THW Receives 75th Mercedes-Benz Atego Equipment Truck on Its 75th Anniversary
In a remarkable milestone coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the organization has officially taken delivery of its 75th Atego equipment truck. This anniversary vehicle was handed over to the local THW association in Amberg, marking a significant moment in the agency’s history. The delivery is part of a larger order of 120 identical vehicles, all fitted with specially designed superstructures by BINZ Automotive GmbH. Additionally, the THW retains the option to acquire up to 60 more trucks if operational requirements increase. These equipment trucks serve as the backbone of THW rescue operations, offering all-wheel drive, substantial payload capacity, and ample storage space for the extensive materials and tools required during emergency missions.
A Collaborative Development for Maximum Capability
The new Atego equipment trucks are the result of close collaboration between Daimler Truck and BINZ Automotive. Together, the teams developed a vehicle that combines high transport capacity, modern crew accommodation, and tactical versatility. With these features, the Atego is a critical asset for enhancing the operational capabilities of the THW, allowing the organization to respond efficiently to disasters, accidents, and civil protection emergencies across Germany and abroad.
Mercedes-Benz Atego: A Reliable Base Vehicle
The foundation of the new THW trucks is the Mercedes-Benz Atego 1530 AF 4×4. Powered by a robust six-cylinder diesel engine delivering 220 kW (299 hp), the vehicle is built for resilience in challenging environments. Its all-wheel drive system, differential locks, and a fording capability of up to 800 millimeters ensure reliable performance even in rough terrain. The Atego 1530 AF 4×4 has a permissible gross vehicle weight of 16 tons and a payload capacity exceeding 3.6 tons, distributed efficiently over the single-tyred front axle and twin-tyred rear axle.
To enhance operational versatility, the truck is equipped with a hydraulic cable winch capable of 50 kN tensile force. When repositioned for rear operation, the winch doubles its tensile force to 100 kN, while the cable length is adjusted to 25 meters, making it ideal for recovery and lifting tasks during emergency missions.
BINZ Superstructure: Optimized Interior and Functionality
BINZ Automotive GmbH, with over 85 years of expertise in special vehicle construction, has been responsible for the custom superstructures on the THW Atego trucks. BINZ specializes in developing vehicles for emergency services, including fire brigades, police forces, and mobile medical units. For the THW, BINZ designed an aluminum body that ensures durability and corrosion resistance, essential for the demanding operational environments rescue teams encounter. The lightweight yet robust aluminum construction also contributes to a higher payload capacity, allowing the truck to carry a wide range of equipment efficiently.
A standout feature of the THW’s Atego trucks is the newly introduced docking cabin, installed in the largest configuration to date. Located behind the driver’s cab, this group cabin accommodates seven crew members with a comfortable seating distance of seventy centimeters. The design significantly enhances comfort during long journeys or when wearing full work gear. Modern amenities such as USB sockets, grab handles, three-point seat belts, helmet and two-way radio holders for every seat, and a connecting tunnel for seamless communication with the driver’s cab ensure that crews can operate efficiently and safely.
Enhanced Operational Readiness for Diverse Scenarios
The Atego equipment truck serves as the central emergency vehicle for THW rescue teams, designed to handle a wide array of civil protection tasks. From bridge collapses, floods, and building damage to fires and earthquake response, these trucks carry an extensive range of tools and resources. They are equipped with wood, metal, and rock working tools, portable generators, pumps, hoses, support devices, ambulance transport materials, personal protective equipment, and sophisticated security systems.
This comprehensive outfitting allows THW teams to provide electricity, lighting, and essential support directly at incident sites. With the Atego trucks, trained personnel can lift heavy objects, secure structurally compromised buildings, create safe access to disaster zones, and carry out water rescue operations. In essence, these vehicles empower THW teams to perform their technical and logistical civil protection duties with greater efficiency, speed, and safety.
A Vehicle for the Next 75 Years
The handover of the 75th Atego truck is more than a numerical milestone; it symbolizes the THW’s enduring commitment to preparedness and community safety. By combining the reliability of the Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis with the advanced superstructure design by BINZ, these equipment trucks ensure that the agency’s personnel are fully equipped to face both current and future challenges in disaster relief and emergency response.
