Rosenbauer America has announced that emergency organizations can now place orders for the PANTHER 6×6 electric, the company’s fully electric Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle.
As reported by Rosenbauer America, the PANTHER 6×6 electric provides better acceleration and top speed than conventional ARFF vehicles, and supports airport operators in meeting their climate protection goals by significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
The vehicle, which was first introduced as a concept at the INTERSCHUTZ trade show in 2022, is expected to see its first pre-series deliveries by the end of 2025.
Andreas Zeller, Chief Sales Officer of Rosenbauer International, said: “With the PANTHER 6×6 electric, we want to once again set the standard in a product category by combining a powerful, fully electric drive with the highest safety standards in its class.”
The PANTHER 6×6 electric is designed to contribute to airports’ net-zero goals by allowing for electric-powered daily operations, including training and standby tasks.
With a top speed of 75 mph and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in under 25 seconds, it offers performance advantages over conventional models.
The water pump, which can be operated electrically, delivers 2,378 gallons per minute.
Rosenbauer involved airport operators and fire departments in the vehicle’s development, ensuring that user feedback was incorporated into its design.
“Rosenbauer is firmly convinced that the PANTHER 6×6 electric can handle over 90% of its daily tasks purely electric,” said Philipp Platzl, Product Manager for Airport Fire Trucks.
The electric platform for the PANTHER 6×6 electric features high-voltage batteries that can power multiple operations on a single charge.
These batteries meet the operational requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In tests, the vehicle demonstrated an ability to accelerate to 80 km/h in under 20 seconds.
The vehicle’s charging system supports both direct and alternating current, with a maximum charging capacity of 400 HP, ensuring that it is quickly ready for subsequent operations.
An integrated Energy Backup System provides continuous operational capabilities and helps maintain the vehicle’s firefighting readiness.
The PANTHER 6×6 electric maintains the same firefighting system performance as its conventional counterpart, with the pump, foam proportioning, and turret offering reliable power.
The vehicle also boasts a new lighting system, enhancing visibility and safety on the airfield with LED lights and searchlights.
The PANTHER 6×6 electric meets all international standards for ARFF vehicles, including those set by the ICAO, NFPA, and FAA.
Sebastian Wolf, CEO of Rosenbauer International, said: “With the PANTHER 6×6 electric, airport fire departments around the world can now take advantage of these benefits.”
Rosenbauer America has announced that the fully electric PANTHER 6×6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle is now available for order.
The PANTHER 6×6 electric delivers improved acceleration, a top speed of 75 mph, and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
Designed in collaboration with airport operators and fire departments, the vehicle is expected to handle over 90% of its daily tasks in electric mode.
Equipped with high-voltage batteries and a maximum charging capacity of 400 HP, the PANTHER 6×6 electric is ready for multiple operations on a single charge.
The vehicle meets international safety standards and features an enhanced lighting system for improved visibility.
First pre-series deliveries are expected by the end of 2025.
