Water Cannon 10000 Prototype for the German Federal Police

Recently, the German federal police force took charge of the almost one million euros worth prototype of the "Water Cannon 10000" (WaWe 10), marking the beginning of what is expected to be a ten-year period of ongoing procurement.

Aside for being used for police deployment in the event of violent riots breaking out at demonstrations and large events, the WaWe 10 can also be used to back up the emergency services at disasters, for example for fire fighting or even for transporting drinking water.

"As far as we are aware this is the most modern vehicle of its kind in the world," Achim Friedl, Divisional Head at the Federal Ministry of the Interior for Federal Police and State Riot Police Technology and Logistics, said in a release.

The new Water Cannon 10000, named so after its 10,000-litre capacity water tank, is based on the Mercedes-Benz Actros 3341 featuring all-wheel drive and a technically permissible gross vehicle weight of 33 tonnes. The WaWe 10, however, has actual operational weight of around 31 tonnes.

Almost ten metres long and 3.70 metres high, the vehicle is driven by an environmentally friendly Euro 5 version of a V6 turbodiesel engine, producing 300 kW (408 hp) and featuring BlueTec SCR diesel technology. The Mercedes-Benz Actros cabin has been rebuilt to fit a five-man crew, therefore accommodating the driver, commander, observer, and cannon operators.

The driver benefits from a convenient MercedesPowerschift automated transmission, while a Telligent braking system helps to ensure safe deceleration. In addition, the WaWe 10 was fitted with heating and climate control, as well as a refrigerated compartment for storing refreshments. The 10,000-litre water tank is housed in the centre of the aluminum body of the vehicle.