USA – DFW Airport Deploys Six Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Vehicles

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has officially placed six new Striker® Volterra™ 6×6 Electric Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles into service. Delivered by Oshkosh Airport Products, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), these vehicles position DFW among the first U.S. airports to adopt electric-drive ARFF technology and reinforce the airport’s commitment to sustainability and high-performance operations.

Fleet Modernization and Long-Term Plans

The new vehicles, purchased through Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, represent a major milestone in DFW’s plan to modernize its emergency response fleet. By late 2025, the airport is expected to operate the largest Striker Volterra Electric ARFF fleet in the United States, replacing its legacy units with advanced, electrified models.

DFW Fire-Rescue Chief Daniel White emphasized that improved response capability is a primary driver behind the transition.
According to White, the new Striker Volterra units deliver superior acceleration and maneuverability compared with the airport’s current vehicles. He noted that the investment benefits firefighters, the environment, and the traveling public—making it a rare “win-win-win” for safety, performance, and sustainability.

Technology and Powertrain Overview

The Striker Volterra Electric 6×6 features:

  • A proprietary Oshkosh electric powertrain
  • An electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission

This configuration allows the vehicle to operate with zero emissions during low-speed movements such as entering stations, idling, and standby operations—reducing firefighter exposure to diesel exhaust. When maximum power is needed, the system seamlessly combines battery power with an internal combustion engine to deliver peak acceleration and pumping performance.

Key Vehicle Capabilities

  • 0–50 mph (0–80 kph) acceleration in under 21 seconds (28% faster than fully loaded diesel models)
  • TAK-4® all-wheel independent suspension
  • 3,000-gallon (11,356-liter) water tank
  • 420-gallon (1,590-liter) foam tank
  • 2,000 gpm (7,570 lpm) water pump
  • 500 lb. (250 kg) dry chemical powder system
  • Electronic foam proportioning with Oshkosh ECO-EFP™ testing system

Environmental and Regulatory Alignment

The arrival of the electric ARFF fleet complements DFW’s shift toward fluorine-free firefighting foam, aligning with evolving FAA guidance and industrywide efforts to eliminate PFAS-based agents. This ensures consistent, environmentally responsible emergency response capabilities across the entire ARFF fleet.

To support its electrified fleet, DFW has updated all ARFF stations with 480-volt charging infrastructure. Each Striker Volterra unit includes onboard charging capability, and the airport’s electrical improvements are designed to support future fleet growth and next-generation power requirements.

DFW Fire-Rescue Leadership

DFW Fire-Rescue protects nearly 90 million passengers annually and is internationally recognized for its expertise in aircraft fire response, firefighter training, and airport emergency preparedness. The addition of the electric ARFF fleet further strengthens its position as a global leader in aviation safety.

Photo credit: DFW ARFF fleet – Oshkosh. All rights reserved.