ADS | Mark 1
engineered for excellence: introducing the mark-1

engineered for excellence: introducing the mark-1

The Ward Apparatus Mobile Airfield Rescue Kit (MARK-1) is a highly versatile, tactical firetruck developed to operate in the most remote regions on earth.

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built for the challenge

Designed for pilot rescue and contingency location team support, the MARK-1 is equipped with a 150-gallon tank, all your essential pilot egress tools, and a med sled for safe and effective patient transport.

The Story

With personnel operating in some of the world’s most extreme environments, the Air Force needed a small, rugged, and versatile firetruck--one that could be loaded into a C-130 to be deployed anywhere, anytime.

The challenge? No such firetruck existed.

Determined to find a solution, the Air Force turned to ADS and Ward Apparatus, two companies known for innovation in emergency response vehicles. Together, they set out to create what had never been built before.

The firetruck had to be lightweight yet durable, compact yet powerful. It needed to function in extreme temperatures, navigate through rough terrain, and carry all the necessary firefighting equipment without compromising speed or agility. Every component had to be meticulously designed and rigorously tested.

Fast forward 24 months, and the MARK-1 was completed. Soon, these fire trucks would be stationed at remote airfields across the globe, standing ready to protect the servicemen and women who risk their lives every day.

"The Mark-1 is a well-thought-out solution for modern combat and rescue operations, combining essential firefighting tools with the mobility needed for modern warfare and emergency response."

- Mark J. Abrahamson, CMSGT, CFO, USA Chief, Fire & Emergency Services

Mark-1 specifications

firefighting capabilities

Water capacity: 150 gallons, providing ample suppression capability for various fire scenarios.

Pump: 95 gallons per minute (gpm) pump, 
supporting efficient water delivery.

Turrets: equipped with high and low-flow bumper. Turrets for versatile firefighting needs.

Hoses: includes hard suction hose and sump pump 
for drafting from water sources, plus large diameter hose for refilling or connecting to hydrants.

compact design

  • Fits into 2 pallet spaces on a C-130, optimizing space for air transport.
  • Sling load capability: Enables deployment to locations with limited or no runway access.
  • Designed to hold (3) firefighters, allowing for effective team operations in challenging conditions.

included equipment

Handline: For targeting fire suppression and flexibility in various scenarios.

Rescue Tools: Essential for pilot egress and handling emergency situations.

Litter Basket: For patient transport, ensuring injured personnel can be evacuated safely.

ward apparatus & a legacy of american manufacturing

Located in Chemung County, New York, once the fire engine capital of the United States, Ward Apparatus, LLC has a long and rich history within the area of fire rescue and specialty vehicles. Formerly Maintainer Custom Bodies (MCB), Ward Apparatus acquired the company in January of 2021 and returned fire truck manufacturing to the area after a 35-year absence.

Combining the best industry experience and manufacturing capabilities, Ward now continues the tradition of manufacturing the finest emergency vehicles available in the fire industry. Ward is part of a family of companies that have served the fire industry for more than 40 years, including Ward Diesel Filter Systems, Ward Fire Equipment, EL Manufacturing, and BOSS Security & Automation.

Ward Apparatus is proud to deliver premium vehicles customized to your specifications. When we say “customized,” we’re not talking about a base model with some options. We’re talking about building the body YOU need to carry your equipment in the most efficient, accessible manner.

M1 machinery
M1 at night
M1 driving
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bring us your mission

ADS is proud to develop custom solutions where none existed before. Have a capability gap for your next mission? We’re ready to help.

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