The MVF-5 is a unique multifunctional firefighting robot vehicle developed to extinguish fires in life threatening conditions and inaccessible areas. The system is operated from a safe distance of up to 1500m by using remote-control technology. The MVF-5 extends the reach of fire fighters to protect high risk industrial facilities and other dangerous environments.
Image: Multifunctional Firefighting Robot Vehicle
MVF-5 is equipped with the latest fire fighting technologies, two tanks for water and foam. The vehicle can extinguish fires with minimal damage to itself and operators, who remain outside the range of danger during operation. MVF-5 gives the operator the capability to use water, foam, or a combination of both extinguishing liquids.
The standard operating tool mounted in front of the system is a rotational gripper combined with dozer blade. MVF-5 can lift up to 2 tons with the rotational gripper to remove dangerous objects. The gripper can also penetrate buildings, cut wires, and be used as the Jaws of Life. The dozer blade can push up to 10 tons of weight. The tool allows professionals to clear a path in front of the system so that others can pass safely.
In addition, a sophisticated video system allows the operator to have full control of vehicle movement during operation. The video system consists of six high resolution and waterproof cameras. One of the cameras is a thermal camera, which allows the MVF-5 to operate during reduced visibility conditions.
Image: Multifunctional Firefighting Robot Vehicle
Future development of MVF-5 to make the vehicle capable for chemical and radiological monitoring will be based on the base concept of the current vehicle. There will be possibility to choose one of three engine types: diesel engine, electric engine or hybrid diesel-electric engine. The engine type determines power, autonomy and vehicle protection architecture. An electric motor simplifies the following issues:
- Entrance into contaminated areas
- Hydraulics and engine cooling
- Oxygen supply to engine for internal combustion would not be necessary
Regardless of engine type, the future vehicle base concept will determine:
- Explosion resistance (the amount of pressure and shock wave speed that the vehicle can withstand)
- Fire resistance (the temperature that the vehicle can withstand and for how long)
- Requirements for remote image transfer (which cameras, how many cameras, picture quality, zooming, controllability of the camera via robotic arm)
- Autonomy of the vehicle with remote control (wireless or with a wire)
A second mechanical arm will be used for:
- Carrying detection-identification instruments
- Carrying of high resolution cameras
- Carrying of extra tools like gas welding
- Delicate mechanical tasks:
-Taking samples
-Closing-opening the valves
-Collecting objects from the ground
The next concepts to be developed:
- Reconnaissance-Working-Counterterrorism and Fire fighting Vehicle for Military-Police Tasks
- Reconnaissance – Working – Fire fighting Vehicle for Nuclear Accidents
- Reconnaissance – Working – Fire fighting Vehicle for Chemical Accidents
Image: Multifunctional Firefighting Robot Vehicle
In Croatia, the Zagreb fire brigade has signed a contract with DOK-ING, the producer of the MVF-5, to use the vehicle for one year with the possibility of purchasing the vehicle at the end of the contract.
It will not be long before other fire & rescue services across the world adopt this innovative technology to help fire fighters save more lives.
For more information on the MVF-5 and to find out more about the manufacturer, visit www.dok-ing.hr