| Rosenbauer supplied Panther to Ostrava, the largest regional airport in the Czech Republic |
At the beginning of February, Rosenbauer, the world market leader in the special fire services vehicle field, supplied an unusual Panther to Ostrava, the largest regional airport in the Czech Republic.
Ostrava Aiport is situated 20 km to the south of Ostrava, which is the Czech Republic's third largest city and in recent years has developed into a key air traffic centre due to a steady increase in passenger numbers. Today, the airport numbers among the most important development partners for the entire Moravia-Silesia region.
The airport's vehicle fleet is currently being updated within the framework of a modernization programme and in addition to the new Panther, a double cabin Buffalo from Rosenbauer has been in use at the airport since 2006. Indeed, customer satisfaction with this vehicle is one reason why Rosenbauer has been able to capture further vehicle delivery orders within the scope of the equipment upgrading programme.
Panther 6x6 CA5
The chassis of the Panther is fitted with a Caterpillar C18 Euro 3 engine. With 705 hp, this accelerates the Panther from 0-80 kph within 30 seconds. The vehicle also disposes over all-wheel drive, two-circuit compressed air brakes and ABS in line with ECE R13 stipulations. Moreover, in spite of a dead weight of over 36T, it still reaches an impressive top speed of 115 kph.
The Panther 6x6 CA5 represents a reliable partner for fire-fighting at the airport. 12,500 litre of water and up to 1,500 litre of foam can be carried in its tanks. A power divider pump drive ensures mobile extinguishing and hence pump & roll operation. The R600 normal pressure pump has an output of 6,200 l/min at 11 bar, while the high-pressure pump emits 400 l/min at 40 bar. The powder unit, which has a pressure outlet on both the left- and right-hand sides, is operated electro-pneumatically.
An RM60C water-foam monitor is located on the vehicle roof, which is fitted with xenon searchlights |
In addition, an RM60C water-foam monitor is located on the vehicle roof, which is fitted with xenon searchlights and has a capacity of 4,750 l/min at 10 bar. This high-performance monitor offers top figures with regard to throw range, which amounts to some 80 m.
The front RM15C monitor with foam branch pipe emits 1,500 l/min and has a throw range of 60m. The simple control of both monitors permits one-hand operation by means of a joystick, which is used for the direct control of all monitor functions.
Unusual from a technical and colour scheme perspective
Ostrava Airport has received the one, and to date, only Panther with a livery in special RAL 3024 daylight fluorescent paint. Another new feature is the ergonomic positioning of the controls for the operation of the RM60C and RM15C monitors, which for the first time have been integrated into the armrests of the operator's seat.
In addition, the vehicle is fitted with a quick start device, a 7x35W xenon Flexilight lighting mast, and an infrared camera with hard disk memory and monitor display. The Panther constitutes an internationally respected vehicle concept that is not only used in Ostrava, but also at Prague Airport. The Czech customer of long-standing values both the quality of the Rosenbauer's products and also the availability of individual vehicle design. Hence the fact that another three vehicles are to be supplied in mid-2010.