Oshkosh Airport Products LLC has delivered an Oshkosh Striker 6X6 aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicle equipped with a Snozzle high-reach extendable turret (HRET) to Tucson International Airport in Tucson, Ariz. The delivery represents the 100th Snozzle sold since Oshkosh acquired this sophisticated product line.
“The Oshkosh-exclusive Snozzle sets the industry standard, and we’re really proud to place our 100th Snozzle-equipped apparatus on duty with Tucson International Airport,” said Jeff Resch, Oshkosh Airport Products Group vice president and general manager. “The Snozzle continues to gain new customers beyond aircraft rescue and firefighting – including municipal fire departments, mining operations, oilfield and petrochemical plants, and other applications – where its many benefits enhance performance while keeping firefighters further away from danger.”
"Safety is a top priority for the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA),” said Bonnie Allin, Tucson Airport Authority president/CEO. “Having the right equipment for our public safety personnel is critical, particularly when it comes to our aircraft rescue and firefighting trucks. We're excited to welcome the new truck to TAA's Fire Department."
The Oshkosh Snozzle is available on the Striker’s full range of 4 X 4, 6 X 6 and 8 X 8 models, as well as on Pierce custom chassis. The Snozzle features a hardened carbide steel tip, a perforated nozzle, and a forward-looking infrared camera. The device enables firefighters to discharge from 6.1 meters (20 feet) below grade to elevations as high as 19.8 meters (65 feet).
Oshkosh continues to invest in the Snozzle HRET to keep it at the leading edge of firefighting technology. Recent advancements include integrating the electronic control system for easier troubleshooting, faster servicing, and enhanced reliability. The piercing steel tip now offers an updated hydraulic rotary actuator, an increased range of motion (up to 280º), longer piercing depth, and a decreased overall width for better visibility. Inside the cab, a new control module feature simplifies operator controls and provides smoother operation.
The Striker 6 x 6 for Tucson International Airport is equipped with a 697 hp engine, a 7-speed automatic transmission, and Oshkosh TAK-4® all wheel and fully independent suspension for a smooth ride and exceptional off-road capabilities. The firefighting system includes a 50-foot Snozzle, an electric joystick controlled 300-gpm front bumper turret, 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.
