Rosenbauer Panther

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TypeAirport Crash Tender
ManufacturerRosenbauer
Production1991
AssemblyEurope, North America and Asia
Rosenbauer Panther
Overview
TypeAirport Crash Tender
ManufacturerRosenbauer
Production1991
AssemblyEurope, North America and Asia
DesignerKristian Fenzl
Body and chassis
PlatformRosenbauer Simba
Powertrain
EngineVolvo D16
Power output700hp, 1400hp
Transmission6-speed, 7-speed
Hybrid drivetrain4×4, 6×6, 8×8
Dimensions
Length
  • 10,500 mm 4×4
  • 11,460 mm 6×6s
  • 11,710 mm 6×6
  • 11,785 mm 6×6 electric
  • 12,300 mm 8×8
Width
  • 3,000 mm 4×4, 6×6, 8×8
  • 2,500 mm 6×6s
  • 2,997.2 mm 6×6 electric
Height
  • 3,650 mm 4×4, 6×6s
  • 3,657.6mm 6×6 electric
  • 3,750 mm 6×6
  • 4,000 mm 8×8
Curb weight
  • 26,000 kg 4×4
  • 33,000 kg 6×6s
  • 39,000 kg 6×6
  • 40,505 kg 6×6 electric
  • 52,000 kg 8×8c
Chronology
PredecessorRosenbauer Simba

Rosenbauer Panther is a model of airport crash tender produced by Austrian manufacturer Rosenbauer.

It exists in 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 versions, with a 6×6 electric version in development. The 8×8 version accommodates 14,500 litres (3,830 gallons) of fire extinguishing agents and a maximum speed of 140 km/h (87 mph), with an operating weight of 40 tons.[1]

Generations

The Panther was released in 1991 and was the second airport crash tender vehicle from the manufacturer as a successor of the Rosenbauer Simba, which was discontinued in 1996. Panther was showcased at the Hanover show. The new vehicle was designed by Kristian Fenzl based on a MAN 36.1000 VFAEG chassis, powered by a MAN 22 litre V12 charge-cooled diesel engine producing 735 kW (990 hp) at 2,300rpm. Weighing at 36 tons, the vehicle was capable of accelerating from 0–80 km/h in 25 seconds with a top speed of 140 km/h, also having an automatic gearbox and a gradability of 60%.

First generation (1994–2004)

The first-generation Rosenbauer Panther was introduced in 1994. It featured a box-shaped cab design with a flat two-piece windshield, angular bodywork, and a mechanically simpler electrical system. Early models used halogen lighting and conventional mirror assemblies. This generation established the basic layout that would define later Panther models.

Second generation (2005–2014)

The second-generation Panther entered production in 2005. It introduced a redesigned curved windshield, a more rounded cab profile, and improved aerodynamics. The vehicle incorporated upgraded pump systems and electronics while retaining the overall proportions of the first generation. This version remained in production for nearly a decade and was widely adopted by international airports and military air bases.

Third generation (2015–2020)

Rosenbauer launched the third-generation Panther in 2015. This version featured an updated cab with more angular styling, fully integrated LED lighting, revised mirror housings, and a more modern dashboard layout. Mechanical improvements included upgraded engines, enhanced pump performance, and improved suspension options. The third generation is visually identified by its aggressive front fascia and more streamlined body panels.

Fourth generation (2021–present)

The fourth-generation Panther was unveiled in 2021. It introduced a complete redesign of the cab with expanded visibility, thin LED light bars, and a modular electronics platform. This generation supports hybrid and alternative-powertrain configurations and includes improved safety systems such as advanced driver-assistance features. It is currently the newest iteration of the Panther family.

The Panther can carry 10,000-14,000 litres of water, 1,000-2,000 litres of foaming agent and up to 500 kg of powder. The vehicle usually has an 8×8 drivetrain, but smaller vehicles with 4×4 and 6×6 drivetrain were also manufactured. These became available in May 1992.[2]

Models

  • Panther 4×4
  • Panther 6×6s
  • Panther 6×6
  • Panther 6×6 electric
  • Panther 8×8

Capacity

Models Water (ltr) Foam (ltr) Powder (kg) Output (l/min)
Panther 4×4 6,200 750 250 7,000
Panther 6×6s 9,100 1,200 250 6,500
Panther 6×6 11,400 1,400 250 9,000
Panther 6×6 electric 12,000 1438.5 250 7949.4
Panther 8×8 12,500 750×2 500 9,000[3]

Operators

Gallery

In popular culture

The Rosenbauer Panther appears in the 2011 film Transformers: Dark of the Moon, where the character Sentinel Prime transforms into a 2001 Panther 6×6 airport crash tender. The truck used for filming had a unique red-and-black color scheme not typically used for U.S. airport ARFF vehicles.[42]

See also

References

External links

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