In the 1990s, the first-generation Panther airport fire truck was jointly developed by the Austrian company ROSENBAUER and MAN of Germany, using the MAN 36.1000 8×8 special-purpose chassis.
From 1988 to 1991, ROSENBAUER—a leading Austrian fire apparatus manufacturer—partnered with MAN Commercial Vehicles to develop the first-generation Panther airport fire truck. Upon its launch in 1991, the vehicle won the Austrian National Design Award. As the flagship model of the first-generation Panther series, MAN provided its most advanced special chassis at the time: the MAN 36.1000 8×8. As its name suggests, this chassis supports a gross weight of up to 36 tons and delivers a maximum output of 1,000 horsepower. Combined with ROSENBAUER’s cutting-edge industrial design, the vehicle quickly gained orders from major international airports around the world, establishing the Panther’s top-tier reputation in the field of airport firefighting.
Since it was a joint development by ROSENBAUER and MAN, the vehicle’s front fascia bears both companies’ logos.
The body structure of the first-generation model was made almost entirely from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP). Its plastic water tank helped lower the center of gravity, enabling the vehicle to remain stable even when driving on slopes greater than 30 degrees. The cab featured a panoramic structure built with safety glass, allowing occupants to evacuate within 10 seconds.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 11,780 mm / 3,090 mm / 3,400 mm |
| Unladen Weight | ~20 tons |
| Engine Model | MAN D2842 LF02 V12 diesel engine |
| Engine Displacement | 21.92 liters |
| Horsepower | 1,000 hp |
| Torque | 3,500 N·m |
| Engine Position | Rear-mounted |
| Transmission | Renk 5-speed fully automatic gearbox |
| Acceleration (0–80 km/h) | 25 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 km/h |
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Water Tank Capacity | 14,000 liters |
| Foam Tank Capacity | 2,000 liters |
| Dry Powder Capacity | 500 kg |
| Front Pump Model | Rosenbauer R1000 (bronze) |
| Front Pump Max Flow Rate | 8,100 liters per minute |
| Roof Monitor Model | Rosenbauer RM60E (electric foam monitor) |
| Roof Monitor Max Flow Rate | 6,000 liters per minute |
| Roof Monitor Throw Distance | Up to 80 meters |
Both sides of the vehicle featured tool compartments stocked with firefighting gear—ROSENBAUER’s space utilization design demonstrated exceptional efficiency.
Given the vast grass fields that typically line airport runways, the Panther 8×8 was equipped with MAN’s portal axles with hub-reduction gears to ensure superior off-road capability.
Inside the cab of the first-generation Panther 8×8, familiar elements from the MAN F2000 truck series could be found, including the steering wheel and instrument cluster. All firefighting operations were electronically controlled, allowing firefighters to manage monitors and other systems via joysticks from within the cab.
Strong Airport Fire Truck, Experienced Operator, and a Scientific Plan create a safe environment!
