working height of 31-metres plus the capability to operate at up to 12-metres below ground level.