The Dennis Sabre was a purpose-built fire engine produced by Dennis Specialist Vehicles of Guildford, Surrey, from 1995 to 2007. It was the last full-size fire appliance the company built before its closure in 2007.
Dennis Sabre at a glance
| Maker | Dennis Specialist Vehicles, Guildford |
|---|---|
| Production | 1995–2007 |
| Type | purpose-built fire appliance |
| Sizes | Sabre, Sabre ML, Sabre XL |
| Engine | Cummins C Series turbocharged six-cylinder diesel |
| Gearbox | Allison MD five-speed automatic |
| Suspension | double wishbone with semi-elliptical multileaf and coil springs |
| Top speed | 72 mph (116 km/h), governed |
| Water tank | 1,800 litres |
| Crew | six in a stainless steel tilting cab |
| Coachbuilder | John Dennis Coachbuilders, Guildford |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Sabre.
History of the Dennis Sabre
A cheaper appliance
The Sabre was designed as a low-cost alternative to the Dennis Rapier, with a greater equipment load capacity. It came in three sizes, Sabre, Sabre ML and Sabre XL, and most of the coachbuilding was done by John Dennis Coachbuilders of Guildford. Over its production run the appliance received several subtle styling changes, chiefly to the grille, and later examples shared styling cues with the compact Dennis Dagger.
Under the body
Like the Rapier, the Sabre used a Cummins C Series turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine and an Allison MD five-speed automatic transmission. The chassis had double-wishbone suspension with semi-elliptical multileaf and coil springs and telescopic dampers, and the gearing gave a governed top speed of 72 mph (116 km/h). The appliance carried 1,800 litres of water and seated six people in a stainless steel tilting cab.
Brigades at home and abroad
Sabres served fire brigades in the West Midlands and the North East of England, Nottinghamshire, Hereford and Worcester, the city of Dublin and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department. Dublin Fire Brigade was the only customer to order Sabre turntable ladders, on the heavy-duty Sabre HD chassis; the HD was also popular with the Singapore Civil Defence Force as a conventional fire engine. Examples were sold as well to brigades in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, South Africa and the Netherlands. Production ended in 2007 with the closure of Dennis Specialist Vehicles.
Design and features
- Cheaper than the Rapier: a lower-cost appliance with more space for equipment.
- Three sizes: Sabre, Sabre ML and Sabre XL, plus the heavy-duty Sabre HD for turntable ladders.
- Stainless steel tilting cab: seating for six, tilted forward for engine access.
- Large water tank: 1,800 litres on board, with a governed 72 mph top speed for roadwork.
Dennis Sabre versions
- Sabre: the standard appliance.
- Sabre ML: the mid-length chassis.
- Sabre XL: the longest of the three standard sizes.
- Sabre HD: heavy-duty chassis, used for the Dublin turntable ladders and by Singapore.
The Sabre succeeded the Dennis Rapier in the fire appliance range, and the company also built buses such as the Dennis Dart. More vehicles are in the Dennis collection.
Video: Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue: Dennis Sabre turnout
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Dennis Sabre, English Wikipedia: production years, chassis, operators
