The Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Aid, also known as BBK, has begun handing over a new generation of CBRN exploration cars across Germany. A total of 521 vehicles, valued at 162 million euros, will be stationed in various cities. But what does CBRN stand for, exactly? It’s an abbreviation for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear – a combination of threats that require swift and effective location exploration to protect the population.
In the event of a large-scale CBRN incident, it’s crucial to quickly identify the source and extent of the contamination. That’s where these specialized vehicles come in. The BBK has already made 395 CBRN exploration cars available in all 16 federal states, with the remaining vehicles set to follow later this year. The goal is to have a CBRN Erkw, as they’re commonly referred to, ready to respond at any location in Germany within a short timeframe. Ideally, one CBRN Erkw will be available per district and independent city, with additional units stationed in high-risk areas.
The new CBRN exploration cars are based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 CDI and replace many of the older vehicles delivered in 2001, which were built on the Fiat Ducato platform. These state-of-the-art vehicles are equipped with the latest measuring technology, allowing them to detect and report radiological and chemical contamination. The crew consists of two teams of four people, who are specially trained to handle CBRN incidents. They’re also equipped with protective masks, filters, compressed air, and chemical protection suits to ensure their safety while working in contaminated areas.
The CBRN exploration cars can carry out measurements while driving, enabling them to quickly explore large areas and identify potential threats. They’re also digitally connected via 4G or 5G networks and satellite communication, allowing them to transmit data to a central server in real-time. This enables the BBK to respond rapidly and effectively in the event of a CBRN incident.
Here are the key facts and figures about the CBRN exploration cars:
* Off-road chassis for increased mobility
* Measurement technology for detecting chemical, radiological, and nuclear threats
* Various protective equipment for crew members
* Conception and development led by the BBK
* Each CBRN Erkw costs approximately 311,000 euros
* Total investment for 521 vehicles: 162 million euros
With these advanced vehicles, Germany is better equipped to respond to CBRN incidents and protect its population from potential threats. The BBK’s efforts to develop and deploy these specialized vehicles demonstrate their commitment to public safety and disaster preparedness.