Vehicle electrification has come a long way in recent years. When the world was first introduced to vehicle electrification, reduced emission firefighting vehicles were probably not envisioned. Innovation has come a long way, and while electric and hybrid-electric engines are not new, electrification in the municipal firefighting and ARFF sectors is a relatively new advancement. Oshkosh Airport Products is proud to be a pioneer with the development of the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle.

Leading this electric revolution, the Striker Volterra ARFF truck operates the same way as the conventional Striker in regard to operator efficiency and ergonomics, visibility and safety, speed, maneuverability, and advanced technology features, all with a zero-emissions ARFF experience. Additionally, the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle is fully tested and compliant with NFPA 414 and ICAO standards.

How the Striker Volterra ARFF Truck Operates

When powered by integrated onboard batteries, the Striker Volterra ARFF operates with zero emissions. An internal combustion engine is incorporated as well to provide continuous power to the pumping or drive systems as needed.

While the design and operating mechanics of the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle are identical to the legacy Striker, the altered drivetrain allows for a 28-percent improvement in acceleration when fully loaded. This results in a critically important increased response time.

It is essential to anticipate the future needs of firefighters and how the next generation of fire apparatus will meet the demands brave men and women around the world face each day. Learn more about all features and benefits of ARFF vehicle technology and features in our ARFF Vehicle Reference Guide.

1. Striker Volterra ARFF Electric Vehicle Drive

When in electric vehicle (EV) drive mode, the Striker Volterra ARFF truck utilizes only its onboard batteries to power the vehicle fully on electricity. While this mode is most useful for reducing emissions and removing exhaust fumes (especially carbon dioxide), it also contributes to a significant decrease in noise pollution produced by the vehicle. EV drive mode on the Striker Volterra ARFF can be used for all primary driving processes. The day-to-day operation of the vehicle is identical to the conventional Striker, but it comes with highly reduced carbon emissions thanks in part to EV drive mode.

2. Striker Volterra ARFF Fire Truck Hybrid Acceleration

The rightsized engine in the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle leads to reduced emissions. When hard acceleration is needed, the Striker Volterra ARFF will automatically transition as long as the hybrid acceleration drive mode is active. This allows for the batteries and engine to work together to maximize performance and improve response time. The vehicle maintains the battery’s charge when accelerating, and the plug-in electric vehicle drivetrain allows for a 28 percent improvement in acceleration compared to the traditional Striker. Response time is improved by 30 seconds on the runway, utilizing over 950 hp (937 bhp) at peak power from the combustion engine and onboard batteries.

3. ARFF Vehicle Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is a mechanism which converts kinetic energy into electricity in order to bring the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle to a stop. This braking innovation recharges the vehicle’s batteries and reduces brake temperature while improving brake life. Regenerative braking is a standard feature including an enhancement mechanism which increases braking power.

4. Oshkosh Power Divider and Pump and Roll Functions

The pump and roll feature on the Striker Volterra ARFF truck allows for maintaining constant pump pressure while also meeting all NFPA 414 requirements. With this feature enabled, operators will experience a seamless transition between driving and pump and roll. This feature can be enabled at any time, and the pump can be turned on at any speed via the pump activation switch inside the cab. Much like traditional Oshkosh products, the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle utilizes an Oshkosh power divider which couples the water pump to the engine. This advanced component leads to risk reduction and proven reliability.

5. ARFF Vehicle Stationary Pumping

With stationary pumping utilized, the water pump is powered by the vehicle’s combustion engine, using the traditional Oshkosh power divider. The stationary pumping system can pump indefinitely at rated pump capacity. The vehicle will run as long as a fuel supply is available, exceeding NFPA requirements of pumping for two hours at rated capacity. Smart controls within the system optimize engine RPM based on pump requirements to help reduce emissions and noise. Proven smart controls, including ClearSky Telematics™, ECO EFP™, and K-Factor™ are included on the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle.

6. Plug-in Electric Vehicle Configuration

The Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle is configured as a plug-in electric vehicle. The vehicle can be operated in different ways to meet the individual needs of each department and is adaptable based on the available electrical resources in the area. The Striker Volterra ARFF truck can operate without a full charge; however, the plug-in charging system offers a more efficient solution and reduces the carbon footprint. An onboard charger features 240 and 480 voltage capabilities, and an auto-eject option automatically disconnects the power cord from the truck when the vehicle is started.

7. Striker Volterra ARFF Fire Truck Standby Mode

Standby mode on the Striker Volterra ARFF truck produces zero emissions and leads to idle reduction. When the vehicle is in neutral, and the parking brake is applied, the engine shuts down and the onboard batteries power the truck. The vehicle is still able to power the radio, lights, heating, and cooling processes. The idle reduction technology engineered into the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle eliminates the long idling times during aircraft refueling and standby operations, which is 60 percent of an ARFF vehicle’s life span. ⁠The vehicle also produces zero emissions when entering and exiting the fire station using onboard energy storage. Onboard energy storage also has the capability to export power to auxiliary items. The onboard batteries provide an environmentally friendly solution for airports while maintaining the reliable and durable reputation of Oshkosh products.

8. ARFF Vehicle Electro-Mechanical Infinitely Variable Transmission (EMIVT)

Electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission, or EMIVT, is another feature standard on all Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle models. This transmission operates independently using either the electric power source or the combustion engine. The latter provides uninterrupted power to the pumping and drive systems. The pumping configuration is powered by the combustion engine, providing a hybrid solution with electric vehicle emergency capabilities.

9. Striker Volterra ARFF Fire Truck’s State of Charge Management

The Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle can perform primary driving processes using the onboard batteries. This apparatus exceeds the average ARFF vehicle operation of four miles per day. When the state of charge management system starts to lose battery power, the truck will use power from the combustion engine. Vehicle performance is never jeopardized on the Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle as long as fuel is present in the tank.

10. Striker ARFF Vehicles and Scania Engines

Oshkosh Airport Products has incorporated Scania engines across multiple ARFF vehicle models, providing a reliable and trustworthy solution for engine requirements. The Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle makes no compromises on vehicle elements, featuring the best components for superior performance and reliability. Scania engines are capable of running on B20 diesel fuel, which is 20-percent biofuel and 80-percent diesel. The Tier 4F engines have a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment solution, which does not require regen.

11. Striker Volterra ARFF Vehicle Clean Cab and Carcinogen Reduction Options

Like other Striker models, the Striker Volterra ARFF truck includes Oshkosh Airport Products’ Carcinogen Awareness and Reduction to Exposure (CARE™) clean options:

• Optional exterior wash station
• Compartment storage for SCBA’s
• Various exhaust extraction options
• Custom add-ons for spray nozzles and decontamination shower heads
• Washable, flat floor
• Removable interior surfaces for easy cleaning
• Optional cleanable seats

Reduced Emissions ARFF Vehicles Are the Future

Among industries worldwide, innovation is essential for long-term success. The Striker Volterra ARFF vehicle is an innovative representation of Oshkosh Airport Products’ commitment to developing products which exceed airport firefighting crews’ needs and expectations.

In recent years, the Striker Volterra ARFF truck toured the world, making stops at various airports to showcase its electric abilities supporting firefighting and airport officials. If you haven’t had the chance to view the vehicle in person, view the apparatus in action here. 

Are you ready to learn more about how to maintain the legacy features of the Striker ARFF vehicle while gaining the benefits of the Striker Volterra ARFF technology? Contact Oshkosh Airport Products to review the key features and the elements of this next-level technology.