1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
THE COMPANY
FAV, Inc. is a Nevada "C" Corporation formed in 1994 to develop and market the Fire Attack Vehicle (FIRECAT). The FIRECAT uses integrated technologies to suppress the active fire line with a unique direct attack method which does not need water or chemicals. U.S. patents have been issued.
PRODUCTS
The FIRECAT concept is scaleable to available horsepower, from five (5) horsepower to over 100. The fire suppression mechanism is essentially a brush harvester and nozzle(s)- directed air pressure, functionally linked to work simultaneously. FAV, Inc. plans four (4) types of FIRECATs, from the largest machine (in the 44,000 lb. range), down to a back-pack sized unit for use by smoke jumpers. The current (blacksmithed) demonstration unit is powered by a New Holland TV140 Versatile Bi-Directional power platform, which has 114 HP and weighs 14,000 lbs.
LICENSE
A secondary product line is anticipated to be territorial licensing of the FIRECAT technology to major equipment manufacturers/distributors. FAV, Inc. will retain the rights to buy FIRECATs and/or components from its licensees for sale into other territories (through other distributors) whom FAV, Inc. may choose to license. Reciprocal licensing agreements will give exclusive license to FAV, Inc. to market technological innovations to other FAV, Inc. licensed distributors.
OTHER PRODUCTS
Components (such as the FIRECAT attachment), Command Modules, Command Module Software, Training Modules, Thermal Protection Systems, Automatic Fire Defense Modules, etc., may evolve into product lines.
TECHNOLOGY
The thermally-armored FIRECAT suppresses fire by direct (flank) attack on the active fire line, while simultaneously producing a fire break that demarcates the limit of the burn area. The FIRECAT employs a patented mechanism to engage the active fire front at point blank range to cut and sweep aside burning debris, brush, trees, wood-frame structures, etc. Burning material is cut, the fire is suppressed and resulting debris is swept back to the already burned side of the fire line. Simultaneously, high pressure air sweeps hot, combustible gasses into the debris stream, eliminating radiant heat transfer, and thus interrupting the ignition sequence across the width of the continuously advancing fire break. Water/foam is not needed in wild land/forest fire scenarios, but the FIRECAT has the capability to use water/foam in urban settings.
The FIRECAT employs thermal armor, on-board video, infrared video, short range radar, cabin climate control and computerized Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) topographic navigation, together with computer-assisted tool control, to safely operate within the active fire environment. The FIRECAT can serve as a fire rescue vehicle. For mini-sized units, thermal armor operator suits (Newtex Technologies), equipped with infrared helmet camera (Marconi), together with filtered air and hand held GPS, will be employed.
ADVANTAGES
Conventional fire trucks use water to smother the fire. They cannot operate in rough terrain and they must have constant access to water supplies. Aircraft used for fire attack are only over the fire scene for a few seconds each hour and their operations are limited by wind, inversion (no wind), smoke and nightfall.
The FIRECAT doesn't need water to suppress the active fire line and it operates all hours, in all weather. It is capable of serving as the last line of defense to save structures. The FIRECAT does have water/foam capability.
The FIRECAT is environmentally friendly. It cuts and sweeps away burning material without scarring the ground surface. Plant root structures are left intact, minimizing erosion potential.
MARKETS
Wildfires occur in virtually every country in the world. The need for a stand-alone wildfire suppression device is worldwide. No competing product exists. Domestic agencies budget over one billion dollars annually for fire suppression equipment. For fire trucks alone, the figure exceeds $500 million. An SBA-sponsored market survey by PLNC (College) found a potential for 15,000 domestic sales. Total world market size is unknown.
The primary customers for FIRECATs are regional governments (county, state and federal agencies), contractors who lease equipment to public agencies and private timber growers. Marketing efforts will target city and small rural fire brigades for small-sized FIRECATs, which will be extremely useful in canyon fires and for fires in urban wild land interface areas remote from water supplies.
SALES
The Company's long term goal is to establish itself as the world supplier of direct attack fire suppression apparatus technology. Initial expressions of interest have been received from South Africa, Australia, as well as U.S. states and agencies. The company expects to maximize usage of the worldwide market through alliances with companies already manufacturing agricultural, construction and power equipment. The patented FIRECAT equipment can be easily and quickly assembled and attached to these readily-available, mass-produced pieces of heavy equipment, thereby reducing the need and cost for large inventory.
MARKETING
The unique and exciting nature of the FIRECAT (in action) will be marketed worldwide with informational news releases, photographs and video news releases. Every time a FIRECAT is deployed and public and private property is saved, the media will more and more find these events newsworthy, thereby enhancing future sales and services. Several science-oriented and technology-based television programs have indicated an interest in featuring the FIRECAT.
MANAGEMENT
The core members of a well- seasoned business development team are in place. See management section below.
CURRENT (WINTER, 2000) STOCK OFFERING
20,000 Common Shares (representing +1% of the company) @ $2.50 per share.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Redesign; Blacksmithing; R & D: $ 5,000 (accomplished July/August, 2000)
Modify Prototype for New Holland Tractor: $10,000 (accomplished September/October, 2000)
Fire Suppression Testing/Demonstration: $10,000
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Total: $25,000
FUTURE CASH INFUSION PROJECTIONS
1st Production Model Final Design: $ 50,000
Command Module and Software: $100,000
1st Production Model Fabrication: $250,000
Demonstration and Marketing: $250,000
Total: $650,000
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6.0 Stock Information
For information related to stock purchases, FAV, Inc. has signed a marketing agreement with Roy Hamilton, President, FAV Marketing, Inc., 1440 Coral Ridge Drive, Suite 326, Coral Springs, FL 33071 email: royhamilton@thefirecat.com Phone: (954) 600-3826.
2. The Company
Objective
It is the objective of FAV to see its technology sold and licensed into every fire department in the world.
2.1. Background
FAV, Inc., a Nevada "C" corporation, was formed in 1994 by Rick W. White, inventor of the FIRECAT, with the goal of integrating commercially available technology into a stand-alone Fire Attack Vehicle (FAV).
The first walk-behind device was built and tested in the spring of 1995. The first full-sized, 140 horse power FIRECAT was tested on wild fires in Imperial County, California, in January, 1996. An improved device was tested on four (4) fires at Pala Indian Reservation, CA, in the fall of 1996. Improvements toward commercialization have been on-going. A blacksmithed first production model prototype will be deployed under fire suppression contract for summer of 2000.
U.S. Patents have been issued. Additional U.S. patents may be issued. International Patents are pending.
2.2. Corporate Commitment
FAV, Inc. was formed to find a practical solution to the worldwide problem of uncontrolled wildfire. FAV, Inc. has developed and tested the concepts needed to integrate diverse technologies into a functional device. FAV, Inc. has funded fabrication of demonstration devices and tested them in wildfire conditions. FAV, Inc. has established relationships with companies possessing expertise with essential technologies. FAV, Inc. has earned endorsements from fire professionals. The deployment of the technology to worldwide is the goal of FAV, Inc.
2.3. Virtual Corporation
Conceptually, FAV, Inc. will license manufacturers. Virtually all of the physical products, including command module software, will be manufactured/created by other companies. This business plan may be modified as opportunities warrant.
3. The Market Environment
Fire suppression has been a primary concern of mankind since the beginning of civilization. Consequently, the fire apparatus industry is an ever evolving, ever improving, but always fundamental fixture of society. The FIRECAT Fire Attack Vehicle concept is new. The market niche is new.
3.1 Industry Analysis
FAV, Inc. is part of the conglomeration of diverse businesses, (fire trucks, bulldozers, airplanes, helicopters) providing apparatus to firefighters.
The Company's goal of bringing advanced technology to fire fighting for the purpose of saving public and private property is precisely in line with worldwide government fire suppression policy.
Domestically, costs for pre-suppression, apparatus, miscellaneous equipment and labor annually exceeds $8,000,000,000 ($8 billion).
Current industry status, (quoting from) The Federal Wild Land Fire Policy, "Nearly every state has suffered equally staggering losses, including the Pine Barrens in New Jersey, Piedmont in North and South Carolina, Palmetto in Florida, and Jack Pine in the Lake States. The interface has become a major fire problem that will escalate as the nation moves into the 21st century. People continue to move from urban areas to rural areas. These new wild land/urban immigrants give little thought to the wildfire hazard and bring with them their expectations for continuation of urban emergency services."
Current industry policy, (quoting from) The Federal Wild Land Fire Policy, "Values at risk, or more clearly, values to be protected, are a primary consideration when determining strategies for large-fire suppression. The objective is to suppress wildfires at the least total cost."
Current industry goal, (quoting from) The Federal Wild Land Fire Policy, "Goal: Agencies will implement consistent strategies based on estimates of suppression costs commensurate with values to be protected."
FAV's role in the industry is to offer an environmentally benign technology, a safe technology , a labor-saving technology, adaptable to diverse power platforms and fire suppression strategies the world over.
3.1.2. Fire Fighting Industry Trends
The trend has been to adopt increasingly high tech products for fire fighting.
Example: In the U.S., AVHRR data from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's TIROS satellite provides data four (4) times a day to detect smoke and fires. Also, Landsat series satellites pinpoint fires and map the extent of burn areas.
Example: In Europe, Eurimage (Rome, Italy), supplies satellite data as part of their Earth Watch program.
Example: In 1990, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducted a feasibility study for the California Department of Forestry for utilization of infrared technologies for wild land fire suppression and management. By 1993, airborne infrared systems were in use tracking wild land fires.
Example: In the October 8, 1993 issue of Machine Design magazine, the article "Avionics Fly to Fire Fighters Rescue," discussed a new device manufactured by GEC Marconi Avionics, London, England, which employed a light weight infrared sensor, mounted inside a firefighter's helmet, which, with a face shield display, helps the firefighter navigate through dense smoke. The device is currently in wide-spread use.
The only stagnation in the market, "the obvious lack of new apparatus technology," may well work to FAV's advantage. Fire officials are actively looking: "The unique nature of fire conditions continues to warrant the evaluation of every tool available to protect public safety."
3.2. The Firefighting Market
A market survey by Point Loma Nazarene College Small Business Institute (funded by SBA) found a potential for 15,000 domestic sales in the four (4) Fire Attack Vehicle configurations anticipated. The same survey found a similar sized export market. Domestic costs of firefighting are in excess of 8 billion dollars annually according to census sources. Example(s):
1. The California State Fire Marshall estimates that $308 million will be spent in California on fire suppression equipment and operations in 1997.
2. U.S. Forest Service budgeted $719 million for 1994-95 fire season.
3. See article, "Volunteer Firefighters May be Too Well Equipped," The Washington Post, May 22, 1999, pg. A1. Article discusses "volunteer fire department which acquired millions of dollars in costly equipment that is rarely used." The volunteer department "tends to be an apparatus-maker's dream because they buy the best and they buy a lot. They spend money because they have it. They collect fire levies like taxes and spend it without oversight."
4. "There are few regions of the world free from fires. Fires occur in monsoon forests during the dry season and parts of Alaska are hot and dry during the long midsummer and immense fires can occur."
5. In Russia, "Wood from coniferous forests is of supreme economic importance in the Siberian provinces. Irbutsk is one of the world's biggest producers of wood products. Last year, 300,000 hectares were affected by fire."
6. "Late August and early October saw much of Southeast Asia engulfed in dense smoke as Indonesian forest fires raged out of control. Smoke from the fire spread across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Spain has suffered particularly badly in this year's forest fire season. Some say it was the worst in 20 years - over 22 people died and about 270,000 hectares were burned. Fifty aircraft were deployed ."
Domestic sales figures are not published by any of the larger fire truck manufacturers, (which are mostly privately held corporations). Ward's Business Directory of Manufacturing USA, (1993) indicates:
Emergency One Inc., sales are $140 Million; Wards' @ pg. 1971;
FWD Corp., sales are shown as $100 to $500 million;
La France Corp., sales are $28 Million; Ward's @ pg. 1298;
Buckeye Fire Equipment, sales are $12 Million; Ward's @ pg. 2234;
For two dozen other privately held fire truck manufacturers, no sales figures are available.
Other domestic markets include fire equipment contractors who lease equipment to various agencies during fire emergencies, private timber growers and volunteer fire departments, who provide first-response service for a fee based upon improvement value protected.
3.3. Competition
3.3.1. Hand crews. Most brush and forest firefighting is undertaken with hand crews using fire picks and shovels. The current year (2000) cost for fire line suppression using hand crews is in excess of $3.00 per lineal foot of fire line.
Fire line duty aggravates the occurrence of accidents involving firefighters from fire, smoke inhalation, vehicle accidents, snag/branch falling, aircraft crashes, hand tool injuries, exposure, contact with poisonous plants and animals, heart attacks, heat stress, dehydration, climbing accidents and falls. These are hazards now faced by firefighters which the FIRECAT will substantially reduce.
The original, concept-proving FIRECAT test device (44,000 pounds) is capable of suppressing one (1) mile of active fire line per hour. It was anticipated that the first production model would increase this ground speed 10 to 20 fold. In actuality, the Second Generation TV-140 FIRECAT (14,000 pounds) is capable of 28 miles per hour ground speed and can save property values far in excess of its cost in a single hour, with less risk and lower cost than present fire suppression methods.
3.3.2. Bulldozers. Presently, "Bulldozers are used for fire attack, but there have been all too many incidents where bulldozers have been overrun by fire with resulting deaths." Bulldozers cause natural resource damage and they are not thermally protected or designed to fight fire.
3.3.3 Air tankers are obvious competition for the fire apparatus dollar.
Current cost for an air-tanker Superscooper is $22 million. In LA County , it costs about $4.25 per gallon of water dropped by the Superscooper. Under good to perfect conditions, the cost is $7 per lineal foot of fire line for a Superscooper to fight fire. By comparison, a FIRECAT operating at two miles per hour (180 foot per minute) could suppress more fire line in seven hours than two Superscoopers did in the entire 1996 fire season in Los Angeles.
And aircraft have operational limitations:
(a) steep topography seriously reduces air tankers effectiveness;
(b) winds over 20 MPH (or no winds) reduce effectiveness;
(c) early morning and dusk shadows hide targets from pilots;
(d) dense smoke can make air tanker operations ineffective;
(e) air tankers cannot be used at night;
(f) tall timber or dense brush intercepts most of the retardant;
(g) air tankers can fan a dormant fire line section to life;
(h) effective foam air attack is limited to flame front lengths of less than 2.5m or fire intensities of less than 2,000 kW/m.
(i) air tankers are expensive.
Helicopters are also competitors, but they are expensive ($7,300 per hour for the Skycrane on rent to CA Fire Service) and they have limitations similar to the air tankers.
3.3.4 Fire trucks. The dozen or so larger companies entrenched in the fire truck industry compete for fire apparatus dollars. These companies are nearly all privately held and have earned excellent reputations. Telescoping FIRECAT attachments can be mounted on four-wheel drive rough terrain fire trucks (folded over the cab for over highway transport). Accordingly, FAV, Inc. plans to negotiate a strategic alliance with one or more of the manufacturers making extreme duty, rough terrain trucks.
The FIRECAT technology provides more features and has superior performance than competitive products, especially in (1) labor savings, (2) firefighter safety, (3) rough terrain mobility (4) limited support requirements, (5) windy weather capability, (6) heavy brush capability and (7) night operations capability, all of which are critical factors when fire suppression apparatus is being selected.
The FIRECAT provides the ability to attack fire in areas where highly volatile fuel and dangerous weather conditions make conventional fire fighting impossible. Except for the lone firefighter with a fire pick, there is no other method to actually fight fire at point blank range.
3.4. Marketing Plan
Fire fighting is newsworthy. The exciting FIRECAT in action will be publicized with news releases, photographs and video news releases. By showing the public the effectiveness of the FIRECAT, we will cultivate the market. By saving lives and property, we will stake and hold market share.
FAV, Inc. began its marketing with the test regimen undertaken. We invited potential customers and manufacturers/suppliers to help us design tests and monitor the results.
As a result of the wildfire tests, 10 newspaper articles and three (3) magazine articles featuring the FIRECAT appeared. Additionally, one (1) local television news cast and three (3) television programs (Beyond 2000; Next Step and Real TV) have featured the FIRECAT on program segments. Beyond 2000 sent a film crew from Australia to Pala, California for three (3) days of filming during September, 1996. Articles have already been published in world-wide distribution magazines Popular Mechanics and The Guardian. The California Fire Service magazine, official voice of the California State Fire Fighters Association, published a highly complimentary article in its October, 1996 issue entitled FIRECAT IS LATEST WEAPON IN WAR ON WILD LAND FIRES.
Collectively, this essentially free marketing has created considerable interest and anticipation for the premier of the FIRECAT. FIRECAT fire attack missions will be filmed and released to the media. FAV, Inc. plans to utilize a limited amount of advertising in fire trade magazines.
4. Business Development
4.1. Company Image
Management intends to promote FAV, Inc. and its American grown technologies as environmentally friendly, emphasizing that the FIRECAT is "a new tool" for firefighters to use for controlling worldwide fire disasters.
4.2. Company Facilities
Management recognizes that the Company has no buying power; no manufacturing experience; no distribution or sales organization. Accordingly, the company will out-source virtually all of these business functions. The Company will license its technology to manufacturers/distributors everywhere in the world. Assembly of the FIRECAT machines will occur at the distributors' and/or customers' facilities.
The Company will maintain an administrative office, a strategic marketing department and a research and development department. The Company plans to out-source straight forward engineering.
FAV's present office facilities are leased in El Cajon, CA. Additionally, Charles Eminhizer, Ph.D., maintains an office in Scripts Ranch, CA.
FAV's present R&D facility is located on four (4) acres in Spring Valley, California, 10 miles east of San Diego. At its disposal are machine shop tools and welding for prototype blacksmithing/development and testing.
FAV has also employed field test facilities in Ramona, CA,, Niland, CA., and Pala Indian Reservation, CA, for field testing the prototype Fire Attack Vehicle under wildfire conditions.
4.3. Inventory
The Company will not inventory any machines for sale. The Company will inventory test and demonstration machines only. Fire departments normally pay a deposit on orders for future delivery. The company's licensees/ manufacturers/ distributors may inventory machines according to their marketing/sales formulas.
4.4. Business Start-up Cost Projections
Re-engineering & Design: $150,000 (Accomplished 1998-1999)
TV140 (blacksmithed) Prototype: $250,000 (Accomplished Fall, 1999 - Spring, 2000)
Fire Suppression Testing: $25,000 (Anticipated Fall, 2000)
Total (blacksmithed) 1st Prototype: $425,000
Command Module Engineering and Software: $75,000
Demonstration and Marketing: $25,000
Support Vehicle and Trailer: $50,000
Travel; Transport: $50,000
Misc. Equipment: $5,000
Public Relations; Entertainment: $20,000
Insurance & Salary: $125,000
Total Demonstration and Marketing: $250,000
Office Equipment: $5,000
Furniture Lease Dep.: $2,000
First Four (4) Months Office Staff: $8,000
Office Supplies & Telephone: $5,000
Reserve Capital: $180,000
Total Management and Reserve Capital: $200,000
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Total For Business Start-Up: $1,000,000
Business start-up cost projections do not reflect income from FIRECAT (fire suppression) rental, which is expected to be sufficient to finance on-going, self-sustaining business development and operations. Management plans to offer common stock at $5 per share, after its first contract billable wildfire suppression operations, anticipated for January/February, 2001.
4.5. Patent Protection
U.S. Patent No. 5,626,194, issued May, 1997, with nineteen claims covering aspects of the fire attack vehicle which are essential to successful operations within the active fire environment. Included within the issued patent claims: Thermal barriers; Infrared; Short Range Radar; Rotating, cutting or brushing mechanism (made of any stiff or flexible material) for direct attack on fire; (any sort of) high pressure air (gaseous) jetting/blowing system for use in direct attack on fire; several aspects of the cabin were included in the patent, including the command module. Also, a heat-activated retardant discharge system (to protect the device in the event that the operator is disabled and the machine is overwhelmed with fire) was included in the patent. Additional U.S. patent claims are in progress. International Patents are pending.
4.6. Strategic Partners
The concept: Manufacturers of power platform equipment and suppliers of high tech instruments are motivated by the opportunity to participate in the learning curve. By working with manufacturers and suppliers, quality control will be partnered. The company will out-source straight forward engineering wherever possible to its strategic partners.
4.6.1. New Holland Corporation
FAV, Inc. has signed a non-exclusive joint development agreement with New Holland Corporation, New Holland, Pennsylvania. New Holland is a seven (7) billion dollar strong, old-line agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer with international manufacturing, distribution and sales channels. New Holland Corp. has provided FAV, Inc. with a TV140 power platform tractor which is presently being tested for use as a Fire Attack Vehicle.
4.6.2. Photon Research, Inc.
FAV, Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Photon Research, Inc. (PRI) for development of computer software program for integration of infrared and short range radar imagery, computerized tool control and training module software.
4.5.3. U.S. Department of Agriculture
FAV, Inc. has been offered an emergency equipment rental contract with the U.S. Dept. of Forestry (Cleveland National) to employ its existing prototype FIRECAT for wild land fire suppression missions.
4.6.4. Inframetrics
Working with infrared equipment manufacturer Inframetrics, FAV, Inc. has successfully tested infrared video in wildfire suppression tests. Inframetrics stands ready and able to supply off-the-shelf infrared video equipment precisely configured to fulfill FIRECAT's need.
5. PRODUCTS
5.1. Licensing.
The primary product line is anticipated to be territorial licensing of the FIRECAT technology (see Technology 5.7, below) to major equipment manufacturers/distributors. FAV, Inc. will retain the rights to buy FIRECATs and components from its licensees for sale into other territories (through other distributors) whom FAV, Inc. may choose to license. Reciprocal licensing agreements will give exclusive license to FAV, Inc. to market technological innovations to other FAV, Inc. licensed distributors. FAV, Inc. will continue to improve the product with on-going R&D. Several additional patents and innovations are in progress.
5.2. Command Module Software.
FAV, Inc. plans to develop a specialized computer imaging software and tool control program (under the terms of its Memorandum of Understanding with Photon Research, Inc. of La Jolla, CA). FAV will market the software to its equipment manufacturers/distributors.
5.3. Command Modules.
FAV, Inc. plans to develop a highly specialized Command Module device, with on-board computer, video displays, imaging software and tool control program, video out capability, (under the terms of its Memorandum of Understanding with Photon Research, Inc. of La Jolla, CA). FAV will market the Command Modules to its equipment manufacturers/distributors.
5.4. Training Modules.
FAV, Inc. plans to develop a highly specialized Training Module, with on-board computer, video displays, imaging software and tool control program, (under the terms of its Memorandum of Understanding with Photon Research, Inc. of La Jolla, CA). FAV will market the Training Modules and license video game software resulting there from.
5.5. Thermal Protection Armor.
FAV, Inc. has received a U.S. Patent for its thermal protective armor system. FAV, Inc. will license specialty manufacturers to fabricate the specified materials especially configured and customized to fit machines built by FAV's equipment manufacturers/distributors. FAV will handle the sales transactions.
5.6. Thermally Activated Fire Defense Systems.
FAV, Inc. has received a U.S. Patent for its thermally activated fire defense system. The device is a benign canister of fire retardant which will deploy and spray fire retardant over a FIRECAT (or other fire apparatus or structure) in the event of extreme heat exposure. The device is heat activated. The device requires no power or monitoring. Once activated, high internal pressure immediately develops, forcing deployment of a sprinkler head and the fire retardant is sprayed until expended. The devices can be linked.
5.7. Technology.
Conventional fire suppression methods use water or foam. Ground based water-hauling equipment cannot operate efficiently in rough terrain. The operation of any existing apparatus (air or ground) is severely limited by high winds, smoke, darkness and availability of water. Structures, high brush, industrial debris, etc., may prevent the water stream from reaching the fire, forcing firefighters to risk their lives to gain access by hand or retreat and watch it burn. These obstacles are breached by the mechanical devices on the FIRECAT. The fire suppression cutters and pressure air system significantly improve the performance of the limited water and foam. Without water or foam, the FIRECAT can suppress wildfires, trash heap fires and industrial debris fires in darkness and in almost all weather conditions. FAV, Inc. anticipates a market for four (4) styles of FIRECATs.
In order for fire to advance, it requires discrete new ignitions occurring in unceasing succession: the FIRECAT destroys the fire by destroying the continuum of processes necessary for fire to exist. As it moves forward, the FIRECAT is always walking on a clean firebreak of its own creation. Dead limbs on standing timber are easily slashed away, denying the fire access to the tree crown. In times of true emergency, when water supplies are stretched to the limit, exhausted, or otherwise inaccessible, the FIRECAT Fire Attack Vehicle achieves its mission with very limited support requirements.
Working along the fire line, the FIRECAT employs a patented direct attack cutting mechanism to engage fire at point blank range (when conditions warrant) to safely clear away burning debris, wood-frame structures, etc., to the already burned side of the fire line. Simultaneously, high pressure air blows the heat and combustible gasses into the debris stream, leaving a swept clean path. (A variable mixture ambient air, post combustion air and/or fire suppressant foam and/or Fuel Buster® may be used.) This attack interrupts the fire ignition sequence by destruction of the fire heat transfer processes, (the predominant exothermic reactions of irradiated fuel particles are overcome by the endothermic effects of loss of persistent radiant heat), thus abolishing the evolution of volatile gasses and reversing self-sustaining pyrolysis. Radiant heat diminishes and the fire is out.
The cutting tools are directional-angled left to right and are reversible. The cutters sweep without damaging the ground surface. Plant root structures are left intact, minimizing soil erosion potential. The cutter blades used on the full sized FIRECAT are "Bush-Hog" type, well known in the U.S.
The FIRECAT has patented tree shear capability to safely clear burning snags. The FIRECAT tee-bar head rotates and angles in all directions so that the machine can easily pass between trees. FIRECATs using telescoping, high-reach, rough-terrain, material-handling equipment, will be offered to forest fire fighters dealing with old growth, heavy timber.
An essential element of the FIRECAT is the multi-layer thermal protection of the vehicle. The outer layer is a high impact-resistant material used to shield the thermally insulating sub-layers. Below the shroud is an air space into which cool air is circulated. Temperatures within the attachment are alarm monitored. Protected layers of ceramic fiber thermal barrier material (Fiberfrax®) is used to reduce heat transfer. Radiated heat is the primary source of heat on the FAV vehicle. Highly reflective Zetex Plus® material, is used to coat the surface exposed to this heating and not normally subjected to impact. Extremely sensitive areas are additionally protected with consumable endothermic materials (Flamadur®).
The FIRECAT can be operated safely on unfamiliar ground because of its 3-D terrain imaging video, infrared video and GPS/GIS global positioning capability. The FIRECAT operator will always know precisely where he or she is and what the surrounding terrain looks like, no matter how thick the smoke. With video-out capability, the fire command center will see everything that the FIRECAT operator is seeing. The cabin is completely climate controlled.
Short Range Radar (SRR), (operating at 35 GHz (MMW) provides azimuth and elevation field-of-view data through beam scanning. Use of wide band wave forms provides precise real-time range resolution data, providing detailed 3-D displays that would otherwise be obscured by smoke and flame. In order to maximize ground speed with computerized tool control, second generation software will route the radar signals simultaneously used by the microprocessor to compute the distance of potentially hazardous objects from the cutter tips with high accuracy.
Infrared radiation (IR) video cameras enable the operator to monitor fire temperatures and see the fire ignition sequence taking place, aiding the operator in determining where to focus the suppression effort. Interruption of the fire ignition sequence saves time. Working with infrared equipment manufacturer Inframetrics, FAV, Inc. has tested infrared video equipment in wild fire suppression tests, (Imperial County, CA, 1/96). The Inframetrics system could detect a 1° F temperature differential through zero visibility smoke, providing daylight-like video display in truly horrific conditions.
The FIRECAT test vehicle has been re-evaluated based upon the results of fire suppression tests. The focus of these studies have been on improvement of ground speed, better allocation of power sharing and refinement of tool controls. As a result of these improvements, the weight of the present demonstration vehicle is <15,000 lbs., whereas the previous concept vehicle weighed about 46,000 pounds. Maximum ground speed has increased from 3.5 MPH to 28 MPH. Horsepower available to cutters has been improved by a factor of 6 times.
5.8. Future Offerings
Standard components will be studied to improve the foam/water/post combustion air stream discharge mechanics of the device. Secondary goals relate to several proprietary modifications, tool control software and new methodologies presently under development by FAV, Inc. that appear to have potential to improve efficiency of the device. As the concept matures, manned and remote-controlled FIRECATs will be used for a variety of hazardous fire control missions which are presently impossible. These include row-house fires, fuel tank farm fires, industrial fires and rail car fires. An autonomously actuated remote-controlled FIRECAT is conceivable using off-the-shelf technology. See §5.8.3. below.
5.8.1. Post Combustion Air.
FAV, Inc. has done some preliminary research and in-fire field testing using post-combustion air (recycled from the platform engine). This work appears promising, particularly if used to pressurize the tank for the CAFS (foam system). Study of the effects of the pressurized air jet system (employing Fuelbuster® mist) on flammables likely to be encountered in industrial/ military fire attack scenarios would be a future project test goal. A cutter safety shroud system is currently under development by FAV, Inc. which will incorporate an integral air jet system.
5.8.2. Remote Biohazard Sampling Capability.
The problem of determining if hazardous chemicals exist in fires has confounded firemen for years. Various sampling techniques have proven successful. The convenience of employing a computerized device to perform meaningful biohazard assays "behind the scenes" while the FIRECAT performs its primary fire attack mission is foreseeable and justifies further study.
5.8.3. Remote Control.
FAV, Inc. has discussed a relationship with Unmanned Solutions (Unmanned Solutions, Inc., (USI) Davis, Ca.) to evaluate motorized vehicle platform configurations and study the ability of a modified FIRECAT device to efficiently operate in the hazardous fire environment using proven USI remote-control technology, enhanced with infrared and radar 3-D imagery, under a SBIR study funded by the U.S. Army. USI is currently building rugged, reliable, remote-controlled heavy equipment designed especially for use in hazardous conditions under contract to the State of California. The USI system is similar to systems developed by Sandia N.L.
5.8.4. Heat Resistant/Impact Resistant Armor/Cutter Shroud.
A long term goal would be to consider alternate materials for the exterior
layer of the FIRECAT attachment protection shroud, i.e., a militarily rugged
armor shield to protect the device from exploding ordinance. The design
of an optimized impact-resistant protective shield will be facilitated by
researching commercially available composites for their ability to resist
constant exposure to high temperatures. The most promising fibers will be
fabricated into test shields for experimental characterization and comparison
with theoretical predictions. The materials and shield design exhibiting
maximum heat and impact resistance will be selected for incorporation into
prototype testing. The U.S. Army has requested SBIR proposals for a remote-controlled device for ordinance fire suppression.