Aero-Chief

The Aero-Chief was an articulating boom aerial platform developed by American LaFrance in response to the popularity of the Snorkel. In 1962 American LaFrance introduced a prototype 70 foot aerial platform for display at the International Association of Fire Chief's Conference. Delivery of production units, now named Aero-Chief followed in 1963.

The Aero-Chief was available in 70, 80 and 90 foot lengths.

In general appearance the Aero-Chief was very similar to the Snorkel, but it claimed a few advantages. The design of the lower boom was a "U" shape which allowed the upper boom to fit inside the lower when bedded reducing the overall height of the vehicle compared to one equipped with a Snorkel. The standard Aero-Chief used a 4" water way, the same as the Snorkel, but an optional 6" waterway was available. The 4" water way could provide 1000gpm, the 6" plumbing could provide up to 2000gpm.

American LaFrance offered the Aero-Chief on both commercial and custom chassis, but only a handful were sold on a commercial chassis.

American LaFrance's parent company the A-T-O Corporation acquired the Snorkel Fire Equipment Company in 1973. Although the two companies retained their independence, American LaFrance delivered its last Aero-Chief in 1974 and began to utilize Snorkel products on its apparatus.