Aircraft Crash Rescue Fire Tender

1972 Thornycroft Carmichael 6x6 Nubian Major MkII

The most used crash tender in England was the Nubian Major, the origins which can be traced back to WWII.  In the late 1970's a new generation purpose built CFG chassis was developed, designed specifically for Australian Fire/Rescue purposes.  Australia acquired 7 units, to be stationed at major Airports.  It is estimated that only 3 units are now in existence.

The two tenders now owned by Bert De Haan were used at Mascot and Bathurst Airports in Sydney, until their decommissioning in 1995.  According to newspaper reports, the Mascot Unit was also used to escort Queen Elizabeth, when she visited Australia.  These two units, according to their logs, were used as front line attacks with several major air disasters.

The appliance is mounted on a Thornycroft Carmichael Major 6X6 chassis and is powered by a 13 litre 400Hp Cummings V8 diesel type V-785 operating at 2000 rpm.  The drive train incorporates an Allison Ht70 6 speed auto transmission with a hydraulic retarder for engine braking.  The main braking on all 6 wheels is a fully air activated split air system.  (the 4 differential units take 40 litres of oil each!)  The hydraulic pump, water pump and foam pump are driven by a PTO.

The appliance can produce foam whilst moving with under body foam sprays for protection.  The movement of the monitor is activated by hydraulic action with dual controls in the cab and on the roof.

The water tank holds 17,000 litres can be filled at a rate of 3,500 litres per minute.  This can be delivered at a rate of 24,843 litres per minute.  The foam tanks which holds 1,700 litres are mixed with water at a rate of 2% and delivery via the rooftop monitor is at 3,150 litres per minute with a 70 metre throw at 200 psi.

Although the "lightweight" body is constructed from aluminium and fibreglass the fully working order weight is 20 tons.  The vehicle is slow in manoeuvring with a large turning circle, but can successfully be driven over greatly varying terrain.

Copyright © 2007 Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia