Specialized fire truck under development by Everdigm

A concept image of Everdigm’s fire truck specialized in suppressing fire on aircraft. [EVERDIGM]

Everdigm, a construction equipment provider, is developing a type of fire truck that is designed for suppressing fire on aircraft.

The company, 45-percent owned by Hyundai Green Food, announced Tuesday it has been selected as a partner by the government in a project being undertaken to develop the specialty truck.

The goal is to develop a fire truck that meets the international standards of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Currently, there isn’t a Korean manufacturer of specialty fire trucks for aircraft that meets the international standards, according to the company. Korea currently relies on imports.

“The specialized fire truck market has high potential growth, but is exclusively manufactured by several companies, like the U.S.-based OshKosh Corporation and Austria-based Rosenbauer due to sales uncertainties and high initial investment,” said a spokesperson for Everdigm in a statement, adding domestic production of such specialty trucks will become possible through the project.

The truck will be able to drive 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour at maximum, and also accelerate to 80 kilometers an hour in 40 seconds. It will also be able to dispatch 4,500 liters of water a minute while moving.

“It’s difficult for an average fire truck to deliver water while it’s moving,” said Shin Dong-hwan, a spokesperson for Hyundai Department Store Group.

The goal is to complete a prototype by 2024.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]