SportsMobile West has received a military contract from the country of Qatar to build 17 customized Elite search and rescue vans for environmentally challenged catastrophes. SportsMobile West was contracted directly by the Qatar government. SportsMobile West is known for building custom Ford Econoline, Dodge Sprinter, and Chevy vans for extreme off-roading and their world renound quality.
Production of the van started last December and is schedule for completion in May 2008. - Melissa Spiering
As per the Press-release:
GOVERNMENT OF QATAR SELECTS SPORTSMOBILE WEST TO BUILD 17 ELITE SEARCH AND RESCUE VANS
Vans to Serve as First Responders to Catastrophic Events on Global Level
LOS ANGELES - Sportsmobile West (SMB), North America's premier tier-two manufacturer of Ford Econoline, Dodge Sprinter and Chevy vans, today announced that it has received a military contract from the Country of Qatar to build out 17 customized Elite Search and Rescue vans. As part of Qatar's Humanitarian Mission to the World, these vans will serve as first responders to many of the world's catastrophic events. Sportsmobile was directly contacted by the Qatar government because of the Sportsmobile's unparalleled off-road capabilities. The vans went into production in early December and are set for completion in May 2008. Sportsmobile vans have been widely recognized for their quality and craftsmanship, but most importantly, the vans ability to navigate just about any terrain.
"This is one of the biggest contracts Sportsmobile West has ever been awarded and we are proud to be developing the vans for such a cause," said Alan Feld, president, Sportsmobile West. "For nearly 18 years, Sportsmobile has specialized in building one of the very best off-road vehicles on the market. With a 12-gear 4x4 system, we are sure our friends from Qatar will be very happy with the final product."
Sportsmobile first received interest from the Qatar Government in late 2007 when a special delegation came to the United States to visit Sportsmobile West's Fresno facility. Impressed with Sportsmobile West's manufacturing process, a government contract was issued to Sportsmobile to build all 17 vans.
"As part of Qatar's Humanitarian Mission, it was imperative we find a partner that can not only build such a custom van, but could build a van with such off-road capabilities that it will allow for our Search and Rescue teams to reach some of the worst possible locations," said officials from the Government of Qatar. "Once completed, we will be deploying these vans for various catastrophic events and will use them as an example for helping the greater good in the International community."
After collaboration with Sportsmobile, Qatar placed an order in December to build 17 Elite Search and Rescue vans that include the following:
17 Elite Search & Rescue Vans
1 - Command vehicle
2 - Support vehicles
2 - K-9 vehicles (8 dogs per van)
12 - Transport vehicles
Ford Econoline (E350) Chassis:
- 12 Gear Sportsmobile 4x4 System
- Dynatrac Pro-Rock 60 front axle
- Atlas 2 Transfer Case
- Hella powered top-mounted flood light system
- 12,000 lb. front mounted Warn winch
- 46 gallon gas tank (long range fuel capacity)
- Industry-leading Aluminess Front and Rear Bumper Package
- 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires mounted on American Racing wheels
Command Center Van
During any major event having the proper command center is the most critical component to ensure all communication channels are working together. The Sportsmobile Command Center van will come equipped with a state of the Art communications system with global positioning, satellite communications and a host of other unique transmission features. Once the Command Center van has identified the key areas for search and rescue efforts, the next process involves recovery of possible survivors. Each of the 12 Transport vehicles will accommodate 12 passengers. In total, the Transport vans will be able to remove 144 people in one mission.
Dog Transport Vans
The specially-designed dog transportation vans are for Labrador Retrievers and German Shephard's that are trained at an exclusive search and rescue camp. The dogs are skilled at detecting human scent and are trained to search through rubble for possible survivor's onsite after a catastrophic event. Each van will have custom dog carriers integrated in to the vans interior that will accommodate up to 8 dogs. What makes these Sportsmobile's so unique is what's under its "skin." With a 6.0 liter, diesel engine, the Sportsmobile's are equipped with a 46 gallon gas tank that allows for long distance travel. Riding on 35 inch BF Goodrich Off-Road Tires, the Sportsmobile chassis has been upgraded to include a 12-gear 4x4 system, Atlas II Transfer Case, 12,000lb. Warn Winch, ultra strong and ultra light front and rear Aluminess Bumpers, and specialized lighting. All of the vans will share a bright red paint scheme representative of search and rescue colors. These vans have been designed to fit on a C130 transport plane. Sportsmobile will be releasing images of the first vans that come off the assembly line. Once the vans are all completed, the company will be hosting a photo shoot of all 17 vans.
Source: Sportsmobile West