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Rosenbauer’s 2009 Panther has been redesigned and is equipped with a new extendable turret. The prototype vehicle was developed by teams from Rosenbauer’s General Division in Minnesota, its Aerial Division in Nebraska and Rosenbauer International in Austria. (Rosenbauer Photo) |
Rosenbauer’s General Division has developed a new concept Panther ARFF vehicle equipped with a High-Reach Extendable Turret (HRET), called the Stinger.
Rosenbauer said the new Panther allows firefighters to work with greater safety and efficiency. The Panther body, according to the company, was designed to maximize compartment space while making access to mounted equipment easier and safer for ARFF firefighters wearing full protective equipment.
The cab’s new interior incorporates high-tech electronic features such as the LCS (Logic Control System), permitting the vehicle’s operator to view a color-coded monitor screen displaying pump, bumper turret, roof turret and hose line discharge operations. It allows the operator to see which discharge is flowing, according to the company, as well as the amount of extinguishing agent levels available at any moment.
The most revolutionary innovation, the company said, is the Stinger HRET, which has a new aircraft fuselage penetrating tool. The Stinger has a working height of 54 feet with a 37.5-foot horizontal reach and can be rotated 30 degrees side to side. It is operated by a single-hand joystick control that simplifies use and increases safety for the operator, Rosenbauer said.
The penetrating tool can be operated at any angle giving the operator precise control of the device. It is effective on several types of fuselage materials, including aluminum, the new GLARE material found on the Airbus A-380 and the composite material used on the Boeing 787, the company said.
The main firefighting turret will flow up to 1,500 gpm and can be equipped with Williams Hydro-Chem technology.
For information go to www.rosenbaueramerica.com.
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