Oshkosh Airport Products LLC will display its all-new Oshkosh Striker 8 X 8 aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicle at the 2017 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) from April 27-29 in Indianapolis, Ind. Powered by a pair of rear-mounted engines generating up to 1,540 hp, the Oshkosh Striker 8 X 8 is the most powerful and capable ARFF vehicle in the company’s history.
“With the introduction of the new Oshkosh Striker 8 X 8, the entire range of Striker ARFF vehicles continues to lead the industry in terms of performance, reliability, and ergonomics,” said Jeff Resch, Oshkosh airport products vice president and general manager. “The apparatus is the result of customer input, years of research and development, and significant engineering hours by the best minds in the industry, establishing the new benchmark among ARFF vehicles.”
Power Plus
The new Oshkosh Striker 8 X 8 is the most powerful ARFF vehicle in the company’s history. The matching pair of Scania rear-mounted, Tier 4F low-emission engines deliver up to 1,540 horsepower, driving all eight wheels, for faster acceleration. (Oshkosh and Scania collaborated to make one of the world’s leading engine manufacturer’s engines available on the new Oshkosh Striker 8 X 8.) The company’s industry leading TAK-4 all-wheel independent suspension and legendary all-wheel drive componentry are, of course, also part of the chassis package.
Oshkosh Airport Products Director of Engineering, Jason Shively, and his team played a pivotal role in the vehicle’s development. “The twin rear-mounted engines are a first for us, and a real game-changer,” he said. “The objective was to efficiently translate all that horsepower to the ground to generate faster acceleration and improve emergency response times. We’ve accomplished that mission, and will realize a sizable upgrade in performance over the current 8 X 8.”
Firefighting Muscle without Peer
When the Oshkosh Striker 8 X 8 shifts into pump-and-roll, or firefighting mode, one engine will switch over and be dedicated to the water pump and firefighting systems. These systems include triple agent capabilities, a wide selection of bumper and roof turrets, and an available structural firefighting package. The Oshkosh exclusive Snozzle® HRET, with a hardened carbide steel tip, perforated nozzle, and increased range of motion (up to 280º) enables firefighters to discharge from five feet below grade to elevations as high as 65 feet, giving the apparatus maximum versatility while keeping firefighters further away from danger.
Advanced Technologies
In addition to its unmatched chassis and firefighting systems, the new Oshkosh Striker 8 X 8 will feature the latest advanced technologies. Among them is a 360-degree view “around-the-vehicle” camera system to provide unparalleled driver visibility, similar to systems found on higher-end autos and SUVs.
Resch added, “Look for us inside Lucas Oil Stadium along with the Pierce Manufacturing fire apparatus. We’ll be easy to spot alongside the new Oshkosh Striker 8 X 8 ARFF, ready to present the vehicle’s capabilities and answer any questions.”
