When we think of fire departments, we often picture bright red fire trucks and brave firefighters. However, there is another “warrior” in the firefighting forces that not everyone knows about. It is Big Wind, a “fire god” built from a T-34 tank and two MiG-21 jet engines.
Big Wind is regarded as a “fire god” and has made history by extinguishing nine major oil well fires.
Big Wind fire truck created from a large tank.
Large fires from oil wells cannot be extinguished by conventional fire trucks. However, there is a vehicle in the world that can do this. It is called Big Wind, the “fire god” painted in red and constructed from a large tank.
Originally, Big Wind was a T-34 tank that was retrofitted with two MiG-21 jet engines. The vehicle was designed by a team of Hungarian engineers and serves as a testament to creativity in technology along with various modern techniques from around the world. According to Oddity Central, Big Wind is one of the most powerful hydraulic fire trucks globally.
Big Wind fire truck.
In February 1991, when 700 oil wells in Kuwait were destroyed, many oil barrels were ignited daily for about 30 weeks, with flames soaring over 91 meters and releasing a massive amount of black smoke into the atmosphere. At that time, the midday sky could be filled with “dark shadows.”
The temperature of the flames could reach up to 1,093 degrees Celsius, with surrounding air temperatures exceeding 343 degrees Celsius. In such circumstances, extinguishing the fire was nearly an impossible task.
For this reason, only a special fire truck could handle the situation. The T-34 tank was requisitioned, giving birth to Big Wind. It is noted that the turret of the tank was removed and replaced with a platform for the two MiG-21 engines—each measuring 3 meters long. Behind the platform is a small control cabin—sufficient space for one mechanic. Above the two engines are six powerful water nozzles. This fire truck is likened to a vehicle straight out of a science fiction movie.
According to information from Car and Driver, there was once a fire truck capable of extinguishing oil and gas well fires using a MiG-15 jet engine mounted on the chassis of a large truck.
Inspired by this concept, the Hungarian company MB Drilling developed an improved version with two jet engines.
This fire truck is like a vehicle from a science fiction movie.
It is known that Big Wind cannot be used in typical house fires as it is likely to cause more harm. This is because its two jet engines can generate enormous thrust, with the water flow through the six nozzles reaching speeds of up to 1,240 km/h—capable of blowing out windows and doors, and even walls.
Thus, Big Wind is specifically designed to extinguish oil well fires. The powerful air streams pumped out from the two jet engines, combined with water from the six nozzles, are sufficient to douse large flames.
Big Wind has the robust chassis of a T-34 tank and is equipped with two Tumansky R-25 jet engines from the MiG-21 fighter aircraft. As a result, the vehicle can navigate rugged terrain and generate immense wind thrust. Water from the six nozzles on Big Wind is mixed with the powerful air flow from the jet engines, creating thick fog that can penetrate deep into the fire and effectively extinguish it. The truck has a water tank capacity of up to 11,000 liters, ensuring a sufficient water supply for firefighting operations over an extended period.
Big Wind is considered one of the most powerful fire trucks in history.
To operate, Big Wind requires a crew of three: a driver, a mechanic controlling the engine platform, and another person on the ground to manage the nozzles.
Operating it is no simple task. It is reported that all team members must wear fireproof suits to protect themselves from the intense heat. They must also wear specialized gloves to avoid burns. Crew members are also equipped with special devices to continuously monitor their conditions during operations.
According to Oddity Central, Big Wind made history by extinguishing nine major oil well fires. It is regarded as the most powerful fire truck in history.
According to a post from the giant oil corporation MOL Group of Hungary, Big Wind is still in use as the company’s “fire extinguisher.”
With its outstanding advantages, Big Wind deserves to be considered a “wonder” in the firefighting industry, symbolizing the strength and courage of firefighters in the battle against fierce flames.
