Ford, Deakin develop rapid fire response
31st August 2026
Ford Australia and Deakin University have developed a new Ranger Super Duty-based Fire Response Unit designed to explore ways of getting trained personnel and essential equipment to emergencies faster.
Developed with XL Service Bodies, the custom vehicle is intended to complement rather than replace conventional fire appliances, potentially allowing initial assessment, communications, fire suppression or first aid to begin before a full-size appliance arrives.
Ford and Deakin mapped the emergency response process against an eight-minute urban response benchmark and identified an opportunity for a smaller, highly capable vehicle to help bridge the gap between an incident being reported and a full emergency response arriving.
The Ranger Super Duty was selected as the platform because of its 4500kg Gross Vehicle Mass, payload capacity and off-road capability. The Super Cab configuration provides tray space for firefighting equipment while retaining weather-protected storage for electronics and first aid equipment.
Ford Pro Conversion development manager Jeremy Welch stressed the concept was not intended to replace existing fire trucks.
“We are not trying to replace traditional fire trucks or the firefighters who crew them,” Welch said.
“But a Ranger Super Duty could carry the equipment needed to manage those critical first few minutes while the cavalry is on its way.”
The project continues a 40-year strategic partnership between Ford Australia and Deakin University, combining Ford’s automotive engineering expertise with Deakin’s research, education and workforce development capabilities. XL Service Bodies, a Ford Pro Convertor partner, provided its customised service body expertise.
Ford and Deakin engineers used computer-aided design and full-scale virtual reality to develop the equipment layout before constructing a physical mock-up to assess how equipment could be accessed under pressure.
The team also worked with Zeliox Australia to integrate an inverter and charging system with solar capability. The system powers the vehicle’s high-flow and ultra-high-pressure pumps without requiring a separate petrol or diesel generator.
Deakin deputy vice-chancellor partnerships Dr David Halliwell said the project demonstrated the potential of collaboration between universities and industry.
“By joining forces on this project, Ford and Deakin have demonstrated how the right partnership can accelerate innovation in ways neither partner could achieve alone,” Halliwell said.
The Fire Response Unit remains a demonstration vehicle and has not been certified by a fire or emergency service authority.