This endearing vehicle is the Water Cannon 10000, built by Austrian coachbuilder Rosenbauer and based on the Mercedes-Benz Actros 3341 all-wheel-drive truck. Ten thousand is the water capacity in liters (equalling 2642 gallons). Every minute, up to 925 gallons can be dispensed at high pressure to clear the road and put protests to a swift end. Refilling is accomplished at water hydrants, open water, or both simultaneously, all at the same rate.
Reassuringly, the 31-ton Water Cannon 10000 is propelled by “an environmentally friendly Euro 5 version of a V-6 turbo-diesel engine. . . featuring BlueTec SCR diesel technology,” gushes a Mercedes press release. There’s more good news: “The driver benefits from a convenient Mercedes Powershift automated transmission.” And while the auxiliary HVAC system helps “maintain a pleasant interior temperature,” there is also “a refrigerated compartment for storing refreshments.” Nice!
German police seem to expect more than a few riots over the next few years, as 78 of these vehicles will be put into service over the next ten years (at total cost of €75 million or $107.6 million). Open the refreshments!
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