Karnataka - Bangalore

‘Panthers’ ready for duty at BIAL

BANGALORE: The Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) is now ready with a state-of-the-art airport rescue and fire fighting system. The system takes BIAL one step closer to operational readiness. The new airport is scheduled to be opened on March 30.

According to a press release from BIAL, four airfield fire fighting vehicles known as “ crash fire vehicles” and code-named ‘Panthers’ have arrived from Austria and have been put on duty at the airport. The vehicles, technologically advanced for their class, have the special capability for off road driving and can attain speeds of up to 80 kmph in less than 30 seconds.

They can carry 12,500 litres of water and 1,00 litres of foam compound. They are equipped with long range monitors, bumper turrets that throw water or foam from a fixed monitor on the bumper, infra red cameras, reverse cameras and other fire fighting equipment. These are armed with rescue equipment like breathing apparatus sets, fire proximity suits, hydraulic rescue tools and power saws.

The vehicles are fitted with communications system and public address facilities. The Panthers’ have a pump output of 7,000 litres a minute and monitor output of 6,000 litres a minute to a maximum throwing distance of 90 - 100 metres.

High-pressure and low-pressure centrifugal pumps, versatile piping layout options, state-of-the-art foam proportioning systems, simple operation with ergonomic controls, sturdy electrical rapid-access hose reel with interior water feed through nozzles for a variety of operational control requirements are just some special features of this fully loaded fire fighting vehicle.

The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team is undergoing training exercises and has reached a high degree of operational readiness, the release said.

The information technology systems of many airlines have migrated to the new airport and the check-in process via airline systems can now be tested.

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