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 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™ Electric ARFF.

The Striker Volterra Electric ARFF combines the trusted performance of the conventional Striker ARFF with the benefits of zero-emissions operation, reduced noise, and minimal engine maintenance. It delivers the same operator-focused efficiency, ergonomics, visibility, safety, speed and maneuverability, while also meeting rigorous NFPA 414 and ICAO compliance standards. The result is an ARFF experience that’s not only sustainable but also uncompromising in power and reliability.

How the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Operates

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

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

As firefighting continues to evolve, it’s essential to anticipate the future needs of first responders and ensure the next generation of apparatus are designed to meet those demands. That’s exactly what the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF represents: proven performance enhanced by forward-thinking innovation.

Now, let’s take a closer look at 11 advanced features that make the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF a leader in the industry.

1. Striker Volterra Electric ARFF EV Driving Mode

When in electric vehicle (EV) driving mode, the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF 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 driving mode on the Striker Volterra Electric 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 driving mode.

Learn more about the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF EV battery capabilities

2. Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Fire Truck Acceleration

The rightsized engine in the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF vehicle leads to reduced emissions. When hard acceleration is needed, the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF will automatically transition as long as the emergency response 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 ARFF. 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 Electric ARFF 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 Electric ARFF maintains 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 Electric ARFF utilizes an Oshkosh power divider which couples the water pump to the engine. This advanced component leads to risk reduction and proven reliability.

In recent years, the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF toured the world, making stops at various airports to showcase its electric abilities supporting firefighting and airport officials. View the apparatus in action.

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 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 Intelligence™, ECO EFP™ and K-Factor™ are included on the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF.

6. Plug-in Electric Vehicle Configuration

The Striker Volterra Electric ARFF 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 Electric ARFF 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 220 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 Electric ARFF Standby Mode

Standby mode on the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF 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 Electric ARFF eliminates the long idling times during aircraft refueling and standby operations, which is 60 percent of an ARFF vehicle’s life span. 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.

Become an expert in electric vehicle technology and why it matters

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

Electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission, or EMIVT, is another standard feature on all Striker Volterra Electric ARFFs. 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 an efficient solution with electric vehicle emergency capabilities.

9. Striker Volterra Electric ARFF: State of Charge Management

The Striker Volterra Electric ARFF 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 electric ARFF 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 Electric ARFF 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 Electric ARFF Clean Cab and Carcinogen Reduction Options

Like other Striker ARFF models, the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF 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 Electric ARFF vehicle is an innovative representation of Oshkosh Airport Products’ commitment to developing products which exceed airport firefighting crews’ needs and expectations.

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 Electric ARFF technology? Contact Oshkosh Airport Products to talk to one of our experts or reach out to your local dealer.