King County International Airport-Boeing Field in downtown Seattle has agreed to purchase a Striker Volterra 6×6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) hybrid electric vehicle from Oshkosh Airport Products.
The vehicle will join the airport’s fleet of existing ARFF apparatus and is expected to be delivered in mid-2024.
The Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle meets the critical emergency response requirements of airports while its hybrid electric status aligns with environmental sustainability goals. It comes equipped with an Oshkosh patented hybrid-electric powertrain, featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission. This enables zero-emissions operation through integrated onboard batteries and uninterrupted power supply by coupling with the internal combustion engine for pumping and drive systems.
King County Executive, Dow Constantine, said: “Climate change is an urgent global crisis that requires us all to do our part, in ways large and small, to shrink our carbon footprint. We are operating a major international airport and this first-of-its-kind hybrid fire truck is another way we are leading the way on reducing both carbon emissions and the harms to communities most impacted by ambient pollution.”
In addition to his hybrid electric credentials, the ARFF vehicle will also feature a modular cab design with a seating capacity for four, TAK-4 all-wheel independent suspension and a 50ft Snozzle High Reach Extendable Turret. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 50 mph in under 25 seconds, the Striker Volterra demonstrates a 28% improved acceleration compared to standard diesel models when fully loaded. It is also capable of housing a 4,000-gallon water tank, 420-gallon foam tank and a 2,000 gpm water pump along with a 550 lb dry chemical powder system.
“The advanced performance and environmental benefits this hybrid electric vehicle offers are unparalleled,” added John Parrot, Director of King County Airport. “It’s a significant investment in our climate goals and vision of a world-class airport.”
Averaging 180,000 take-offs and landings each year , King County is located just four miles south of downtown Seattle and close to business centres. Ensuring safe, secure operations is at the core of the airport’s mission. Its emergency personnel hold unique combined roles by maintaining certifications and ARFF training and Emergency Medical Technician certification – with all performing aircraft rescue and firefighting, law enforcement, and airport safety inspections.
