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| The Oshkosh Striker features advanced safety systems and delivers innovative fire suppression technology |
Oshkosh Airport Products Group, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, announced that five Oshkosh Striker Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles have been placed into service at Birmingham Airport in Birmingham, England.
The five state-of-the-art vehicles will provide the airport’s emergency responders with greater fire suppression and enhanced safety technologies. The airport has invested more than $5 million in Oshkosh Striker vehicles to replace its current fleet.
“We are honored to be chosen by the team at Birmingham Airport for this purchase of five Oshkosh Strikers – as our first U.K. airport contract, this represents an important milestone,” said Jeff Resch, vice president and general manager for Oshkosh Airport Products. “The Birmingham team has an excellent vision for the airport’s future success, and we’re delighted to equip its fire and rescue department with Oshkosh Striker ARFF vehicles to provide unmatched emergency response capabilities.”
“We are delighted with the Striker vehicles, and are grateful to Oshkosh for supplying these fantastic apparatus to help us provide world-class fire and rescue services for our business and partners,” said David Winstanley, Operations Director of Birmingham Airport. “In committing to this investment, we are securing the long-term efficiency of our fleet to improve reliability and performance, and to ensure our firefighting capabilities are commensurate with future aircraft size and configuration requirements.”
The Oshkosh Striker features advanced safety systems and delivers innovative fire suppression technology, unmatched chassis performance, and unsurpassed reliability and durability. The 6x6 axle configuration (with Oshkosh TAK-4 all wheel independent suspension and Oshkosh rear steering system) offers a smooth ride and excellent off-road capabilities. The 700HP, Tier 4i/Euro 5 emissions-compliant turbocharged engine is mated to a 7-speed electronic automatic transmission for smooth power delivery and a top speed greater than 70 mph (113 km/h). The engine power pack components are readily accessed through walk-in doors on either side of the engine compartment for easier servicing.
Three of the five Birmingham Striker vehicles are equipped with Snozzle high-reach extendable turrets. The Snozzle can penetrate an aircraft fuselage in the event of an aircraft incident, allowing direct and close range access to an onboard fire. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with hydrochem nozzles that can discharge water and dry powder simultaneously. Other features include vehicle data recorders to catalogue the driver’s actions when responding to an emergency and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras.
Birmingham Airport is located near the city of Birmingham, in the West Midlands region of England. In 2012, Birmingham Airport served close to 9 million passengers, making it the seventh busiest UK airport. The airport offers both domestic as well as international destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan, North America and the Caribbean.
