The newly inducted state-of-the-art Rosenbauer Panther Crash Fire Tender equipped with a High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) in Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
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The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has significantly enhanced its aircraft rescue and firefighting capabilities with the induction of a state-of-the-art Rosenbauer Panther Crash Fire Tender equipped with a High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET), the first of its kind at any airport in Kerala.
The advanced HRET system represents a major leap in aviation firefighting technology. Unlike conventional firefighting turrets, the HRET can extend and pierce an aircraft fuselage, enabling firefighters to deliver water, foam, or other extinguishing agents directly into the passenger cabin or cargo hold. This capability allows for faster fire suppression, reduces risks during emergency situations, and significantly improves passenger survivability, particularly in wide-body aircraft incidents, said the airport authority in a statement here on Wednesday (June 3, 2026).
The vehicle is also equipped with a sophisticated thermal imaging camera capable of detecting and locating fires within enclosed areas such as passenger cabins and cargo compartments. This technology enables firefighters to accurately identify hotspots and swiftly control fires even when they are not visible externally.
When fully extended, the HRET can reach a height of 16.5 m – equivalent to a five-storey building. It can project water up to 85 m in both jet and spray modes, providing exceptional operational flexibility during emergency response. The pump and roll feature enable the vehicle to operate the turrets and extinguish the fire when the vehicle is in motion. The under truck and ground sweep nozzles protect the vehicle from ground fires even if it is driven over small ground fires.
The Rosenbauer panther carries 11,300 litres of water, 1,300 litres of foam, and 250 kg of dry chemical powder (DCP), enabling it to effectively combat a wide range of fire scenarios. Powered by a 16.1-litre Volvo TAD 1662 VE engine producing 700 horsepower, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 80 km/h in less than 30 seconds and attain a top speed of 120 km/h.
Designed for rapid response and challenging terrain, the crash fire tender features 24R21 XZL tyres that provide excellent stability during high-speed manoeuvres and sharp turns. Its all-wheel-drive and all-terrain capabilities ensure dependable performance across varied operational conditions.
Published – June 03, 2026 08:34 pm IST
