As the heartbeat of air travel, airports rely on a fleet of specialized vehicles to ensure the safety and security of passengers, crew, and aircraft. Among these essential vehicles, airport fire trucks stand out as vital guardians, ready to respond swiftly to any emergency on the tarmac.

Among the tools safeguarding the skies, one acronym stands out: ARFF. Standing for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, ARFF represents a specialized discipline dedicated to swift response and mitigation in aviation emergencies. In this article, we delve into the essence of ARFF, its significance, and its pivotal role in ensuring the safety of air travel. Today, we unveil the top 5 most popular airport fire trucks (ARFF), each a marvel of engineering and a testament to the commitment of fire and rescue teams worldwide.

1. Oshkosh Striker

Oshkosh Striker is one of the world’s most popular ARFF. The new Oshkosh Striker is available in 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 chassis platforms. The new Striker is powered by a Scania V8 DC16 084A Tier 4F Engine which produces 670hp of power and 3104 Nm of peak torque. The Striker 8×8 can can reach 80 km/h (50 mph) from standstill in less than 20 seconds.

The Striker has an operator-friendly cab which is virtually interchangeable with the Striker 4×4 and Striker 6×6 models. The key features of Oshkosh includes; optimized cockpit with modular cab design and ergonomic control placement with center steering, Oshkosh CARE exterior decontamination wash station, updated Oshkosh Command Zone software with diagnostic support, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Side Curtain Airbags, 360-degree Camera, mechanical rear-steer, Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspension, Oshkosh power divider for pump and roll, ECO EFP system for measurement of foam percentages, 50-foot (15.24 meters) Snozzle High Reach Extendable Turret.

The Striker 6×6 has a water capacity of 3,000-gallons (11,356 liters), foam capacity of 420 gallons (1,589 liters), dry chemical capacity – 500 Ibs (227 kg), and halotron capacity of 460 lbs (209 kg).

Oshkosh Striker also has a Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model called Volterra. The Oshkosh Striker Volterra is only available on the 4×4 and 6×6 chassis platforms. The new Striker Volterra performance hybrid is fully compliant to NFPA 414 and ICAO standards while being certified to off-highway EPA and EU regulations.

2. Rosenbauer Panther

Rosenbauer Panther is one of the world’s most advanced ARFF airport crash tender, which has very high demand globally. Till now, over 2000 Panther has been sold across the globe. Rosenbauer Panther is available in 4 variants; 4×4, 6×6 S, 6×6 and 8×8. The new Rosenbauer Panther is powered by a Volvo TAD 1662VE Euro 6 engine, mated to a Twin-Disc TD 61-1179 transmission.

Key features of Panther ARFF are Driver’s cab with panoramic view, Birdview (camera-generated real-time view of surroundings), RSC (Roll Stability Control), Driving compartment tested and certified according to ECE R29-3, Side airbags including belt tensioner, and N80 centrifugal pump with up to 9,000 l/min.

Panther 4×4

The Panther 4×4 is powered by Volvo D16 Euro 5 powertrain, which churns out 700 hp of power. With a top speed of 115 km/h, up to 6,950 liters of extinguishing medium capacity and 9,000 l/min pump output, the Panther 4×4 can accelerate from 0 to 80 km/h in less than 22 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating Panther model.

The Panther 4×4 has a water capacity of 6,200 liters, foam capacity of 750 liters and powder capacity of 250 kg. Equipped with Rosenbauer FIXMIX 2.0 A proportion system, Rosenbauer N65 pump, Rosenbauer RM35 CCN roof turret and Rosenbauer RM15 C bumper turret.

Panther 6×6 S

The Panther 6×6 S with a 2.5 m superstructure is a road friendly ARFF, despite being a fully capable off-roader. The Panther 6×6 S is slightly smaller than the standard version of the 6×6. Being lighter than its big brothers 6×6 and 8×8 allows the S-model to accelerate even faster. Panther 6×6 S has extinguishing medium capacity up to 10,300 liters, 7,000 l/min pump output, hinged doors with manually operated sliding window, central steering, aluminum control panel and Glass-fibre reinforced plastic wet side tank. The 700 hp Volvo D16 engine helps Panther 6×6 S to accelerate from 0 to 80 km/h in less than 28 seconds and has top speed of 115 km/h. The Panther 6×6 S has a water capacity of 9,100 liters and foam capacity of 1,200 liters.

Panther 6×6

The Rosenbauer Panther 6×6 is powered by 750 hp Volvo D16 engine, mated to the same Twin Disc 6-speed automatic transmission. With extinguishing medium capacity up to 14,000 liters, and 9,000 l/min pump output. With a top speed of 120 km/h, the Panther 6×6 can sprint from 0 to 80 km/h in less than 31 seconds.

The Panther 6×6 has a water capacity of 12,000 liters, foam capacity of 1,500 liters, Halotron capacity of 100 kg and powder capacity of 250 kg.

Panther 8×8

The Rosenbauer Panther 8×8 is the most powerful ARFF produced by the brand and is known for its engine power and extinguishing power. Panther 8×8 is powered by 2 Volvo D16 Euro 6 engine, mated to a 7-speed Allison automatic transmission. The Volvo D16 engine combinedly produces 1.030 kW (1.400 hp) of power and has top speed of 135 km/h top speed. The 8×8 can accelerate from 0 to 80 km/h in less than 25 seconds.

Key features of Panther 8×8 includes; 19,000 l capacity for extinguishing compound, 10,000 l/min of pump output, Infrared camera on front bumper, Disc brakes, Airbags for crew seats, Increased fordability, Coach type doors with electric sliding windows, Tyre pressure control system, water capacity of 12,000 liters, foam capacity of 1,500 liters and powder capacity of 250 kg.

3. E-ONE Titan

E-ONE, a subsidiary of REV Group and a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, offers a range of models within its Titan ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) lineup, each designed to meet specific operational requirements and cater to varying needs of airport fire departments. TITAN 4×4, Titan 4×4 AT (Air Transportable), TITAN 6×6 and TITAN 8×8 are the ARFF models sold by E-ONE.

The new cabin of E-ONE Titan meets SAE 2420 / 2422 and ECE-R29 structural standards plus offers improved visibility with over 7.5 square meters of glass area with the addition of overhead and larger side view windows. The interior of the E-ONE cab offers seating for 4, offers ergonomically and centrally located vehicle controls with displays for improved efficiency.

E-ONE Titan 4×4

The new Titan 4X4 is powered by the Scania DC16 Tier 4F / EU Stage 4 engine which produces 500 KW (670 HP) of power, combined with a Twin Disc Transmission / Transfer Case / Power Divider for superior acceleration, pumping performance and reliability.

Key features of the Titan 4×4 ARFF includes; 375/750 GPM Rhin low attack bumper turret with Akro-Chem nozzle, Akron 375/750 GPM roof turret with air aspirated nozzle, Stainless steel plumbing, Burner 500 lb. dry chemical system, Hale 8FG water pump, Fire Research AutoFoam electronic foam proportioning, Enclosed pump module, ECOLOGIC Foam Test Port, 10 kW Harrison hydraulic generator, and Orlaco FLIR camera. Titan 4×4 has polypropylene water tank capacity upto 6,000 liters (1585 gallons) and 852 liters (225 gallons) polypropylene foam tank featuring a lifetime warranty.

E-ONE Titan 4×4 AT

The E-ONE Titan 4×4 AT (Air Transportable) Series is designed as an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle which can be transported on Boeing C5, C17, and C130 aircraft. On and off-road capabilities allow the vehicle to respond in a timely manner to aircraft accident sites across terrain which might otherwise be inaccessible to other standard fire apparatus. The vehicle is designed for maximum stability and maneuverability under all operating conditions.

With a full compliment of water, foam and dry chemical onboard, the TITAN 4×4 AT can reach a maximum speed of over 70 mph and exceeds all industry standards for dynamic stability, as well as structural and pump and roll performance capabilities. This unique apparatus offers an air ride suspension for operator comfort no matter the terrain, that also allows the vehicle’s stance to be lowered for transport.

The E-ONE Titan 4×4 AT is equipped with Extruded aluminum roll-cage cab design featuring seating for up to four (4) personnel with ergonomic layout of all firefighting and operational functions, Disc brakes, Unsurpassed equipment storage with four (4) compartments located on each side to provide over 150 cu. ft. of usable storage capacity, and Darley PSP single stage pump rated up to 1,500 GPM (5,678 LPM).

Titan 4×4 AT has the polypropylene water tank capacity of 3,785 litres (1000 gal.) and foam tank capacity of 529 litres (140 gal.).

E-ONE Titan 6×6

The Titan 6X6 is powered by the 770 HP (574 KW) Scania DC16 Tier 4F / EU Stage 4 engine, mated to a Twin Disc Transmission. Key features of the E-ONE Titan 6×6 are Fire Research AutoFoam ATP automatic foam proportioning system, disc brakes, Stainless steel plumbing, Enclosed pump module allows for the most efficient flow characteristics and ease of service and maintenance, Unsurpassed equipment storage space with four compartments located on each side, 12,000 liter (3170 gallons) polypropylene water tank with integral 1,680 liter (445 gallons) foam tank and State-of-the-art Weldon V-MUX multiplex electrical system for superior reliability and ease of maintenance.

4. Magirus DRAGON X6 TEP

The Magirus DRAGON X6 TEP is one of the most powerful and fastest accelerating ARFF in its segment. This airport fire-fighting vehicle has the benefits of the DRAGON concept, but on an agile, all-terrain three-axle chassis.

TEP stands for Twin Engine Power Pack. The vehicle has a drive unit with two 540 HP (397 kW) in Euro 3 or 560 HP (412 kW) in Euro 5 IVECO Cursor 13 motors. The drive-line with two Allison automatic gearboxes allows to drive the vehicle at high speed, discharging water and foam (up to 9,400 l/min) in standing position or using the pump and roll mode.

The DRAGON X6 TEP in the configuration of 40 t mass accelerates from 0 to 80 km/h in less than 21 seconds, while the top speed reaches 135 km/h with retarder (electronically governed).

5. Rosenbauer MT Airport Buffalo

MT Airport Buffalo is Modular Technology (MT) productline offered by the Rosenbauer based on 2 to 4-axle chassis. The Rosenbauer Modular Technology superstructure can be easily combined with all common truck chassis with 2 to 4 axles. It can also be used to represent airport rescue and firefighting vehicles in a wide variety of configurations. The MT Airport BUFFALO concept comprises 2- and 3-axle aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles (ARFF) with 2,500 to 11,000 litre extinguishing agent tank capacity, depending on the chassis, equipment, and crew.