The first of four Scania water tenders fitted out by Bai has begun operating in the Mont Blanc Tunnel, where rapid response and crew protection are essential in emergency management. The vehicle, named Artemis, has been designed for tunnel firefighting and to deal with scenarios involving darkness, high temperatures, smoke and unbreathable air. It is the result of the integration of a Scania chassis, Bai’s specialist bodywork and the experience of the tunnel’s operational staff, creating a vehicle able to move quickly in a confined environment while maintaining delivery capacity and protection even during the most complex phases of an intervention.
At its core is a four-axle, 32-tonne Scania chassis, configured specifically for use in the tunnel. The manufacturer’s modular approach made it possible to integrate the bodywork with the chassis, keeping unladen weight under control while maintaining payload capacity suited to operational requirements. The compact wheelbase, measuring 4,150 millimetres between the first and third axles, is one of the key elements ensuring manoeuvrability in a tunnel where operating space is limited.
The driveline comprises a 360 hp, or 265 kW, engine paired with an Allison Transmission 4500Pr automatic gearbox with an integrated hydraulic retarder. The transmission, equipped with a torque converter and ratios set for this application, provides strong acceleration and supports Pump & Roll operation. Through the power take-offs, energy remains available for the equipment even while the vehicle is moving. This configuration allows Artemis to deliver water and foam on the move at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The feature enables intervention along the route without necessarily having to stop the vehicle at every stage of the operation, reducing response times and increasing the continuity of firefighting action.
The low-entry L cab improves direct visibility and makes access easier for operators. The kneeling function supports safer entry and exit, an important factor when the crew is working with protective equipment, under stress and in reduced visibility. The firefighting system includes a 12,000-litre water tank, two foam tanks and a two-stage centrifugal pump capable of delivering up to 4,500 litres per minute. These elements are complemented by a latest-generation Cafs mixing system, designed to improve the effectiveness of water and foam intervention in the conditions typical of a fire in a confined environment.
Crew protection is one of the most important aspects of the project. Artemis is equipped with Bai radar driver assistance, a thermal camera and 360-degree surround vision, tools designed to support driving and intervention even in dense smoke. The pressurised cab with breathable air protects operators, while the gas detector checks for the presence of toxic, asphyxiating and flammable substances.
