New red-hot firefighting capability

Air Force firefighters will be able to respond to aircraft incidents with enhanced safety, efficiency and effectiveness following the acquisition of a new type of fire truck that is the first of its kind in Australia.

CAPTION: New (right) and old (left) Panther fire trucks at RAAF base Amberly, October 2024. Story and photos by Corporal Luke Bellman.

Nineteen new Rosenbauer ‘Panther’ fire trucks will replace the current fleet. They are equipped with a high-reach extendable turret that enable firefighters to pierce fuselage and deliver firefighting agents into hard-to-reach areas within burning planes.

The Panther has an advanced thermal camera that can quickly identify hidden hot spots, and its turret can extend to heights of 14 metres.

The delivery of the new firetrucks was coordinated by Squadron Leader Craig Adams and Warrant Officer Stephen Johnstone, the senior Air Force Firefighter, in collaboration with the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group and Army Headquarters.

Squadron Leader Craig Adams said the fire truck’s systems provide greater capability and protection during emergencies.

“They are a game changer for Air Force in terms of how firefighters respond to aviation fire events on an airfield,” Squadron Leader Adams said.

The Panther can deliver F3 foam streams from distances of up to 90 metres. F3 foam is PFAS-free, environmentally safer and complies with modern safety regulations. It also features improved situational awareness tools, enhanced cabin protection and upgraded joystick controls that allow precision handling of the turret.

Sergeant Glenn Mason, an instructor at the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS), believes it offers significant improvements on its predecessor.

“The old one has a fixed-roof monitor, just moves left, right, up and down. This one does that as well, but now you’ve got the turret that can be extended from the truck with a telescopic boom,” Sergeant Mason said.

CAPTION: The new Panther Fire Truck showcases its capabilities at RAAF base Amberley.

He added that the Panther is more complex to operate.

“But it will be easier for trainees accustomed to gaming,” he said.

RAAFSFS received the first three fire trucks in August, with Air Force instructors undergoing a train-the-trainer course. From January next year, these instructors will use the new fire trucks to deliver the basic firefighter course.

Current firefighters will participate in a conversion training program with the Panthers also from January.

The full suite of Panthers are expected to be received by April next year, with the firefighting units fully operational by July 2026. RAAF Base Amberley will have nine Panthers (including five for training), with four going to Williamtown, three to Richmond, and three to Tindal.

CAPTION: Panther Fire Trucks conducting testing at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo by Corporal Brett Sherriff.

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