Fire-fighting operation in the tightest of spaces.

The Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 218 is the smallest implement carrier in its class. Thanks to its compact dimensions and short wheelbase it delivers absolute flexibility. Nevertheless, the Special Truck scores points with its powerful engine, which enables the emergency services to advance even into rough terrain. Portal axles and permanent all-wheel drive also make it the first choice for operations off the beaten track—such as fighting forest and vegetation fires.

Thanks to tailor-made equipment resulting from proven cooperation with body manufacturers, the Unimog U 218 BAI VSAF 2000 becomes a versatile firefighting vehicle. The extremely lightweight, rust-free body in unwelded aluminium profile construction by BAI Brescia Antincendi International Srl not only provides space for 2,000 l of firefighting water but also offers numerous other operational advantages.

Thanks to the low weight of the body, an impressive amount of equipment can be carried. The Unimog’s roof can also be accessed via a ladder. The electric winch Warn Zeon 12 with a 30 m cable can be conveniently operated from the cab. On each side, the Unimog has a water- and dust-tight lockable compartment with light-alloy roller shutters, whose LED lighting switches on automatically when opened. To make loading and unloading easier, folding steps are fitted on both sides of the body.

The firefighting systems on board the Unimog are designed for both conventional fire-fighting and the special demands of off-road operations. The two-stage water pump from Godiva can operate at both 10 bar and 40 bar water pressure. It simultaneously supplies the vehicle’s self-protection system with water: its six nozzles protect the Unimog’s front and rear wheels from heat and flames during fires in rough terrain. A high-pressure foam inducer for producing extinguishing foam is also on board.

The front monitor mounted on the front bumper delivers up to 400 l/min. The water monitor, which can rotate up to 180°, can be operated directly from the cab via a joystick.

Since its founding in 1991, the company based in northern Italy has specialised in the development and outfitting of fire, rescue and civil protection vehicles. It is now one of the leading manufacturers in Europe. A close partnership with Mercedes-Benz has existed since 2010, and since 2017 BAI has been an officially certified partner of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

More info: bai.it

The electric emergency system BAI DIAMOND provides wide-ranging visibility with LED blue lights on the roof of the cab and the rear body. Blue LEDs at the front and a rotating siren complete the signaling system. Additional LED lights are fitted at the sides, on the running boards and on the roof to optimally illuminate access to the equipment on the body at any time of day or night.

Another highlight of the Unimog model with BAI body: the quick-start kit, which can put all systems into emergency readiness at the push of a button on the vehicle's left-hand side. The Unimog's all-round worry-free package is rounded off by a reversing camera.

Emergency crews who rely on the new Unimog U 218 BAI VSAF 2000 therefore get a genuine all-rounder that is ideal for operations in narrow inner-city streets as well as for wildfires and rescue missions in the field.