Ford Australia, in collaboration with Deakin University and XL Service Bodies, has created a special Fire Response Unit based on the Ranger Super Duty. This is a concept for a rapid response vehicle designed to arrive at the scene of an incident before heavy fire equipment.
The Super Cab version with a gross vehicle weight of 4500 kg is used as the base. Its high payload capacity allows for the placement of water reserves, fire equipment, tools, and additional power supply without reinforcing the chassis.
The main feature is the pumping system. The pickup is equipped with high-performance and ultra-high-pressure pumps, and their operation is ensured by an inverter and a Zeliox Australia charging system. Therefore, a separate gasoline or diesel generator is not required.
It has also been prepared for off-road operation: the Ranger Super Duty received increased ground clearance, a wider track, reinforced suspension, off-road tires, a snorkel, and a front power bumper with a bull bar.
Under the hood is a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine with 209 hp and 600 Nm. The engine works with a 10-speed automatic transmission, permanent all-wheel drive, and front and rear differential locks.
The practical meaning of the project is simple: such a vehicle can quickly deliver firefighters to a remote or traffic-congested area, begin extinguishing, and assess the situation even before a large special vehicle arrives.
Ford is currently showcasing the Ranger Fire Response Unit as a concept, but states that similar vehicles could be created for emergency services and corporate fleets in Australia.