The Panther 6x6 electric, an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, is reported to offer enhanced performance and a reduced environmental impact. This supports the aviation industry’s shift toward sustainability.
Orders now open
The Panther 6x6 electric can be ordered now, with the first pre-series units expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
The new Panther 6x6 electric is being positioned as a high-performance, environmentally conscious option for emergency organisations. “With the Panther 6x6 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. This innovation not only contributes to the net-zero goals of many airports but also meets the high expectations of our customers in terms of performance,” says Andreas Zeller, Chief Sales Officer of Rosenbauer International.
Equipped with four electric drive motors, the Panther 6x6 electric can deliver impressive on-site performance, powered by the high-performance pump, which operates either electrically or by using its energy backup system. The overall firefighting capabilities, including foam proportioning and turret operations, match those of its conventionally powered predecessors.
The vehicle boasts faster acceleration and a higher top speed than conventional ARFF vehicles, with the fully electric drive allowing the Panther to reach 80km/h in under 25 seconds, peaking at a top speed of 120km/h. The water pump, which operates electrically, is capable of delivering up to 9,000 litres per minute, ensuring the vehicle can handle emergency firefighting tasks at full power without needing additional fuel.
Customer input in development
One of the central considerations in developing the Panther 6x6 electric was input from airport operators and fire departments. By working directly with these users from the outset, Rosenbauer aimed to ensure that the vehicle could handle the complete cycle of operations purely on electric power. Testing of prototypes has indicated that the vehicle can conduct multiple trips on a single battery charge.
The drive platform of the Panther 6x6 electric, built on a high-voltage battery system, provides enough energy to drive to the emergency site, deploy the extinguishing agent, and return to the station. In line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Rosenbauer has ensured that the Panther can meet all requirements for airport firefighting response times.
The vehicle is designed for quick recharging, and it is capable of using both direct and alternating current with a maximum charging rate of 300kW. This means it can quickly be ready for its next operation. An additional energy backup system in the vehicle ensures continuous operation, allowing it to function without interruption even if the primary battery requires recharging.
“Rosenbauer is firmly convinced that the Panther 6x6 electric can handle over 90% of its daily tasks purely electric. It was developed as a high-performance ARFF truck that not only provides emergency crews with a more environmentally friendly, but also a more efficient working environment,” explains Philipp Platzl, Product Manager for Airport Fire Trucks.
Refined design
In addition to its electric capabilities, the Panther 6x6 electric has a refined design, incorporating new lighting elements such as LED scene lights and upgraded searchlights, enhancing both visibility and safety. Meeting all global standards for firefighting vehicles, including ECE norms and requirements from ICAO, NFPA 414/1900, and FAA, the vehicle maintains its international compatibility and usability.
Rosenbauer has drawn on its experience from developing the RT/RTX electric fire trucks, applying this knowledge to the new Panther model. As Sebastian Wolf, CEO of Rosenbauer International, states, “Through the development of our RT/ RTX, we have acquired a great deal of expertise in the field of e-mobility, which we have been able to use in the development of the Panther 6x6 electric over the last two years. Especially in the firefighting sector, e-mobility offers many advantages. With the Panther 6x6 electric, airport fire departments around the world can now take advantage of these benefits.”
- Rosenbauerhas a sales and service office in South Africa, which handles the sales and servicing of Rosenbauer products in the region.
