Czech Military Firefighters Test New Rapid Response Vehicle Built on Toyota Hilux

Czech military firefighting units have tested a new rapid response vehicle built on a Toyota Hilux chassis. The vehicle, produced by KOBIT-THZ, is designed to complement heavy fire tenders — cutting response times and allowing crews to deploy forces more flexibly when tackling fires.

Testing is currently underway on a pre-production model, with twenty units in total set to be delivered to the client. Our team was on hand to witness one of the vehicles being tested. Most of the fleet will be finished in the standard red livery, though three vehicles will be painted green.

Off-Road Capability and Design

The vehicle is built on a custom-modified chassis with increased ground clearance. This modification allowed it to meet the approach and departure angle requirements for the L3 category, boosting its off-road performance, fording ability and payload capacity.

In its final configuration, the vehicle's total gross weight will come to 3,750 kilograms. The cab can carry up to four people, although the crew will typically consist of a driver and one firefighter. Two additional seats are fitted at the rear of the cab, and the spare payload capacity means a full crew can be carried without any issues.

Powerful Pump and Extended Autonomy

The centerpiece of the rear module is a high-pressure firefighting unit. It generates pressure of 9 megapascals, which can be reduced to 1 megapascal at the nozzle. The nozzle also allows crews to open and shut off the water supply and switch to foam-based extinguishing by adding a foaming agent or wetting agent.

At the heart of the module is a standalone diesel power unit, offering a practical advantage: it can be refuelled from the same tank as the vehicle's engine, eliminating the need to carry separate fuel. The entire system runs on a CAN bus, so all functions can be activated, shut down and monitored via a tablet right in the cab. The extinguishing agent is stored in a built-in 200-litre tank, which — at reduced pressure and flow rate — provides up to twenty minutes of continuous firefighting.

Equipment Compartments

The rear body module features fold-down side doors for quick access to all equipment. One compartment is sealed and airtight, reserved for clean gear — housing breathing apparatus, medical equipment, a fire extinguisher, a megaphone and a hygiene kit.

On the opposite side of the vehicle sits equipment for technical work and extrication, including Holmatro hydraulic tools. The kit also includes a cordless drill, heavy-duty step drill bits, a socket set and specialized tools for breaching armoured vehicles. Both compartments can be opened partially or fully, simply by releasing the strap on the gas strut. Additional storage compartments are located at the bottom of the body, behind the rear wheels.

Source: pozary.cz