HAMPTON -- The Hampton fire department has a new weapon in its arsenal for fighting fires.

On Monday, the department took delivery of its new aerial ladder truck.

The vehicle features a 105-foot rear-mounted steel aerial ladder with a full complement of portable ground ladders. The new truck also boasts a 10-kilowatt hydraulic generator for additional lighting capabilities, a Detroit 470 hp engine, independent front suspension, advanced electronics, and ample compartments for equipment storage.

Pierce trucks also feature side rollover, front tire blowout, and a 45-degree cramp angle steering system for tight maneuvering around Hampton Beach.

The new rig replaces the 26-year-old Maxim 90-foot ladder truck, which was in poor condition and did not meet safety standards.

Because of the town's solid support in March at the polls, Hampton Fire Chief Hank Lipe was able to get a new 2006 truck purchased at 2005 pricing levels with a very expedient delivery time.

"The residents of Hampton welcomed to stop by and inspect the town's newest asset," said Chief Lipe. "We should all feel very proud about our new aerial ladder truck. It's a real beauty and will provide the taxpayers and firefighters with many years of service."

The new truck was approved by the Hampton voters last March and was manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, Wisconsin. The vehicle, purchased at a cost of $605,624.12, will be housed at the uptown fire station on Winnacunnet Road.