Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has ordered six Oshkosh Striker Volterra hybrid-electric vehicles to upgrade its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) fleet.
These vehicles will support the DFW Fire Department in providing safe and efficient emergency services while also advancing the airport’s sustainability initiatives.
The airport currently operates eight Striker 8×8 ARFF vehicles. This fleet will be replaced by six Striker Volterra 6x6s, two Striker 6X6s and two Striker 4×4 rapid intervention trucks.
This fleet renewal plan has been prompted by the FAA’s new foam standards and its fluorine-free aircraft firefighting foam transition plan.
“Our choice to transition to the new Striker Volterra ARFF hinges on performance. These vehicles are faster, more agile, and quieter as compared to our current fleet, benefiting from both carbon and diesel savings. While our commitment to supporting the goal of net-zero emissions remains robust, functionality and safety of our personnel remain paramount.”
The Striker Volterra 6×6 vehicles will feature hybrid-electric drivetrains with electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmissions.
This will enable zero-emission operations while using the integrated onboard batteries. In addition, by pairing the electrified system with an internal combustion engine, the vehicles will benefit from an uninterrupted power supply for pumping and driving.
The new Striker Volterra ARFF vehicles will feature:
- Acceleration from 0 – 50 mph in under 25 seconds when fully loaded
- TAK-4 all-wheel independent suspension
- A high-pressure fire extinguishing reel, tailored for challenging aircraft zones such as galleys or cargo holds
- A 3,000-gallon water tank
- A 420-gallon foam tank
- A 2,000 gpm water pump
- A 500 lb. dry chemical powder system
DFW’s ARFF station will also undergo modernisation to install the relevant charging infrastructure for the hybrid vehicles.
