OSHKOSH, WIS. (September 25, 2000) – Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NASDAQ: OTRKB] has developed a new Tactical Fire Fighting Truck (TFFT) for deployment at isolated military installations and sites worldwide. Based on the eight-wheel drive, Oshkosh defense Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M977 chassis, the TFFT is designed and engineered to respond to, suppress and extinguish aircraft, petroleum, wildland and structural fires. The fire fighting system was developed by Oshkosh’s subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
The TFFT is the most versatile piece of fire fighting apparatus in the U.S. Army’s vehicle fleet. It combines extreme off-road mobility with multipurpose fire-handling capabilities, developed exclusively to meet the critical demands of tactical deployment. This fire truck can go where typical pumpers cannot. Key features of the TFFT include:
• 1,000 gallon water tank;
• 1,000 gpm pump;
• Husky® industrial foam system (60 gallons each/Class A and Class B foam). Developed by Pierce engineers, this foam system features a patent-pending, digitally controlled foam proportioning system that can respond rapidly and accurately to changes in water pressure and water flow.
• Hose and equipment compartments, including preconnected crosslays;
• Ability of fire truck and fire fighting equipment to be operated and maintained in extreme climate conditions from -40° F to +120° F;
• C17 air transportable;
• Crew cab seating for four, with heating and air conditioning system.
“To develop this truly unique multipurpose fire fighting package, we’ve combined the world-class engineering and manufacturing expertise of two industry-leading companies – Oshkosh Truck and Pierce Manufacturing,” said Robert G. Bohn, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Oshkosh. “The Tactical Fire Fighting Truck sets a new standard for tactical mission-ready flexibility by being engineered to handle extreme fire fighting and severe, off-road conditions.”
The TFFT is built on the combat-proven performance and reliability of the versatile HEMTT M977 chassis. A forerunner to the TFFT was Oshkosh’s commercial Phoenix™ fire truck, which was also built on a HEMTT chassis. Introduced in 1996, the Phoenix was primarily used to carry water to fight fires in areas not accessible to traditional pumpers.
Like the Phoenix, the TFFT maintains the performance characteristics of the HEMTT, which include:
• 55 mph maximum road travel speed;
• Fully loaded, capable of climbing a 60 percent grade with an angle approach of 43°;
• Diesel engine rated at 445 hp at 2100 rpm;
• Five-speed Allison HT-740 automatic transmission.
The first TFFT is scheduled for delivery in September 2001. In addition to active duty tactical mission applications, the U.S. Army is reviewing adding the TFFT to Army Guard and Army Reserve vehicle fleets. The TFFT also has the capability to meet the tactical mission requirements of the other branches of the U.S. military.
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NASDAQ: OTRKB] is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Products are marketed under the Oshkosh, Pierce and McNeilus brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and has annual sales of $1.165 billion.
For more information about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, log onto its web site at www.oshkoshtruck.com.
