Description
Meet the Minuteman Rescue Truck
The Minuteman is one of the most functional trucks for a fire department. It is designed to meet the inital response needs for rescue and extrication, medical emergencies, wildland and structural fire attack. It is versatile with its ability to change functions at a moment’s notice.
Standard Roll-Over Protection
The B-24 & B-27 Minuteman models (the only Minuteman models that have a crosswalk area) feature the BATROPS (Blanchat Apparatus Transverse Roll-Over Protection System) which follows Surface Vehicle Standard SAE J1194 for roll-over protective structures. This is the same standard used for agricultural tractors.
No other industry manufacturer features a Fire Attack Operational Area that follows SAE J1194 for roll-over protection.
– Greg Blanchat
Two Fire Attack Operational Areas are located directly behind the chassis cab which allow a firefighter to stand or sit during pump and roll up to 15 MPH. The center Pump Control Operational Area allows access to the top-mount pump panel. The Pump Control Operational Area does not follow SAE J1194 and should not be used while the apparatus is in motion.
Blanchat Restraint System
A four point body harness is standard which allows the firefighter full movement within the Fire Attack Operational Area but locks upon any sudden movement keeping the firefighter from being thrown.
39.2° Vehicle Stability Test
The B-27 Minuteman was tilt tested at the US Forest Service Technology & Development Center in San Dimas, CA. The unit was fully loaded with fuel, tools, 400 gallons (1514 liters) of water and a weight of 250 lbs (113 kg) in the driver and passenger seating positions. The chassis’ 19,500 GVWR was maxed out using sandbags.
The B-27 Minuteman accomplished 39.2° on both sides.
The “95-Percent Solution”
The late Larry Davis of Fire Rescue magazine called the B-27 Minuteman the “95-Percent Solution” in May 2008.
