Why do airport fire engines have sloping lower front panel?

[Tony2or4]

The thread about sloping control tower windows reminded me that I'd always wondered why the surface at the bottom of the cab section of airport fire tenders always slopes inwards at about 45 degrees. Anybody know the reason?
Tony.

Edited by Tony2or4 on Thursday 17th May 18:48

[mrloudly]

I would guess to give it good "Approach Clearance" if it needs to operate in a rough off road environment

[Prawo Jazdy]

The ICAO Airport Services Manual Part 1 says that the minimum angle of approach and departure must be 30 degrees for fire appliances. Now, I don't know what that means, but it might answer your question.

My guess is: the areas on an airfield surrounding the runways can be quite steep, so they don't want to get stuck trying to get to something that has speared off onto the lawn.

[Tony2or4]

Prawo Jazdy said:

My guess is: the areas on an airfield surrounding the runways can be quite steep, so they don't want to get stuck trying to get to something that has speared off onto the lawn.

Yep, I guess that makes sense. Thanks for that.

[anonymous-user]

Prawo Jazdy said:

The ICAO Airport Services Manual Part 1 says that the minimum angle of approach and departure must be 30 degrees for fire appliances. Now, I don't know what that means, but it might answer your question.

Basically, it has to be able to negotiate a slope of 30 degrees.