Why are airport fire trucks so different?

Because of the added weight from the additional water, an airport fire truck has a much larger and wider wheelbase than municipal trucks. Municipal trucks can also carry water with them, with tank options available in a variety of different sizes based on the type of apparatus and a community’s needs.

How big is an airport fire truck?

National Fire Protection Association rules require this 44-ton six-wheeler to be able to accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in less than 35 seconds. (To put that in context, it takes a 40-ton semi trailer longer than a minute to reach 50 mph.)

How much does an airport fire truck weigh?

Even when empty, a fire truck still weighs around 11,500 to 14,500 pounds. Only vehicles like garbage trucks or tractor-trailers are heavier.

Why are ARFF trucks yellow?

As safety is paramount at an airport, any potential reduction in the number of incidents (however small) should be utilized. Airport fire trucks are therefore painted lime-yellow so that they are more visible and are thus less likely to be in an accident themselves.

How much does a airport fire truck cost?

Massive, yellow and almost streamlined, they’re made to fight fires using long booms with water cannons (AFF stands for Aircraft Fire Fighting). Together, the two vehicles cost $1.4 million.

Why do airport fire trucks use foam?

The chemical composition of foam helps break down water surface tension, allowing water to penetrate burning materials, and thus, making water work more efficiently. Reduce the amount of water required to fight fires. The use of foam extends the usable amount of water on the apparatus.

How much does a hook and ladder fire truck weigh?

Front gross axle weight rating of 20,000 to 22,800 pounds. Rear gross axle weight rating of 34,000 to 54,000 pounds. Width of 98 to 100 inches. Height of 11 to 12.5 feet.

Why are some firetrucks not red?

Many fire departments changed the color of their trucks to yellow since that is the most visible color to the human eye in an attempt to decrease the number of accidents. In the end the change in color did decrease the number of accidents and some fire departments went back to the traditional red color.