A manufacturer has built thousands of the specialized trucks.
An Oshkosh ARFF vehicle (Photo: Oshkosh Airport Products)
The city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is perhaps best known for the annual EAA AirVenture show, which makes Whittman Regional Airport the world’s busiest airport during a one-week period each July. The airshow attracts nearly a million visitors to the city each year.
But headquartered in the same region is Oshkosh Corp., which — among other functions — is a major player in fire truck manufacturing. The firm also specializes in aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) equipment with its line of specialized trucks.
Oshkosh Corp. has carved a niche in the firefighting industry with its line of airport fire trucks. These specialized vehicles are designed to handle the unique challenges posed by aviation accidents, offering a level of capability that sets them apart.
Among these are water tanks that are significantly larger than those of traditional municipal fire trucks, ensuring that firefighters have ample water to combat large-scale fires without needing frequent refills. The fire trucks boast powerful pumps capable of delivering high-pressure water streams, essential for penetrating the outer skin of aircraft and reaching internal fires. Many of these vehicles are also outfitted with advanced foam systems that can create a blanket over fires, helping to suppress flames and reduce the spread of smoke.
The company’s Striker 8×8 model can hold up to 4,500 gallons of water and 630 gallons of foam at a time. In comparison, a normal municipal fire truck can hold around 1,500 gallons of water alone.
In addition to their water capacity and firefighting capabilities, these vehicles are designed to handle various terrain, including runways, taxiways, and grassy areas. Some of Oshkosh’s Striker models can go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 35 seconds.
Over 5,000 Oshkosh Striker vehicles have been made and shipped to airports around the globe. The company is also rolling out an electric fire truck called Volterra, which has already been adopted by some airports.
AirlineGeeks had the opportunity to visit Oshkosh’s manufacturing facility in its namesake city. A video from the tour is below:
 (imgl9125).jpg)
Receive a daily dose of the airline industry's top stories along with market insights right in your inbox.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an investment of $290 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to support the…
With its top speed of 124 mph, the Boeing Stearman wasn’t exactly built for the hustle and bustle of a…
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has launched a temporary virtual ramp control program designed to enhance safety and efficiency on the airport’s…
