Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced that it has secured an order for an Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower built on an Arrow XT custom chassis. Sold through Pierce Manufacturing’s dealer, Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus, Charleston’s second mid-mount tower order for the fire department follows a previous delivery of the same apparatus in September 2019.
Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower
The Charleston Fire Department’s relationship with Spartan Fire and Emergency dates back to 1983"
“The Charleston Fire Department’s relationship with Spartan Fire and Emergency dates back to 1983, when we purchased our first Pierce engine,” said Joseph Roberts, Assistant Fire Chief for Charleston Fire Department.
Joey adds, “One attribute we look forward to most with the purchase of our second Ascendant Tower is having an identical apparatus to replace a remounted tower. Additionally, the overall length of the apparatus, storefront operation without extending the aerial and low travel height work well when navigating Charleston’s narrow streets and low tree canopies.”
Superior drivability, maneuverability and serviceability
Since its introduction by Pierce Manucaturing Inc., in 2018, the 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower offers superior drivability, maneuverability, operator functionality, and serviceability. Other key features of Charleston Fire Department’s aerial tower include:
- Mid-mount platform configuration
- Detroit DD13 525 HP Diesel Engine
- Allison EVS 4500 Transmission
- Total length of 42’ and low overall height of 10’ 10”
- 45-degree cramp angle
- Basket accessible from ground at full retraction
- 50-degrees below grade scrub area
- 20’ set back allows set-up in just 28’ of roadway
- Integrated ground pads for rapid set-up
- 254 cubic feet of compartmentalization and 179’ of ground ladders
- Side-roll protection
Compact design and minimal set-up
The Aerial Tower provides Charleston Fire Department with an unmatched compact design
The new Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower provides Charleston Fire Department with an unmatched compact design and minimal set-up and space requirements.
“Our team is grateful to once again support the incredible work of the Charleston Fire Department with the selection of fire apparatus that we know will best meet their needs,” said Alan Axson, Sales Representative for Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus.
Alan adds, “With many challenges to consider, we worked collaboratively to find the right apparatus designed for operation in tight and narrow confines. This new apparatus supports a growing fleet of Pierce apparatus within the department and adds to its strategic response capabilities.”
Charleston Fire Department
The Charleston Fire Department serves a growing, thriving, and historic port city. The department includes four battalions from 17 fire stations with 359 personnel that conduct nearly 20,000 service calls per year across a 134 square-mile radius.
Known for its charming, historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful oak tree-lined neighborhoods, Charleston required an apparatus that will maneuver easily through narrow roadways with a tight turning radius, with minimal rear body swing.