The new Rosenbauer Tech Drive 06 aerial combines the best features of an aerial ladder and a pumper to produce a versatile apparatus for many departments. It represents a lot of good design and merits a closer inspection. Here are some of the many innovative features on this new model.

Rosenbauer XLC chassis and cab. The new cab is longer and has a raised cab for additional interior space. The raised roof is dropped in the center to let the aerial stow in a horizontal position without increasing the overall apparatus height. The extra length provides room for compartments with roll-up exterior doors on both sides of the cab to allow quick and easy access to EMS boxes or other equipment.

Roll stability control system. This system works with the antilock brakes to sense dangerous side forces during turns and quickly apply a pulsating brake pressure to help keep the apparatus from rolling. It can sense dangerous conditions faster than a human driver and is able to apply a measured amount braking without overreacting.

Elevated side-mount pump panel. This design gets the pump operator off the ground and out of traffic without requiring a longer wheelbase to accommodate a walkway across the apparatus. It also puts the operator in a position to see more of the incident scene and direct aerial movements. High-visibility guardrails and grab handles here and all around the apparatus provide safer handholds.

Rear-mount 60-foot aerial ladder. This compact, two-section aerial gives departments all the advantages of a rescue ladder and elevated master stream without the weight and space of a longer aerial. It's ideal for situations where the largest target hazards are lumberyards, packing sheds and 3- or 4-story commercial buildings. The preplumbed 1,000gpm monitor is radio controlled and can be operated up to 300 feet from the apparatus.

Reflective chevrons. All of the Rosenbauer Tech Drive 06 trucks feature high-visibility reflective chevron striping on the front bumper, rear body and inside the cab doors. Many people agree that the chevron pattern commands more attention than horizontal stripes and is more effective in warning oncoming vehicles to stay away.

Rosenbauer Tech Drive 06 Aerial Specs

• Rosenbauer XLC chassis with 206-inch wheelbase
• ECE R-29 crash-tested cab with 10-inch raised roof
• EMS compartments on both sides of cab
• 400hp Caterpillar C9 engine
• 1,500gpm Darley PSM midship pump
• Elevated side-mount pump panel
• 500-gallon UPF poly water tank
• Foam Pro 2002 Class A foam system
• 60-foot RK aerial ladder with 500-pound rated tip load
• 1,000gpm preplumbed radio-control aerial monitor
• Roll stability control system
• Seated-not-belted seatbelt warning system
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• 10kw Onan generator
• Reflective chevrons on front, rear and inside doors
• Sonar safety system for backing