THE RAINMAKER

The Amatoya ATV concept from Liam Ferguson may look like a fearsome gladiator or a ferocious warthog, but it is something quite different, as in a fire fighting 4WD buggy. The ATV seats two and could go right into the heart of the fire, identify the heart of the blaze, and put out the fire using its gun-like dual water cannons.

The AMATOYA concept will introduce a new class of vehicle to the field of fire appliance design which is capable of reconnaissance and suppression. Research indicates a need to develop an advanced and highly specialised light tanker. It must function primarily as a reconnaissance vehicle while providing unparalleled vehicle and crew safety/survivability, maintain superior off road capabilities and possess appropriate fire suppression technology for the purpose of initial response and front line defense.

The 24-year-old designer devised the Amatoya for his honours-year project at Monash University in Melbourne (Australia). Liam Ferguson - who helped his family to save their home in the Latrobe Valley, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in regional Victoria, Australia - has drawn on his experiences to design the Amatoya. Through the beginning of February 2009 he was actively involved in the defense and final suppression of the 600,000 hectare Hazelwood South/Jeeralang fire in which 21 people tragically lost their lives.

Currently the role of site reconnaissance is predominantly carried out by light tankers or QAVs (Quick Attack Vehicles). Typically these are modified single cabin commercial utility vehicles. While the off-road performance and manoeuvrability of such vehicle is sufficient, its ability to actively suppress a fire threat is severely limited by the considerably small water supply (500lt) and distinct lack of survival engineering. 

Typically medium and heavy tankers require 5-6 crew members to be operated effectively. AMATOYA requires only 2. More military in its approach, reducing crew numbers per appliance will allow for greater dispersion of resources during a fire response. Access is via two gull wing doors, an optimal solution to accommodate the unconventional bodyside form. The distinct lack of a traditional b-pillar will provide uninterrupted views for the operator situated above and behind the driver. 

Cabin temperature and vehicle survivability are central to the AMATOYA concept. To create a homogenous directive towards survivability AMATOYA incorporates state of the art clear aerogel laminated insulation in the windows and bodywork, a dedicated auxiliary water supply to operate a highly efficient, intelligent temperature controlled spray down system, military grade thermo ceramic intumescent paints, and a mechanically injected large displacement diesel engine specifically engineered for the unique conditions experienced on the fire ground. 

A Remotely Operated Suppression Cannon Outfit (ROSCO) coupled with a generous 1800lt + 400lt auxiliary water supply, offers a unique dynamic to vehicle operation. Current suppression techniques require large crew numbers (at least 5 per appliance) to perform through intermittent periods of strenuous labour to have any form of impact on a fire. The ROSCO system utilising IFEX3000 impulse technology is not only a hugely efficient means of fire suppression, but vitally will eliminate crew members being subjected to the elements and stresses of extended high intensity work on the fire ground, while constantly maintaining vehicle mobility. A highly rated thermal imaging camera along with directional spot lights will assist in 'hotspot' location to determine the most effective direction of attack. 

AMATOYA represents the pinnacle of specialised performance in the fire appliance design field. Off road capabilities include generous approach, departure and over ramp angles, suspension travel, ground clearance and minimised turn circle. Central tire inflation (CTI) and run flat tire (RFT) technology coupled with beadlock tires will allow an extensive band of dynamic pressure control to aid in traversing the complex terrain often encountered on the fire ground.