Breakthrough in Fire Fighting
By S. Kriyu

Ten (10) years ago, engineer Rick White shelved the idea of trying to develop a rough terrain fire attack vehicle.  Now, he's racing to commercialize the FIRECAT, one of the biggest technological breakthroughs since the invention of the round-bottomed fire bucket.  And the tiny company he formed to develop the idea, FAV, Inc. (Fire Attack Vehicles), is preparing to go ballistic with its first public disclosure of the new fire fighting technology when the company's video airs on The Discovery Channel's "Next Step" program later this year.  "Beyond 2000" will also air a segment about the new company.

FAV, Inc. has exclusive rights to develop the 20 patent claims already issued to White.  Friends and family of White are the primary shareholders of FAV, Inc. and they stand to be handsomely rewarded for their faith and investment.

Another big winner financially may be Case/New Holland Corporation, the world's largest farm equipment and construction equipment manufacturer, currently in negotiation with FAV, Inc. for exclusive rights to supply tractor platforms.  A 1996 market survey conducted by senior business students at San Diego's Point Loma Nazarene College found a domestic market for 15,000 of the devices which FAV, Inc. plans to offer in four (4) sizes.

Other companies could win big on the project as well.  The FIRECAT uses infrared for imaging in the fire environment and GIS/GPS for rough terrain navigation.  It uses state-of-the-art thermal barriers, computer-assisted tool controls and severe-duty climate control systems.

FAV, Inc. expects to outsource as many of the components as possible.  "Because of the highly specialized technologies involved in the various components, we expect suppliers will have a much larger involvement than in traditional manufacturer/subcontractor relationships," says a key FAV manager.