APPLETON, WIS. (August 31, 2023) – Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), announces Airservices Australia has issued a purchase order for four Oshkosh Airport Products Striker® Volterra™ 6x6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric vehicles. These environmentally advanced fire apparatus will be deployed at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), set to open in 2026.
The Striker Volterra 6x6 comes equipped with an Oshkosh patented hybrid-electric drivetrain, featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission. This enables zero-emissions operation through the integrated onboard batteries and uninterrupted power supply by coupling with the internal combustion engine for pumping and drive systems.
WSI is a transformational infrastructure project expected to boost economic activity, provide local employment opportunities, meet Sydney's carbon-neutral sustainability initiatives, and meet the area’s growing aviation needs. Airservices Australia is a government entity making a significant investment to support the development of an “airport of the future,” featuring world-leading technology, innovative design, and a sustainability plan incorporating assets like the Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles.
"As the first airport built in Australia in over 50 years, WSI is not just an airport; it's a statement of intent for a more sustainable future,” said Dave Archer, vice president of engineering for Oshkosh Vocational. “The Striker Volterra vehicles, with their hybrid electric technology, align perfectly with Airservices Australia and WSI’s goals. These vehicles are not only an asset to emergency response capabilities but also play a crucial role in larger environmental sustainability initiatives. They symbolize a dedication to intelligent design, energy optimization, fire crew safety and efficiency, and ultimately, a carbon-neutral future."
Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles demonstrate the most advanced acceleration and reduced fuel consumption compared to our standard diesel models, making them an environmentally conscious choice for emergency response services.
WSI’s four new Striker Volterra 6x6 vehicles will feature an industry-leading modular cab design, TAK-4® all-wheel independent suspension, and a 50’ Snozzle® High Reach Extendable Turret. They each house a 11,356-liter (3,000-gallon) water tank, 1,590-liter (420-gallon) foam tank, and a 7,570 lpm (2,000 gpm) water pump, along with a 250 kg (550 lb.) dry chemical powder system. Accelerating from 0 to 80 kph (0 to 50 mph) in under 25 seconds, the Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to our standard diesel models when fully loaded.
Archer added, “The collaboration between Oshkosh Airport Products and Airservices Australia marks a significant step forward in the aviation industry's commitment to sustainability. We remain committed to a strong partnership, providing world-class training, seamless implementation, and unwavering service support to ensure these vehicles exceed expectations in the critical missions of ARFF crews.”
By leveraging new technologies and innovations like Oshkosh Airport Products’ Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles, WSI will showcase the feasibility of low-carbon operations and set a new standard for airports worldwide.
To learn more about Oshkosh Airport Products and the Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicle, visit www.oshkoshairport.com.
