L.F. Wade International Airport has two brand new fire engines protecting it.

The new trucks, Rosenbauer Panther 6x6s, arrived in May and began operating on July 1.

The pair costs $800,000 each and was bought to replace two older trucks that were nearing the end of their life cycle, according to Senior Airport Fire Officer Gary Renaud.

"When we took over the airfield in 1995, we were told they had an operational life of 12 to 15 years. We're well into the 14th year, so we needed to get moving," said Mr. Renaud.

"The new vehicles are significantly different, but operations capabilities are similar. It's a natural progression."

The massive Panthers, which measure 40 feet long and weigh 79,000 pounds when fully loaded, were selected in part because of their ease of use, as well as possessing a number of features which will give firefighters more options in how to battle blazes.

"It's designed to be able to pump and roll. It gives us the flexibility to move around the aircraft while spraying.

"It's also fitted with a structural firefighting package, so we could assist with structural fires. Three thousand gallons of water is a big head start," said Mr. Renaud.

"These have 15 years of improvements. They're more user friendly, they handle better, they're more ergonomically designed. They're also quieter, which I'm sure will make our neighbours happy."

Each of the vehicles is equipped with two "turrets", one mounted on the roof above the cabin, and another mounted below, called a bumper turret.

"The bumper turret is there to reach lower level fires. If we had an undercarriage fire, the bumper turret helps to provide an unobstructed [stream]," said Mr. Renaud. "We wanted the ability to mitigate circumstances we couldn't before."

Each of the two turrets is capable of releasing 1,200 gallons of water, or foam, per minute.

If both hoses are used simultaneously, it means that the truck could unleash its entire 3,000 gallon load in a little less than a minute and a half.

"We wouldn't usually do that, but it gives us options," said Mr. Renaud.

Another new feature added to this model is a forward looking infra-red camera (FLIR), which can be used in conditions where the firefighters have to deal with reduced visibility, or when locating problems inside of a plane.

"It's interesting to see that the tech has advanced to the point where it's like a video game," said Mr. Renaud. "We don't treat it like a video game, but it does help our younger firefighters to adapt."

Right now, two Panthers are in operation at the airport but another two have already been ordered. Mr. Renaud insists they are the best fire engines for the Island.

"We were particular as to what was prudent for Bermuda," he said. "We wanted the best possible vehicle for application at L.F. Wade. We were mindful of the dollars being spent. We sent two crews to different manufacturers to do evaluations."

The L.F. Wade is classified as a 'category nine' airport because of the size of the planes it is able to service, and as a result it is subject to strict regulations.

"We get some very large aircraft in here, so to meet that category, we must be able to respond three major foam vehicles within a specific amount of time.

"When they hit the crash tones, we have to be at either end of the runway within two minutes. We meet that demand," said Mr. Renaud."

"We've not had any crashes, but we've had diversions come here because we have the ability to protect them should they need it."

By adopting new technology and improving equipment, Mr. Renaud hopes to better protect airport users.

"Our main concern is to get the fire out before anybody can get hurt," he said. "That's priority number one."

The stats

The new Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 is similar in size to the model it is replacing, the Oshkosh T3000.

Two Panthers are currently in use, with another two coming to the Island within the next year. Listed are some of the features:

• 660 horsepower engine.

• Measures 40 feet long, 10 feet wide, 12 feet tall (with rails).

• Goes from 0 to 60 mph in 32 seconds.

• Weighs 79,000 lbs fully loaded.

• Holds 3,000 gallons of water and 400 gallons of foam.

• Contains two "turrets", each capable of firing 1,200 gallons of water or foam per minute, simultaneously.

• Capable of firing a combination of water, foam, or dry chemicals.

• Forward-looking infrared camera (FLIR) for use in limited visibility conditions.

• Back-up camera (for reversing)

• Low centre of gravity to prevent rollovers

• Meets current emissions standards

• Quiet running

• Cost $800,000 each