Rosenbauer America - Experts & Thought Leaders

Rosenbauer America and the Dallas Fire Rescue Department have entered into an innovative partnership aimed at the joint further development of the PANTHER 6x6 electric through to series production. The pre-series vehicle will be delivered in mid-2025 and will operate at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), making it the first airport to receive a PANTHER 6x6 electric.  6-month test phase The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department plays an important role as a cooperation partner. During the approximately 6-month test phase, the vehicle will be put through its paces. Tests will include integration into daily operations, performance compared to the current fleet, and functionality in training operations. The insights gained are passed on to the product team and flow directly into further development. After the completion of the testing phase, the PANTHER 6x6 electric will be integrated into the fleet as a regular operational vehicle.  sustainable technology "The Dallas Fire Rescue Department is proud and excited for the opportunity to partner with Rosenbauer in the creation and development of a new and sustainable technology that will help lower our carbon footprint, while ensuring the safety of our residents and millions of travelers who fly through Dallas Love Field every year," said Interim Fire Chief - Justin Ball.  Sebastian Wolf, CEO of Rosenbauer International, said "With the PANTHER 6x6 electric, we are setting a new benchmark in terms of performance and emission reduction in the field of airport firefighting vehicles. We are proud to test and deploy this new technology together with the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department."  fire protection and emergency medical care DFR is responsible for fire protection and emergency medical care for the City of Dallas The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (DFR) is responsible for fire protection and emergency medical care for the City of Dallas and therefore, also oversees the fleet of firefighting vehicles at Dallas Love Field Airport, where the PANTHER 6x6 electric will be used at DAL ARFF Station 21.  The City of Dallas' Aviation department pays particular attention to sustainability and plans to be emission-free by 2040. To achieve this goal, the existing fire station is being redesigned and rebuilt as part of the 'DAL ARFF Station 21 Replacement' project. minimize response times The new fire station at DAL will not only be modern and optimally positioned to minimize response times but will also be geared toward energy efficiency and sustainability. This also includes gradually replacing the fleet vehicles with vehicles with alternative drive systems.  "We are excited to collaborate with the Dallas Fire Rescue Department and Dallas Love Field as partners to advance the PANTHER 6x6 electric. Findings from real operating conditions in Dallas Love Field will be incorporated into the optimization of the vehicle. This paves the way for airports to further reduce their carbon footprint in the future by using low-emission vehicles," said Andreas Zeller, Chief Sales Officer of Rosenbauer International.  Level 4 – Transformation in the ACA program DAL, the busiest medium hub airport in the U.S., is one of only five airports in the country In May 2024, Dallas Love Field expanded to its carbon neutrality status and achieved Level 4 – Transformation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program. This made DAL, the busiest medium hub airport in the U.S., one of only five airports in the country, and one of two airports in Texas certified at Level 4 or higher in the Program.  self-funded city entity The self-funded city entity recently served over 17.6 million passengers in 2023, the most in its history, and is the sole funding source for this innovative development. On average, the airport’s airfield accommodates 675 aircraft operations per day and ranks third busiest in private aircraft traffic. Such high activity demonstrates the need for top-of-the-line safety infrastructure and rapid response times in an emergency.  first pre-series vehicles In addition to the pre-series PANTHER 6x6 electric for Dallas, three prototypes have been produced and tested at the Leonding site (Austria). Since early October 2024, emergency organizations have been able to order the new PANTHER 6x6 electric. The first pre-series vehicles could be delivered as early as the end of 2025.  PANTHER 6x6 electric  Rosenbauer presented a series-ready concept vehicle of the PANTHER 6x6 electric at Interschutz With the PANTHER 6x6 electric, another Rosenbauer fire truck is available to accompany fire departments into a new era. In 2022, Rosenbauer presented a series-ready concept vehicle of the PANTHER 6x6 electric at Interschutz in Hanover, Germany.   Like the models with combustion engines, the PANTHER 6x6 electric offers outstanding performance. It accelerates purely electrically from 0 to 50 mph in under 25 seconds. In 'Boost Mode', this acceleration can even be achieved in under 20 seconds. A low center of gravity and a chassis perfectly matched to the application also ensure outstanding driving dynamics in every situation. The water pump can also be operated electrically at full capacity (2370 gpm).  Electric drive platform The electric drive platform developed by Rosenbauer for the PANTHER 6x6 electric, with its associated high-voltage batteries provides sufficient energy for the two- to three-minute drive to the operation site, the discharge of the entire extinguishing agent, and the return trip by the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Initial tests with prototypes show that multiple operational or movement drives can be completed on a single battery charge.  ARFF vehicle The aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle combines the safety and functionality of the current generation with the advantages of electric mobility, such as a reduction in noise and emissions. In addition to meeting global standards and airport requirements such as ICAO, NFPA 414/1900, or FAA, the PANTHER 6x6 electric is designed to help the airport sector effectively reduce its carbon footprint.  Direct and alternating current An Energy Backup System is installed in the vehicle to ensure continuous use The PANTHER 6x6 electric can be charged with both direct and alternating current and has a maximum charging capacity of 300 kW. This means the vehicle is ready for the next electric operation in less than 20 minutes. An Energy Backup System is installed in the vehicle to ensure continuous use and the vehicle's unrestricted operational capability. Power and sustainability Rosenbauer is convinced that the PANTHER 6x6 electric can handle well over 90% of its daily tasks, including operations and training exercises, entirely on electric power. Designed as a high-performance airport rescue and firefighting vehicle, it provides emergency crews with an environmentally friendly and more efficient working environment. With the PANTHER 6x6 electric, Rosenbauer is setting a new standard in combining power and sustainability. 

All American Fire Equipment and Rosenbauer America are excited to announce the next stops on the 2024 Power Tour, kicking off on September 19th and running through September 28th. Service professionals and enthusiasts across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia will experience firsthand the latest in firefighting technologies. Rosenbauer’s commitment The Power Tour will feature a convoy of Rosenbauer’s state-of-the-art fire trucks, including the industry-pioneering King Cobra articulating aerial and the world’s first all-electric fire truck, the RTX. The tour will make stops in major cities and towns across the four states, highlighting Rosenbauer’s commitment to innovation, safety, and community service. “We are thrilled to bring the Power Tour to these great states and showcase our advanced firefighting solutions in person,” said Don Newlon, CEO at All American Fire Equipment. “This tour is a testament to our dedication to supporting the fire service community and providing them with the best tools to protect and serve.” Tour highlights Interactive Truck Demonstrations: Attendees will have the chance to see Rosenbauer’s fire trucks in action, including live demonstrations of their capabilities and features. Meet-and-Greet with Firefighting Experts: Participants will engage with the All American and Rosenbauer team of experts and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies in firefighting. Exclusive Product Showcases: The tour will feature Rosenbauer’s latest innovations, including SMART Aerial™ technologies, robust chassis designs built for hard service, and the power and ergonomics of the all-electric RTX. Community Engagement: The Power Tour will include outreach events and partnerships with local fire departments, fostering collaboration and support within the firefighting community. The tour’s route includes key stops in Pittsburgh PA, Columbus OH, Cincinnati OH, Dayton OH, Frankfort KY, Morgantown/Bridgeport WV, and others, ensuring that fire service professionals from various regions can attend and benefit from this event.

Rosenbauer America has initiated delivery on a major contract with the Oregon State Fire Marshal. With a total contract award of (27) Type 3 Pumpers and (30) Water Tenders, the first (12) Type 3 units and first (15) Water Tenders have been placed into service across the state of Oregon. The contract was awarded to Rosenbauer America, through its authorized sales and service dealer, General Fire Apparatus. “So many communities are now being protected with the latest firefighting technology thanks to the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Engine Program,” said Ernie Young, Regional Sales Manager for Rosenbauer America. “This is a groundbreaking program that demonstrates how the state can support local fire departments in modernizing their fleet while boosting their ability to respond to statewide fire operations such as wildfires.” Rosenbauer America Water Tender 30 million acres of state, national, and private forest lands are in Oregon. “If a fire starts in a privately owned area, local and state resources are called to service the area. That is why this program bolsters all communities in the state of Oregon,” shared Brenden Feist, owner of General Fire Apparatus. “These trucks are tailor made for wildland-urban interface scenarios,” he added. Rosenbauer America Type 3 Pumper carries 500 gallons of water and 20 gallons of foam concentrate The Rosenbauer America Type 3 Pumper carries 500 gallons of water and 20 gallons of foam concentrate. The body is an Extreme Duty Body made from 12-gauge galvanneal steel, has 110 ft3 of compartment space, and a 1000 GPM pump. The Rosenbauer America Water Tender is a side mount “Maverick Aluminum Body” configuration with a 2000-gallon water tank, 2100-gallon folding tank, and a 750 GPM pump. Both the Type 3 Pumpers and Water Tenders are being built at Rosenbauer’s Lyons, South Dakota operations facility. Oregon Fire Service Engine program Funding for the Engine Program was made possible through Senate Bill 762, Oregon’s wildfire omnibus bill in 2021. By July 2022, the Oregon Department of State Fire Marshal began accepting applications, in January 2023 the scoring committee reviewed the applications, and communities were informed if they were awarded a new fire truck in April 2023. The first deliveries occurred in January 2024 and Rosenbauer is on pace to deliver the remaining Type 3 Pumpers and Water Tenders by the end of 2024. The goal of the Oregon Fire Service Engine program is to increase capacity locally and to increase response through regional mutual aid and increase response for Oregon Conflagrations. As Oregon’s wildfire seasons increase in length, complexity, and acres. This program meets the problem where it is at, at the local level. This program is designed to keep fires small and away from communities. Rosenbauer is committed to innovation and developing new solutions that meet the most severe applications, to safely serve communities and industrial sites throughout the world.

The adoption of electric fire apparatus is accelerating their footprint in the industry. Fire departments from Los Angeles to Madison, Wis., from Portland, Ore., to Mesa, Ariz., have embraced the technology of electric and hybrid vehicles in the fire industry and are demonstrating the practical capabilities of this new generation of technology for the fire service. Sustainable commitment More municipalities worldwide are committing to sustainability and climate goals. Furthermore, truck producers in general are converting to electric drive systems. In the future, there will be fewer chassis available with conventional drivelines, making it necessary for fire trucks to go electric. Electric fire apparatus An electric fire engine is an innovative tool that will help reduce noise and harmful diesel emissions Electric fire apparatus made a big splash at recent trade shows, notably FDIC International in the United States and INTERSCHUTZ in Germany. An electric fire engine is an innovative tool that will help reduce noise and harmful diesel emissions and provide a flexible tool for firefighting and rescue operations from a technologically advanced platform. At INTERSCHUTZ, Rosenbauer presented a complete range of electric emergency vehicles, from municipal fire trucks including fully electric aerial ladders to Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles. fully electric fire truck A fully electric fire truck currently going into service in Los Angeles is the result of 10 years of research and development, with the Los Angeles City Fire Department working closely with Rosenbauer America to address the challenges and obstacles of deploying the truck within the city’s system. Two more Rosenbauer electric trucks are being demonstrated in fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, and another truck is coming next year. Rosenbauer projects that half of all vehicles they deliver to fire departments should be electrified by 2030. Addressing the issues with an electric truck Training and operations must be considered when replacing a traditional apparatus with a new electric truck Issues such as training and operations must be considered when replacing a traditional apparatus with a new electric truck. One change is more space available on the electric truck for equipment storage, says Rosenbauer. The City of Madison, Wis., Fire Department is deploying an Enforcer Volterra Pumper from Pierce Manufacturing Inc. The apparatus uses an “electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission” that can switch imperceptibly between the electric and diesel modes. Fine-tuning the design The Volterra pumper will work on the front lines at Station 8, the city’s busiest fire station. Madison Fire Department worked with Pierce to “fine-tune” the design. The department seeks to have their electric trucks “mimic” the operation of the older trucks. In Madison, the city’s fleet manager is driving a push toward electrification throughout the vehicles used by the city; the Pierce apparatus enables the fire department to deliver on that expectation. The city anticipates buying two or three additional electric fire trucks in the next year or so. E-One Vector fire truck Additional features include a battery storage solution that offers a safer, lower center of gravity and regenerative braking EV Fire Group announced the all-electric E-One Vector fire truck last August and debuted it in multiple presentations on the FDIC International show floor in April 2022. The customizable Vector features a long electric pumping duration that allows four hose lines to be used for four hours on a single charge. Additional features include a battery storage solution that offers a safer, lower center of gravity and regenerative braking. cost-savings and efficiency Mesa, Ariz., is the first city to order the Vector, with delivery expected this year. The rig supports the City of Mesa’s Climate Action Plan, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. They expect the new rig will demonstrate potential cost-savings and efficiency of electric vehicles throughout city operations. In developing Vector, REV Fire Group worked closely with customers to identify their needs and fine-tune the product based on feedback. Volterra platform Oshkosh provides a Volterra platform for a hybrid ARFF vehicle, which is debuting at airports Pierce Manufacturing and Oshkosh Airport combined efforts to introduce the Volterra platform of vehicles for the fire and emergency market. Oshkosh provides a Volterra platform for a hybrid Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle, which is debuting at airports across the United States. Innovative fire suppression technology The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) meets the emergency response needs among airports. The first Striker ARFF deployment is at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Available on 4x4 and 6x6 chassis platforms, the Striker Volterra delivers superior chassis performance, advanced safety systems, innovative fire suppression technology, reliability, and durability.

Firefighters are flocking to Indianapolis for FDIC International. Much of the week-long event is dedicated to classroom instruction and hands-on training. Connecting and networking In addition to learning, firefighters are connecting and networking on a scale unprecedented since the pandemic. There is also a spirit of gratitude to first responders for keeping communities safe. For the first time, FDIC International is co-locating with the JEMS Conference and Expo for the EMS market. Equipment manufacturers emphasize new technology in a large exhibit hall at FDIC International, where firefighters can see and touch the latest products, from protective clothing to hand-held devices to large fire apparatus. The event even spills into the outdoors, where displays comprise large aerial equipment and activities include skill competitions. Interact directly with firefighters It’s a unique trade show that enables end-user engagement with 30,000 firefighters" Exhibitors embrace the opportunity to interface directly with firefighters. “It’s a unique trade show that enables end-user engagement with 30,000 firefighters,” said Jason Traynor, MSA Safety’s General Manager of Global Fire Service Products.” “They can meet with us directly, get a sense of who MSA is, how we operate, the kind of people we employ. Coming to the show is about that connection with the people who have to do the work and have committed themselves to a selfless career.” G1 SCBA and LUNAR “It’s about the time we get to spend with the people, and introducing new technologies is also important." The MCA Safety exhibit emphasizes the company’s focus on human-centered design and products that work together in a connected firefighter platform. They include the G1 SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and the LUNAR-connected handheld device, which complements the SCBA with search-and-rescue and thermal imaging capabilities. The two are connected and can send data back and forth. If either goes into alarm, LUNAR becomes a beacon that can help firefighters locate a partner based on the signal strength of the beacon. In effect, the combination provides objective data to aid decision-making in an emergency. Fotokite tethered drone, software MCA is highlighting the Fotokite tethered drone, which hovers above a fire scene and provides situational awareness MCA is also highlighting the Fotokite tethered drone, which hovers above a fire scene and provides situational awareness (with visual or thermal imaging) and connectivity to understand the fire scene better. MCA’s software helps departments monitor people, processes, and products for a deeper understanding of the work they do. The broader ecosystem enables them to view firefighting more holistically. Gas Laser National Gas Leak Detector The FDIC show is the first since the pandemic to occur at its regularly scheduled time. One exhibitor estimates attendance is about triple what he saw at the show last August, almost back to 100% of the pre-pandemic level. In addition to firefighter attendees, who were willing to brave the threat of COVID, many distributors and sales reps are returning to the show. Teletype Gas Measurement Instruments had two orders pending just one hour after the exhibition opened, said Alan Skinner, Regional Manager. Teledyne’s Gas Laser Natural Gas Leak Detector is a handheld device that can quickly scan common venting points from a safe distance. AttackPRO handheld thermal imaging camera Several exhibitors at the show mention the usefulness of feedback from users and show attendees in guiding product design. Seek Thermal employed information about real problems in the field when designing its AttackPRO handheld thermal imaging camera, introduced at the show. The simple, durable product is easy to control; there are only two buttons, so no confusion in an emergency. Situational awareness A smaller camera provides situational awareness, while the new product is more for decision-making The AttackPRO complements Seek Thermal’s smaller and familiar RevealFirePROX camera, an affordable personal thermal imaging camera for everyone in a department. The smaller camera provides situational awareness, while the new product is more for decision-making and is a “fire attack tool,” said Brent LaSala, Director, Global Marketing at Seek Thermal. Comfortable clothing Clothing for firefighters makes up a big part of the show floor, and the trend is toward more comfortable clothing with a better range of motion. 5.11 Tactical is approaching the challenge with flexible fabrics, including a poly-cotton blend, and adjusted fit. The trend extends to the company’s lighter-weight jackets, outerwear, and duty uniforms, which seek to combine an “old-school” aesthetic with better comfort, said Aaron Shick, Sr. Manager, Strategic Accounts and Channels, 5.11 Tactical. fully electric fire truck Resulting from 10 years of research and development, the electric apparatus is a reinvention of the fire truck Rosenbauer America showed off a fully electric fire truck, which will go into service next month at the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Resulting from 10 years of research and development, the electric apparatus is a reinvention of the fire truck from the ground up. Rosenbauer worked closely with the Los Angeles Department to address the specific challenges and obstacles of how the new truck fits into the city’s needs. Revolutionary Technology electric truck The Rosenbauer RTX (Revolutionary Technology) electric truck can travel 60 miles before it needs a charge and can operate 30 to 90 minutes at a fire scene before needing a charge; the average fire call is about 25 minutes. If the battery depletes to 20%, a diesel generator kicks in and can power the truck for several hours for an extreme fire. The truck is also 8,000 pounds lighter than a conventional apparatus. The 13kW Volvo Penta drivetrain is powerful, reliable, and noise- and emissions-free. Training and operating procedures “Anything that a traditional apparatus needs to do, this truck does, and more,” said Mark Fusco, VP of Sales & Marketing, Rosenbauer America. In Berlin, Germany, a similar truck has been operating for several months in an initial trial. It ran 440 calls and only needed to engage its generator to recharge two times. “In deploying this truck, departments will need to consider various factors such as training and operating procedures,” says Fusco. NFPA-approved truck “You can fit more loose equipment on this truck because there is more usable space. This is an NFPA-approved truck, and it is exceeding expectations.” Two more Rosenbauer electric trucks are being demonstrated in fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, and another truck is coming next year.

Local governments in the U.S. are embracing electric and hybrid vehicles in a big way, and many states have implemented incentives to promote adoption of the futuristic technologies. However, fire department vehicles and apparatus are yet to embrace the transition, largely because vehicles were not available that both meet the needs of firefighters and provide environmental advantages. However, fire vehicle technology is farther along the electric and hybrid path than some people realize. Electric and hybrid vehicles for the fire service are making their way into the market and may be deployed soon in a neighborhood near you. Zero-Emissions pumper Oshkosh Corp., which includes Pierce Manufacturing, has introduced the Volterra platform of electric vehicles for the fire and emergency market. The first Pierce Volterra zero-emissions pumper has been placed in service with the Madison, Wis., Fire Department, making it the first electric fire truck in service in North America. The Volterra pumper is serving front-line duty at Station 8, the City of Madison’s busiest fire station. The department is made up of 14 fire stations serving 100 square miles and a population of more than 250,000. The Volterra electric vehicle configuration weighs 42,000 lbs., seats six, has a 1500 GPM single-stage pump, 500-gallon water tank, 150 cu ft of compartmentation plus ladder storage, and a hose capacity of 1000 feet of 5-in hose. Pierce Manufacturing and Oshkosh Airport Products have introduced the Volterra™ platform of electric vehicles for the fire and emergency market Infinitely variable transmission An Oshkosh parallel-electric drivetrain with an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission allows zero-emissions operation when powered by onboard batteries. An internal combustion engine provides uninterrupted power to the pumping system or drive system. The first Striker ARFF will be delivered to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Fire Department Oshkosh also provides a Volterra platform for a hybrid Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle, which is debuting at airports across the United States. The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) meets the growing emergency response needs among airports of all sizes in an environmentally conscious way. Firefighters will be able to experience the technology first-hand. The first Striker ARFF will be delivered to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Fire Department in late summer 2021. Advanced safety systems Available on a 4x4 and 6x6 chassis platforms, the Striker Volterra performance hybrid delivers superior chassis performance, advanced safety systems, innovative fire suppression technology, reliability and durability. In April, Rosenbauer America’s Revolutionary Technology (RT) concept truck made its national debut in Washington, D.C., displayed for members of the Senate and firefighters based on the district. The viewing was held as Congress considers an infrastructure and jobs plan. “The Rosenbauer RT is the fire truck of the future,” says John Slawson, CEO and President of Rosenbauer America. “Build from the ground up using advanced materials and technologies, the RT is the safest fire truck on the roads today – for firefighters, for communities and for the environment.” The fully electric apparatus features a high level of safety, excellent driving dynamics and maneuverability and is fully networked. Rosenbauer's Revolutionary Technology (RT) fully electric fire truck visits Engine 3 in Washington, D.C. Auxiliary equipment chargers The RT’s electric drive is powerful and noise emission-free. The electric drive train ensures that almost no fuel is combusted while driving. Lighting and auxiliary equipment chargers are also powered by the batteries. A local power grid can be created with up to 14 kW operated simultaneously via the power outlet. A built-in range extender (REX) comprises a small diesel engine powering a large generator Conceived as a multi-purpose vehicle, the RT is a pumper first and foremost, a connected mobile command unit, and a vehicle for assistance in wildland fires. A built-in range extender (REX) comprises a small diesel engine powering a large generator. Volvo Penta developed the electric driveline for Rosenbauer’s RT fire truck, which is also being tested in fire departments in Berlin, Amsterdam and Dubai. Pioneering electric drivelines “After many years of successful collaboration with Rosenbauer, we are proud to be pioneering electric drivelines and partnering with them on this revolutionary project,” says Paul Jansson, Chief Product Manager at Volvo Penta. “This is our first industrial OEM partnership in the area of electromobility, and it’s a big step toward creating a new product platform of the future.” The new fire truck aims to respond to global megatrends such as climate change, shifting demographics and urbanization – and their impact on the work of fire departments.  Firefighters responding to a call need a vehicle capable of high speed, rapid acceleration hard braking and maneuverability.