DATE OF DISTRIBUTION: December 18, 2007 FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT
WHOA! 0-50 in 31 Seconds: TIA Unveils New
Crash Fire Rescue Vehicle 
The Tucson Airport Authority Fire Department is the proud owner of a new crash fire rescue vehicle. Affectionately known as Airport 44, the Panther 6X6 measures 39’ long, weighs nearly 80,000 lbs., and, less mirrors, is just under 10’ wide.
Manufactured by America Rosenbauer of Minnesota, the Panther carries 3,000 gallons of water, 500 pounds of dry chemical and while driving down the runway at 50 miles per hour can dispense foam and dry chemical.
This is the third Panther berthed at the TAA fire house, and it is equipped with a variety of tools, including numerous cameras, the rapid intervention vehicle includes a FLIR, forward looking infrared camera capable of detecting heat on an aircraft or the ground at night and during the day.
The truck can be operated by one fire fighter and its all-wheel drive can reach a top speed of 70 mph.
Federal Aviation Administration and State grants funded 95% of the $634,607 cost; TAA funds covered the remainder.
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