Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has officially introduced six new Striker Volterra 6×6 Electric Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles from Oshkosh into operation across the airport.
One of the first airports to adopt electric drive ARFF technology; DFW is also set to be the largest Striker Volterra Electric ARFF fleet operator in the US.
The ARFF vehicles, which were sold through the Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, represent a step toward DFW’s broader goal to replace its entire legacy fleet with an electrified response system.
Featuring a proprietary Oshkosh electric powertrain paired with an electro-mechanical, infinitely variable transmission; the vehicles are capable of operating in electric mode with zero emissions during station entry, standby and low-speed operations.
When full power is necessary, the vehicles are able to draw on both the battery and internal combustion engine in order to provide uninterrupted pump performance without operator intervention.
Key performance features of the vehicles include the ability to accelerate from 0-50 mph in under 21 seconds, TAK-4 all-wheel independent suspension, a 3,000-gallon water tank, 420-gallon foam tank, 2,000 gpm water pump and an electronic foam proportioning system with Oshkosh’s ECO-EFP foam testing system.
Daniel White, Chief of DFW Fire-Rescue, said:Enhancing performance by reducing response times is the key driver of transitioning to these new vehicles.
The Striker Volterra vehicles are faster and more agile than our current fleet. Because they are also safe for our firefighters and conscious for the environment, this investment represents a rare win-win-win, delivering operational benefits while ensuring the safety of our responders and the community we serve.
The introduction of the new ARFF vehicles also serves to support DFW’s transition to fluorine-free firefighting foam in line with FAA guidance, as well as the industry’s move away from PFAS-based agents.
In order to support the long-term integration of electric vehicles; DFW has modernised its existing ARFF stations with 480-volt charging infrastructure. Each vehicle comes fully equipped with onboard chargers.
