Dan McInerney recently stumbled upon an intriguing article about the world's tallest firefighting aerial device, the Bronto S-112 HLA. The piece highlights how there must be a compelling reason for someone to find themselves standing in an open-air basket 367 feet above the ground. Besides hot air ballooning, one might be perched in this towering apparatus, perhaps conducting repairs on the hunched-over spire of a renowned cathedral.
This image, captured by GIZMODO.com, showcases the sheer scale of the Bronto S-112 HLA. Whether compared to the height of Amiens Cathedral or stacked Irishmen, the Bronto S-112 HLA reigns supreme as the tallest of its kind. Designed and manufactured in Finland by Bronto, this firefighting marvel boasts the world record for the highest-reaching basket lift. Not only does it ascend to remarkable heights, but it also features a clever design that allows the crane arm to bend at a 90-degree angle, 290 feet up (about 26 stories), and extend outward to a working radius of 82 feet—approximately the length of three Minke Whales or two 72-passenger school buses. This impressive capability enables emergency response teams to access hard-to-reach spaces, such as the underside of a wind turbine rotor.
Of course, for such a tall basket to function effectively, stability is key. The lifting assembly is mounted onto a robust Mercedes Benz model 76.60 9-axle commercial truck chassis, featuring five steered and four driven axles. Weighing in at a solid 75,000 kilograms, or roughly 82 tons, the entire rig is as sturdy as two Doosan Moxy Articulated Dump Trucks. It also comes equipped with an automatic leveling system that sets up in under a minute (because, let's face it, we need to get that cat out of the tree pronto!) and a Telecontrol system with a visual interactive display.
Check out the Bronto S-112 HLA in action at the Inter-2010 exhibition in Leipzig:
From Bronto's official statement:
"The High Level Articulated (HLA) Range from Bronto Skylift represents the pinnacle of high-rise rescue and firefighting capabilities. It’s an ideal choice for fire brigades in urban environments. Superior vertical and horizontal outreach at all heights, fast and safe operations, and an integrated corrosion-resistant waterway are the standout features of the HLA series. Built on a standard truck chassis, the HLA unit remains flexible and compact, allowing it to navigate regular roads and streets to reach emergency sites. With its auto-jacking function, the unit stabilizes completely in just 40 seconds, enabling rapid rescue efforts from as high as 33 floors. Currently, the range spans working heights from 81 to 112 meters. Download the brochure."
This firefighting giant exemplifies modern engineering ingenuity, combining power, precision, and practicality to tackle some of the most challenging scenarios in urban landscapes worldwide.
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