Rosenbauer International : RTE AX B16 – the Rosenbauer high-performance fan with a new battery

• Higher battery capacity and easier handling
• Flexible charging with direct or alternating current
• 60 minutes battery runtime, continuous mains operation
• Multifunctional with water mist and expansion foam

With the RTE AX B16 Rosenbauer brings a new, greatly improved battery-powered fan on to the market. The main difference to the previous unit (FANERGY B16) is that the new fan is equipped with a higher quality and more powerful battery. But the ergonomics of the device have also been improved, as have the operation and the design, while the proven All-in-One Airflow technology and the central water mist unit have been retained. Fan and battery technology thus combine to form an efficient, multifunctional unit that can do more than ventilate. This makes the new high-performance fan one of the best overall solutions on the market.

One instead of two batteries
In contrast to the previous device with two batteries, one battery is installed in the new RTE AX B16. This has more power than the two combined, shows the current charging status at the touch of a button and is easier to handle as a whole. The battery is equipped with a practical handle by which it can be easily and quickly pulled out of the fan and pushed back in again. A key is no longer required to lock and unlock the battery in the device, but the clip is simply folded in or out.

Flexible charging
Charging of the new battery-powered fan is possible both with alternating current (110/220 V - 50/60 Hz), as well as direct current (24 V). The necessary charging infrastructure is already built into the device and no additional charger is needed, although one is available separately. The fastest way to charge the RTE AX B16 is by means of a mains cable, but it can also be connected to the firefighting vehicle to its own charging cradle (24V MAG code) or, with an optional voltage converter, to the 12 V vehicle power supply.

In general, the new high-performance fan can be operated both by battery and via the mains. In pure battery operation, runtimes of minimum 60 minutes have been achieved, which is sufficient for most firefighting operations. Should it ever take longer, the fan can be switched to mains operation without interruption and thus be used continuously, even in boost mode. With an output of 1.25 kW, the fan generates a continuous volume flow of 5,154 m3/h in accordance with ISO 5801. The special design of the fan unit (All-in-One Airflow Technology) ensures optimum suction performance and a perfect flow pattern.

Improved ergonomics
The compact design and the robust aluminium frame with its various handle points ensure very ergonomic handling of the fan. With a weight of approx. 25 kg it can be lifted out of the vehicle and carried to the operational scene by one person. An optionally available carrying strap makes transport even easier, and the RTE AX B16 can also be equipped with a set of wheels and a trolley handle and pulled to the place of use on rollers.

The dimensions of the new battery-powered fan have been chosen so that it requires less installation space than its predecessor in the vehicle and thus fits even more easily in the equipment compartments. For aerial ladders, there is a separate cage bracket which the fan can be attached to and safely operated.

Operation is via the new Logic Control System RBC LCS and thus follows the same logic as all other Rosenbauer vehicles and equipment are controlled. A new feature of the RTE AX B16 is a central switch-on button for quick start (in less than five seconds), while the control panel with speed controller and buttons for on/off, water mist and boost operation remains the same.

More than a fan
The central water mist unit makes the battery-powered high-performance fan a practical multifunctional device. To do this, it is simply coupled to a fire hose (Storz-C) and a fine spray mist can be applied, for example to cool rooms or gas cylinders or to suppress dangerous fumes.

In addition, the fan can be used as a foam generator by stretching the foam net supplied in front of the fan opening and hanging a Z proportioner in the extinguishing line. The expansion foam can be brought into a stairwell for firefighting or into a cellar room via a light shaft. The fan also provides a valuable service as an expansion foam generator during hazardous materials operations, while suppressing toxic vapors or when cooling equipment. At the same time, the RTE AX B16 produces no exhaust fumes and significantly less noise than a device with a combustion engine. All to protect the health of the emergency crews and to increase safety during firefighting operations.

The RTE AX B16 can be ordered immediately. Deliveries will start at the end of July 2021.

To the RTE AX B16