With two engines and two fully automatic Allison 4000 Series™ transmissions, the fire brigade’s crash response truck has double the power.

BEIJING– Stuttgart airport has been operating Germany’s first Magirus Superdragon X8 since July. The 52-ton vehicle, with 8x8 powertrain and four-axleIveco IM52X8 chassis,is equipped with a twin power pack using Iveco Cursor engines andAllison 4500R fully automatic transmissions.

The two engines, positioned in the rear of the vehicle, are Euro 5-certified and provide 412 kW (560 hp) each for a remarkable total of 824 kW (1,120 hp). Power is utilized to its best by the two Allison 4000 Series™ transmissions which ensure maximum acceleration, thanks to the torque converter multiplication factor and full power shifts. This way, Allison’s Continuous Power Technology™delivers high torque and uninterrupted power to the drive wheels. The vehicle is thus able to reach a speed of 135 km/h accelerating from 0 to 80 km/h in 25 seconds, which is among the best response times in the market and faster than international regulation requirements.

Allison transmissions were integral components from the beginning of the vehicle development process. Each transmission feature two integral and engine driven power take-off provisions to ensure enough power for the fire-fighting equipment without the need of a dedicated power divider. This integral solution simplifies system architecture and enhances reliability by reducing the number of components. Safety, durability and reliability are also increased by the integrated retarder, which shortens vehicle stopping distance and reduces brake wear.

The Iveco Superdragon X8 features a 17,000 liter water tank and a 2,500 liter tank for foam concentrate. For fire extinguishing operation the vehicle features a roof cannon, with a flow rate of 6000 l/min and a casting distance up to 90 meters, and a front cannon with a casting distance of more than 45 meters. The vehicle is capable of pump’n’roll operation thanks to the Allison automatic and the efficient Magirus MPN 700 pump, driven by the left engine with a rated output of 9,000 l/min at 10 bar.

The fire brigade at Stuttgart airport operates 24 specialty vehicles, including some 42-ton vehicles with 1,000 hp.