Urban rescue operations are defined by constraints. Narrow streets, parked vehicles, uneven ground, limited access points and buildings that do not allow ideal vehicle positioning are everyday realities for fire and rescue departments.

The question is not how a platform performs under perfect conditions.
The question is how well it performs when conditions are far from perfect.

The Vema 42FER has been developed with exactly this operational reality in mind.

6.2 Meter Outrigger Support Width – Usable Where Others Are Not

With a compact 6.2 meter outrigger support width, the 42FER is highly suitable for tight urban environments. This allows deployment in narrow streets and built-up areas where space is limited and full-width stabilization is not always possible.

Urban response units frequently face situations where every centimeter matters. A reduced support width directly increases the number of viable setup locations.

Variable and One-Sided Outrigger Support

City incidents rarely allow symmetrical setup.

The ability to operate with variable outrigger support, including one-sided outrigger deployment, transforms compromised positioning into operational capability. Combined with advanced control intelligence, this allows significant outreach even when full stabilization symmetry is not possible.

Together with the new CS3 Operating System, the platform maintains exceptional outreach even when outriggers are extended on only one side or partially deployed.

This enables operation along one side of a narrow street, in confined courtyards, or in situations where obstacles prevent full deployment. The system continuously manages load and working range to maximize safe outreach under the given stabilization conditions.

Operation Even Without Horizontal Outrigger Extension

In extreme situations, where horizontal outrigger extension is not possible, the 42FER allows limited platform operation using vertical stabilization only.

This capability can be decisive when immediate action is required and space does not allow conventional deployment.

Fast Automatic Stabilization on Slopes up to 10°

Urban environments are rarely level.

The 42FER features automatic, very rapid stabilization on slopes of up to 10 degrees, supported by Vema’s double-motion stabilization technology.

This ensures:

• Faster setup times
• Increased operational safety
• Reliable stabilization on uneven or inclined surfaces

Speed and stability are critical when working under time pressure in dense urban areas.

33 Meters of Outreach from Real-World Positions

Once the vehicle is stabilized, the 42FER delivers up to 33 meters of outreach.

In urban operations, vehicles are often positioned offset from the rescue point. The ability to provide substantial outreach from non-ideal placement significantly increases operational effectiveness.

This allows crews to reach upper floors, balconies, or façades even when direct front positioning is not possible.

600 kg Cage Load – Meaningful Rescue Capacity

The 42FER is equipped with a 600 kg cage load, providing substantial operational capacity for:

• Multiple evacuees
• Firefighters with equipment
• Combined rescue and operational tasks

High cage capacity adds an important safety margin during evacuation and technical operations.

Designed Around Urban Operational Needs

The 42FER is engineered to address the key challenges of urban rescue, including limited space for stabilization, asymmetric setup conditions, sloped or uneven terrain, and situations where the vehicle cannot be positioned ideally. At the same time, it ensures safe and efficient evacuation under real operational constraints. Urban rescue demands flexibility, stability, and reliable outreach in confined and imperfect environments, and the 42FER is designed to deliver exactly that.

Discover the complete FER Series to find the right configuration for your needs.