So-called because of its durability and ruggedness akin to a military tank, the “tank” air cart is fabricated so that it may be fastened to the rear bumper of the engine or apparatus. It receives water from the hose connected to the pump of the apparatus or other water supply and contains a flat-lay hose bed, ready for deployment.

It was designed and developed for use in a reverse lay scenario. In a reverse lay scenario, the engine company arriving first will drop off the hose and equipment (including the tank) in front of the dwelling or structure where the fire is.  They will then locate the nearest hydrant.  As they do, they will leave space for a second truck or apparatus to be located directly in front of the dwelling or structure where the tank cart is.

Meanwhile, the first truck or apparatus will drop off a 2-1/2” hose to be hooked to a hydrant. The other end of the supply hose is split via a “wye” connection into two 1-3/4″ hoses.  One of these connecting hoses supplies the tank cart.  The other is a standard fire hose.

The tank cart then supplies air to a Maximum of 300 feet of Lifeline Firehose. It may be used for tool storage and a marker for the second truck or apparatus that will arrive directly in front of the dwelling or structure where the fire is.