KOCHI: The Airport Rescue and Fire Force (ARFF) unit at Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) will soon get two fire tenders from Austria as part of modernization of the fire tender fleet at the aerodrome.
Cial will buy two Rosenbauer Panther 6x6, one of the most successful, efficient, and variable ARFF vehicles worldwide, from Austria. Rosenbauer, based in Leonding, Austria, is one of world's leading manufacturers of fire-service vehicles and firefighting equipment.
Cial's ARFF fleet is primarily intended to combat aircraft fires and assist and protect the ARFF team during evacuation of passengers. The new fire tenders will ensure quick and safe response to the emergency site and effective discharge of fire suppression agents which are essential for a successful mission.
Cial authorities said the role of fire tenders is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of ARFF. Panther is known for its features like maximum safety, high extinguishing performance, ease of use, driving dynamics and easy manoeuvrability and mobility. The cost is approximately Rs 7 crore per vehicle.
"ARFF is on active vigil round-the-clock at Kochi airport, which is one of the busiest airports in India. We buy the new vehicles now because our existing fleet is 20 years old and it is time to replace and modernize. The new vehicles are expected to arrive by February 2023. At present we have six fire tenders in the fleet which include two IVECO Magirus, four RB OLD CFT," said Cial spokesperson.
The careful selection of components like high performance 4-stroke diesel engine, automatic power shift transmission system, permanent all-wheel-drive and high-performance coil spring suspension system are the main features of Panther.
Panther 6x6 features an engine power of up to 750hp, maximum speed of 115 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 80 km/h in less than 28 seconds, 12,000 litre water tank, 1,500 litre foam tank and a roof turret with 6,000 litres/min pump output.
Rapid acceleration due to high horsepower to weight ratio, excellent maintained top speed, extreme mobility (off-road and paved-road operation) and reliable ABS braking system will allow the emergency crew to safely reach the scene of an accident even under toughest conditions.
