2 Jul 2009

The Pierce Contender: 29 Contenders and 2 Velocity HAZMAT vehicles have been purchased by the U.S. Navy
Order includes 29 Contender by Pierce custom pumpers and two Velocity HAZMAT units

Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation company, today announced a new order from the United States Navy for 29 Contender® by Pierce custom pumper fire trucks. This is in addition to a recent separate order for two Pierce® Velocity® HAZMAT vehicles. The 31 vehicles will be deployed at U.S. Naval bases within the United States and around the globe beginning in early 2010. The total contract amount is $10.3 million.

The vehicles were procured through contracts with the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Requests for proposals were solicited, and Pierce was selected from responding manufacturers.

"Pierce continues to expand its sales and service offerings to the U.S. Navy and we are able to provide more sophisticated apparatus like the units represented in these contracts," said Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. "We're proud to have our vehicles on duty protecting the lives and property of those who defend America. It's gratifying to see the Navy continue to select Pierce apparatus."

Each of the 29 Contender by Pierce custom pumpers is built to deliver quality and value. Each is equipped with a 330-hp engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, LED light package and a 6 kW generator with 110V lighting. The firefighting systems include a powerful 1250 GPM single stage pump, stainless steel plumbing, 750-gal. poly water tank, Husky® 12 foam system with 70 gal. foam cell and a radio remote controlled monitor and nozzle. The units also offer a hydraulic ladder rack, roll-up doors and full height compartments with adjustable shelving for organizing equipment.

The two HAZMAT vehicles are built on Pierce Velocity custom chassis, each with a 21.5-ft body, a command cab with a 20-in. raised roof and a communications area that includes a full-width, L-shaped desk. Other notable features include TAK-4® independent front suspension, four-person seating, 515-hp engine and a 22-in. extended front bumper. Included are a 40 kW three-phase generator, breathing air compressor with a breathing air cascade system and a fill station. Each unit also features a 15-ft. powered light mast, safety vision rear camera system and a vertical mast with surveillance camera.

As part of the contract, Pierce will supply two full days of vehicle training through its nationwide dealer network.