Oshkosh Airport Products Group, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), placed 24 new generation Oshkosh® Striker® aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicles on duty at airports in Japan. The apparatus are serving at Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) bases, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) bases, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) bases, as well as at Tottori and Yamagata civilian airports.
“This significant delivery of 24 new generation Oshkosh Striker ARFF apparatus speaks volumes about the vehicle’s growing popularity and acceptance in Japan and across the Asia Pacific region,” said Jeff Resch, Oshkosh Airport Products Group vice president and general manager. “The Striker sets a new benchmark for performance, innovation and reliability, and we’re very excited to have them in service.”
All of the vehicles passed the stringent Japan Fire Equipment Inspection Institute (JFEII) testing protocols supervised by Oshkosh distributor Daiichi Jitsugyo Co., Ltd. (DJK). The new generation Striker ARFF vehicles each feature a 6 x 6 axle configuration with Oshkosh TAK-4® all wheel independent suspension. The Tier 3 and Tier4i/Euro5 emissions-compliant engines (used to power the military and civilian trucks respectively) achieve a top speed greater than 113 km/h (70 mph). The engine power pack components are readily accessed through walk-in doors on either side of the engine compartment for easier servicing.
The firefighting system on the Maritime Self-Defense Force, Ground Self-Defense Force, and civilian airport vehicles include a range of water, foam, and dry chemical capacities. All trucks have dual agent fire suppression capabilities, as well as a powerful roof turret, an Oshkosh low attack bumper turret, dry chemical capabilities, and pre-connected hoses with hand nozzles on both sides of the vehicles.
“We are honored that the Oshkosh Striker ARFF vehicles are playing an important role in protecting lives and property at these airports across Japan,” said Desmond Soh, Oshkosh Corporation president, Asia operations. “These vehicles represent a total team effort, led by DJK together with the backing of excellent customer service and support personnel in the region.”
