DLK 23/12 Aerial Ladder Dimensions: Magirus, Rosenbauer and Iveco Compared
When planning fire access in Germany, the aerial ladder DLK 23/12 is the design vehicle in nearly every case. "DLK 23/12" stands for Drehleiter mit Korb (turntable ladder with rescue cage), rescue height 23 m at 12 m outreach. It is not the longest fire vehicle, but it is the geometrically most demanding – and therefore the worst case any access road has to handle. This article collects verifiable values from the publicly available manufacturer data sheets of the three big suppliers and explains where to source the licensed design dimensions.
Why the DLK 23/12 Is the Design Vehicle
The vehicle category "turntable ladder with combined movements" is defined in DIN EN 14043:2014-04 and the mass-overview standard DIN SPEC 14502-1:2016-12. Both standards are copyrighted and available exclusively through DIN Media GmbH. A structured online reproduction of the standard's dimensions is not permitted — binding design values must be sourced from the original publication (see the Fire Truck Access guide).
The dimensions of an actually built aerial ladder, by contrast, are pure facts and are not protected under § 2 (2) UrhG. They may be freely taken from publicly available manufacturer data sheets — and that is the data basis of this article.
Three reasons the DLK is the design case:
- Large turning circle – per manufacturer datasheets, approximately 19.5 – 20.5 m curb-to-curb. By comparison, an LF 20 (standard fire engine) turns within about 16 m.
- Large rear overhang – with the rescue cage stowed, the DLK extends up to 3.80 m beyond the rear axle, which can cause scraping and collisions in tight curves.
- Setup area and bearing capacity – geometric and structural requirements for the setup area, the facade distance and the pavement bearing capacity are defined in DIN 14090 in conjunction with the corresponding federal-state guideline on fire brigade areas. Only the original regulation is binding.
Verifiable Manufacturer Data
Fire apparatus are custom-built on commercial chassis, so exact dimensions vary by build and customer specification. The few values that can be verified from publicly available manufacturer sources (product pages, datasheets, delivery brochures) are:
| Property | Magirus M32L-AT | Rosenbauer L32A-XS |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 4,815 mm | 4,750 mm |
| Working height | 32 m | 32 m |
| GVW class | 15,000 – 16,000 kg | 16,000 kg |
| Chassis | 2-axle, 16 t class | 2-axle, 16 t class |
| Vehicle length | — | ca. 10,000 mm |
Sources: Magirus product page M32L-AT (magirusgroup.com); Rosenbauer L32A-XS delivery data. Overall length, height, overhangs and turning circle depend on the specific chassis and build — request these from the manufacturer for your project. These are not licensed design values from DIN EN 14043 / DIN SPEC 14502-1.
All common DLK 23/12 models share these characteristics: 2-axle chassis in the 16 t class, wheelbase in the range of 4.75 – 4.82 m, and overall length approximately 10 m. For a conservative pre-design envelope that covers all common aerial ladders with safety margin, use 10.30 m × 2.55 m × 5.00 m wheelbase with a turning circle of 21 m. This envelope is an orientation for pre-design and not a substitute for the licensed standard values.
Easy-to-Miss Planning Details
- Outrigger spread when deployed is wider than the vehicle. Magirus and Rosenbauer stabilise with about 5.20 m of outrigger spread – this must be clear next to the setup area, even though the vehicle itself is only 2.50 m wide.
- Cage swing rear overhang – when the DLK swings its cage over the rear of the vehicle, the cage projects significantly further than the static vehicle length. This matters at the actual deployment, not during the approach drive.
- Actual rear-axle load — the rear-axle loads of common DLK 23/12 builds exceed the StVZO standard axle load of 10 t. The bearing-capacity requirements for fire access roads are defined in DIN 14090 and the relevant federal-state guideline; most building authorities require designs based on the actual DLK weight. Binding values must be taken from the original regulation.
Should I Actually Plan for the DLK?
Rule of thumb:
- Regular residential building (≤ 4 storeys, not high-rise equivalent): the local fire department decides whether a tanker or an aerial ladder is the design vehicle. Often the TLF 4000 (turning circle ~17 m) is sufficient.
- High-rise / assembly venue / care home: the DLK 23/12 is mandatory; clarify in writing with the fire prevention office.
- Special structures with plant or airport fire brigades: a larger DLK 30 or TM 50 (telescopic boom) may be the design case – clarify in advance.
When in doubt, design for the DLK. If the building authority later accepts a smaller vehicle, you have reserve. The other way around, you have to redesign.
Where to Source the Licensed Design Dimensions
Binding design dimensions for the DLK 23/12 and the setup areas reside exclusively in the licensed original standards:
- DIN EN 14043:2014-04 – Turntable ladders with combined movements — 209,50 €
- DIN SPEC 14502-1:2016-12 – Vehicle masses and overview — 35,70 €
- DIN 14090:2024-02 – Areas for fire brigades on properties — 90,50 €
Freely accessible and sufficient for pre-design are the administrative regulations published by the German federal states, which mirror the DIN 14090 core values verbatim or by reference — for example the Bavarian Guideline on Fire Brigade Areas (public domain under § 5 UrhG).
Related Guides
- Fire Truck Access per DIN 14090: Sources and Alternatives – requirements, licensing and free sources for fire access roads.
- RBSV 2020 Design Vehicles Explained – the reference table of German design vehicles including the aerial ladder.
Verify your aerial ladder swept path during pre-design — free with PathSweeper. For certified verification submitted to a building authority or fire prevention office, the licensed DIN standards are required.