Case Study

Light Tanker System

Overview

Designed for rapid response during bushfire incidents, light tanker systems are critical assets deployed across regional areas and gazetted fire districts. Their agility and compact footprint allow first responders to access difficult terrain quickly and initiate firefighting efforts before larger support vehicles arrive.

Telemation was engaged to engineer and deliver a reliable automation and control system that would allow for intuitive operation, real-time diagnostics, and comprehensive control of all onboard systems—while enhancing safety, reducing user error, and simplifying operations in high-pressure environments.

Challenge

Operational reliability and intuitive control were central to the success of this project. The client required a lightweight, durable, and user-friendly control system capable of:

  • Monitoring critical real-time vehicle functions such as water level, pump pressure, and ignition status

  • Allowing both internal and external control via dual HMIs

  • Minimising operator confusion with a clean, easily navigable interface

  • Providing built-in diagnostic support to identify faults in the field

Our Solution

We developed a fully integrated light tanker control system, built around a dual-HMI setup and powered by an EPEC 3606 Control Unit. The system acts as both a command hub and diagnostic tool, centralising the operation and health monitoring of all tanker components.

Dual HMIs – CCpilot VC

EPEC 3606 Control Unit

J1939 Output Module

Key Features:

  • Dual HMIs (CCpilot VC) – Mounted at the front and rear of the vehicle for flexible operation, these displays allow complete access to the system’s functionality both inside and outside the cabin.

  • Integrated Sensors – Track critical inputs including water pressure, air levels, pump RPM, ignition status, compressor temperature, and more.

  • Minimalist User Interface – Designed with simplified graphical visuals instead of traditional numeric or textual data, reducing the risk of misinterpretation in high-stress scenarios.

  • Full Function Control – Operators can manage lights, foam systems, compressor, and pump control directly through the HMI.

  • Troubleshooting Support – A dedicated HMI screen provides detailed fault data to assist with real-time diagnostics and system recovery.

Safety & Control Simplified

Using a combination of the CCVC Thumb controller and J1939 Output Module, the system ensures reliable command relay with responsive feedback. The design enhances operator awareness while allowing safe operation from optimal positions, even in unpredictable fire-ground environments.

By implementing this system, emergency responders now benefit from:

  • Improved operational visibility

  • Minimised response time for pump and system activation

  • Reduced cognitive load through simplified interface navigation

  • Enhanced diagnostic capacity for in-field troubleshooting

Conclusion

The light tanker automation system is a prime example of how automation systems and controls, paired with systems and control engineering, can be tailored for emergency response vehicles. The solution balances precision, simplicity, and reliability—enabling rapid response crews to act faster, safer, and with complete confidence in their equipment.

Interested in custom control solutions for fire services or emergency fleets?
Contact our engineering solutions team to learn how we can support your mission-critical systems.