At the international trade fair for rescue and mobility RettMobil (May 14 to 16, 2025), Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will bring a selection of off-road vehicles suitable for use in disaster and rescue environments.
A highly off-road capable Mercedes-Benz Unimog tank fire truck and a Mercedes-Benz Atego HLF 10 designed as a multifunctional firefighting and technical assistance vehicle will be on display at the outdoor stand. Visitors can experience another high off-road capable Mercedes-Benz Unimog with a double cab live in action on the off-road course.
Unimog U 5023 as Tank Fire Truck 3000
The Unimog U 5023 is suitable as a base vehicle for flood and disaster operations as well as vegetation firefighting, thanks to its high ground clearance of over half a meter, large approach and departure angles, and a fording capability of up to 1.2 meters.
According to the manufacturer, features include the flexible chassis with torque tube-guided axles, allowing for a diagonal axle articulation of up to 30 degrees, as well as the high stability of the structure with a permissible total weight of 14.5 tons.
This is intended to
ensure that personnel, materials, and heavy equipment can reach remote operational areas safely and quickly. Even during driving, rapid tire pressure adjustments can be made using the integrated tire pressure control system for maximum traction on changing surfaces.
For firefighting operations, the Unimog is also equipped with a heat protection package for all operationally relevant lines ex works. The presented tank fire truck based on the Unimog U 5023 is equipped with an Schlingmann body.
The skeleton of the body, welded from stainless steel special profiles, is intended to ensure stability and prevent corrosion. Additionally, the attachment of the body to the chassis with a double three-point mounting is designed to allow for high torsional flexibility in difficult terrain.
According to the manufacturer, up to 4,000 liters of extinguishing water can fit into the tank. It is dispensed via the Schlingmann S2000 fire pump type FPN 10-2000 (according to DIN EN 1028), with operation ensured by glove-friendly buttons. Use is also possible in the pump & roll mode.
The roof water monitor with C-nozzle can be operated through the swiveling roof hatch. Four
side equipment compartments are supposed to offer space for extensive firefighting equipment— the pump system and the pressure mixing system are housed in the rear equipment compartment.
Furthermore, roof boxes are mounted on the body roof. Also important: the corresponding illumination of the vehicle surroundings and equipment compartments, thanks to LED light strips in and on the structure.
Atego as Assistance Firefighting Vehicle
The assistance firefighting vehicle (HLF 10) based on the Mercedes-Benz Atego is a versatile operational vehicle for municipal fire departments, equipped both for firefighting and technical assistance.
It complies with the standards DIN 14502 and DIN 14530-26 and has a Rosenbauer body. With 220 kW (299 hp), all-wheel drive, and off-road reduction, the off-road capable vehicle is supposed to quickly reach its operational area even off paved roads.
With the switchable center lock, the front and rear axles can be synchronized, and if necessary, wheel spin can be prevented by the switchable differential locks on both axles.
The crew cabin accommodates up to eight crew members and a vehicle commander. The AT body (Advanced Technology) from Rosenbauer is designed for
municipal operational requirements, according to the specifications.
The concept is supposed to score with a lot of storage space and high payload reserves. At the rear, the structure is characterized by a short rear overhang of just under two meters. A powerful area lighting system is supposed to ensure safety even in the dark.
Moreover, the body is equipped for firefighting with a fire pump FPN 10-3000, a water tank, and foaming agent. Operationally relevant functions can be operated via the Rosenbauer Logic-Control System.
Live Demonstration in the Off-road Course
In the outdoor course, a Unimog with a double cab, 231 hp, switchable all-wheel drive, and portal axles will be active for visitors. High ground clearance and a low center of gravity are supposed to ensure large approach and tilt angles.
The Unimog is also supposed to be suitable for challenging off-road operations thanks to off-road reduction and differential locks— it can reach maximum speeds of up to 89 km/h on asphalt and is thus highway-suitable. Depending on the ground condition, the tire pressure control system supports the adjustment of the tire contact
