Police and First Responder Technical Vehicles Shown
Returning to the special vehicles sector after an absence of several years, Mitsubishi Motors Deutschland used an off-road workshop near Berlin to introduce the hybrid plug-in version of its OUTLANDER SUV.
Plugging in to standard power sockets, the vehicle can obtain power through a system of rectifiers to sockets in the trunk and passenger compartment, enabling operators to obtain 220v/50-60Hz power for the vehicle at an accident or crime scene without the need for an external generator.
Mitsubishi displayed one vehicle in state police livery and another as a fire department first responder technical vehicle. The former features communications and mobile floodlights, prompting chief developer Harro Wolheim to point out that energy density and volume from the battery (with a peak of 1.2kW) could power the floodlights for almost ten hours. In addition, rechargeable batteries charged by the main vehicle battery provide energy for power-intensive applications such as hydraulic fire-fighting tools.
The first responder vehicle provides seating for three and considerable internal volume for tools and personal equipment. “In this configuration, you can have an agile and fast first responder car, which has capabilities that are currently available in larger vans or trucks, only,” Wolheim emphasised.
In the L200 and PAJERO vehicle lines, new features include a connectivity system for mobile phones and tablets and a rear axle differential that is now lockable to 100 per cent. A series of semitrailers and modules for a multiple applications is under development, including a cargo lift and modules for street maintenance use.
In addition to law enforcement and emergency response, Mitsubishi is considering the security and military sectors. Infrared headlights from Diederich, integrated into the front bumper by magnetic sockets, have been evaluated by the German Armed Forces. With a light spectrum around 30 nanometers, the alternative headlights were able to provide satisfactory results in black-out driving, a capability which makes the vehicles unique among production line cars.
