Airservices Australia is investing in four Striker Volterra aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric vehicles from Oshkosh Airport Products. The fire apparatus vehicles will be deployed at Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).
The Striker Volterra 6×6 comes equipped with 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.
West Sydney Airport is expected to meet the area’s growing aviation needs, while boosting economic activity and local employment and meeting Sydneys’ carbon-neutral sustainability initiatives. A government entity, Airservices Australia is making a significant investment to support the development of the ‘airport of the future’.
“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 symbolise a dedication to intelligent design, energy optimisation, fire crew safety and efficiency, and ultimately, a carbon-neutral future.”
The 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. Accelerating from 0 to 50mp in under 25 seconds, it boasts a 28% improved acceleration compared to Oshkosh’s 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 those vehicles exceed expectations in the critical missions of ARFF crews.”
