Dallas Fire-Rescue and Dallas Love Field have unveiled the first fully electric aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle in the world – marking a step towards cleaner technology and enhanced public safety for both passengers and fire crews.
The new 91,000-pound vehicle, a PANTHER 6x6 built by Rosenbauer, will operate at the airport’s Station 21 following a six-month testing phase. Officials said the truck combines faster response times, greater firefighting capability, and lower environmental impact.
“Innovation and new technology are a critical part of Dallas Fire-Rescue’s overall mission of rapid response, excellence in care, and the highest standards of safety,” Fire Chief Justin Ball said.
The show-stopping aspect of the electric vehicle is its speed, as it can accelerate from 0 to 50mph in less than 15 seconds, giving fire crews the ability to head to a scene faster.
DFR official showcases "boost" button for speed. roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms
“When it comes to airport firefighting, speed is a big issue,” he said. “Every second counts.”
The truck also delivers 40% more water pressure, extending its reach from about 190 feet to 250 feet. That added distance allows crews to fight fires more safely and effectively.
DFR showcases water pressure range for new vehicle roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms
“They would be able to, if need be, fight fire from more of a distance, which makes it safer for them,” Ball said. “And just being able to put that much water on something that quickly makes a big difference.”
In addition to the performance improvements, the vehicle produces zero emissions.
“These vehicles – they don't run a lot,” Ball said. “They don't make a lot of runs because they're at an airport, even though they have to be ready and capable, so with the diesel ones, our members come in every day, and obviously, they have to start the vehicle, and that's when the most issues for emissions come out – is when they start the vehicles.”
Another shining aspect of the neon green fire truck is how quiet it operates; its electric motor offers about a 50% noise reduction, which officials said will be helpful for communication during airport emergencies.
Ball acknowledged that adopting new technology carries some uncertainty, but said the department will test the vehicle for six months before it’s ready to head to the front lines.
DFR and Rosenbauer officials along with Dallas City councilmembers Maxie Johnson, Zarin D. Gracey, and Laura CadenaEmily Capetillo
“Being the first, there is a risk with being the first in anything, because you’ve got the unknown,” he said. “But we’re willing to take that risk to be innovative.”
If the vehicle performs well during testing, officials said more could be added to the fleet, potentially setting a new standard for airport firefighting worldwide.
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