| The Striker provides airport enhanced emergency response capability as well as unmatched training |
Oshkosh Airport Products, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation company, has placed six new generation Oshkosh® Striker® aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles into service at Manchester Airport in the United Kingdom. All six identically equipped apparatus feature the innovative Snozzle® high-reach extendable turret (HRET). The Striker fleet was introduced to a group of over 100 guests and dignitaries at a launch ceremony held at the airport.
“The purchase of a six Striker ARFF fleet by Manchester International – one of the busiest international airports in the United Kingdom – is a great boost for Oshkosh Airport Products in Europe,” said Jeff Resch, Oshkosh Airport Products vice president and general manager. “Together with our local dealer, Terberg DTS, we are able to provide this excellent airport a new level of enhanced emergency response capability as well as unmatched training, service and mobile support.”
“We invited several manufacturers to provide proposals to us; quite simply, Oshkosh submitted the one that was judged to be the best fit to meet our requirements,” said Steve Metcalf, Manchester Airport Chief Fire Officer & Emergency Services Manager. “I think it is fair to say the majority of our firefighters would describe the Striker as awesome! They especially like the ride quality, ergonomics, and easy-to-use controls.”
The Oshkosh Striker 6 x 6 axle configuration, with Oshkosh TAK-4® all wheel and fully independent suspension, offers a smooth ride and exceptional off-road capabilities. The firefighting system includes an 11,356-liter (3,000-gallon) water tank, a 1590-liter (420-gallon) foam cell, and a 249-kilogram (550-pound) dry chemical system for multiple agent fire suppression capabilities.
The Oshkosh-exclusive Snozzle HRET - equipped with a hardened carbide steel tip, a perforated nozzle, and a forward-looking infrared camera, enables firefighters to discharge from 6.1 meters (20 feet) below grade to elevations as high as 19.8 meters (65 feet). The Striker’s engine power pack components are readily accessed through walk-in doors on either side of the engine compartment for easier servicing.
“These new Striker vehicles are the underpinning of our new operating model for rescue and firefighting services. In effect, this has modernised our capabilities for the next 15 years,” said Metcalf. “In particular, the Snozzle HRET’s capacity to operate above and below grade has allowed us to change our entire operating model; its ability to get very close to an aircraft undercarriage – and the mounted infrared camera – allow us to inspect for problems such as leaks or high temperatures from inside the cab while keeping firefighters further away from high risk areas.”
Oshkosh dealer, Terberg DTS UK, is the European parts distributor for Oshkosh Airport Products and maintains a stockpile of spare parts. Terberg DTS offers a wide range of services, and is able to rapidly deploy highly trained engineers to keep vehicles operational.