Warwickshire Fire & Rescue's MacNeillie Command Support Unit
Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service has taken delivery of one of specialist converter MacNeillie’s command support units, which are designed to provide a centralised command and communications facility for major incidents. The unit will be deployed by Warwickshire Fire & Rescue whenever five or more fire appliances are called to an incident.
Warwickshire’s new unit looks broadly the same as the Sprinter conversion taken by Merseyside Fire & Rescue last year, so it could be that this model is becoming a favourite with UK Fire & Rescue services. MacNeillie is also active in the defence industry, with models such as this one.
All systems are fully integrated within the compact overall dimensions of an extra long wheel base high roof Mercedes Sprinter 515 CDI XLWB panel van. In transit mode, the vehicle can carry a crew of up to five, with the three rear cabin seats being suitable for forward facing travel – or swivelled for use at workstations.
The control room area is fitted with two fully equipped IT desk and screen display positions down the offside of the vehicle. A full height 19” rack is installed on the nearside of the vehicle, which carries all the electronics required to run the CSU functionality. An adjacent half height 19” rack houses the computer systems required to operate further functionality within the vehicle.
MacNeillie Sales and Business Development Manager, Phil Peel says:
“The systems and technology which we are now able to build into these units significantly enhances incident management and communications capability, as well as enabling critical decisions to be made with much better and more detailed levels of real-time information. In addition, the unit can act as a central co-ordinating hub for inter-agency and external communications channels which might be required, particularly during the emergency stages of a major incident.”
Inside the MacNeillie CSU are full IT and comms facilities
A robust, heavy duty awning system is fitted to the nearside of the vehicle extending rearwards from the cab door. When erected, it can be enclosed with separately attached side, front and skirt panels to create a 4.6m x 3.0m external briefing area.
A 40” external display screen is mounted on the nearside of the vehicle within the awning area and an adjacent fold-out workstation is available for the Incident Commander if required.
The unit can be fully self-sufficient in operation and carries an 8.0kW mains generator set, which is capable of running all onboard systems and equipment.
Input provision for external power is also included via a fully protected mains distribution board. The rear doors open to reveal a generous equipment compartment, the roof section of which is reinforced to carry a satellite dish if required.
Apart from normal audio visual warning and conspicuity equipment, the unit also carries a public address system. Externally, the communications antennae, for VHF, Airwave and 3G, are mounted on a 1.8 metre extendable Clark mast, together with a red / white incident control beacon.