A historical look … from NYC The Super Pumper System

Sure! Here's a rewritten version of the content: --- A friend thought this story might be something others would enjoy, so please bear with me for straying outside our usual topics. Back in the early '60s, the New York City Fire Department was dealing with a lot of challenges. As buildings grew taller and more densely packed, the risks associated with fires became increasingly severe. Sometimes, the very systems meant to deliver water to extinguish these fires would just stop working. On other occasions, their equipment wasn't up to the task, leading to catastrophic blazes that destroyed homes, businesses, and countless dollars. One particularly devastating incident occurred in April 1963 on Staten Island, pushing the department to its absolute limits and causing millions in damages. The day has become known locally as "Black Saturday." Due to a lack of sufficient water supplies, the fire spread far beyond what it should have. A drought that year left many traditional water sources completely dry. This situation eventually led to the creation of one of the most powerful firefighting vehicles ever built: the Mack Super Pumper System. Comprised of five interconnected trucks, it formed a coordinated team capable of handling even the largest infernos. From 1965 until the early '80s, the Mack Super Pumper responded to over 2,200 calls, with roughly 900 firefighters involved in operating it at some point. The system included a massive central pumping unit, a supply truck loaded with hoses and tools, and three smaller units resembling regular fire engines but lacking their own pumps. When it was brand new, the city paid $875,000 for this setup—money well spent to protect New York City. No other vehicle like it has ever existed. The heart of the operation was the central pumping unit, capable of drawing water from eight hydrants simultaneously, dropping hoses into nearby bodies of water, and delivering water to an astonishing number of lines at once. Under low-pressure conditions, it could handle over 10,000 gallons per minute; at maximum pressure of 350psi, it reached 8,800 gallons per minute. This output was enough to sustain multiple satellite trucks and power a giant water cannon on the tender truck, capable of propelling water over 600 feet—nearly half a mile—in any direction. The technology behind this machine can be traced back to innovations in diesel engines during World War II. The power source was a Napier-Deltic diesel engine, originally designed by the British for naval vessels due to its lightweight and high-speed capabilities. Producing 2,400 horsepower, it was compact enough to be transported via trailer. Although noisy and fuel-intensive—consuming 137 gallons per hour—it was a marvel of engineering for its time. Mack received the contract in 1964, and by year’s end, the rig was ready to hit the streets. The tractor towing the pumping unit was a F715FSTP cab-over model equipped with a 255hp Mack END864 engine. While its top speed was only 42mph, agility within urban environments mattered more than raw speed. Special PTOs powered the priming pump and an air compressor necessary for starting the main engine. Inside the custom-built trailer lay the engine and all essential components for its upkeep, including cooling systems and fuel tanks. At the rear stood the impressive six-stage pump manufactured by DeLaval, where the real magic happened. When the Deltic engine drove the pump, fires up to the 60th floor of a skyscraper stood little chance. Weighing 68,000 pounds, reports show that this beast never let down the firefighters who relied on it. Here are some remarkable stats about the truck and its capabilities: - At 8,800 GPM, it sprayed nearly 70,000 pounds of water onto fires every minute. - During a Bronx blaze, firefighters stretched 7,000 feet of hose just to reach a water source, yet the pump performed flawlessly. - In 1967, during a postal annex fire, the Super Pumper supplied water to the main gun on the tender truck, three satellite units, two tower ladders, and a portable manifold—all on its own. - The hoses were tested to withstand 1,000psi but usually operated between 350-800psi, significantly higher than today’s standards. These hoses were adapted from Navy designs from WWII but were heavy compared to modern ones. Today, the truck remains intact, housed in a museum in Michigan, serving as a testament to human ingenuity under pressure. Thanks, Dan, for sharing! For more details and images, check out the original article on bangshift.com. --- This version retains the core message but adds additional depth and flow, ensuring it feels natural and engaging.

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