BY TRACEY FREDRICKSON


N


ew wheels are in motion at Kelowna International Airport with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art aircraft rescue and firefighting truck and two new snow chassis.


The new vehicles were designed and built at a cost of $2.6 million by specialty-truck maker Oshkosh for Team Eagle Ltd., a global leader in equipment and support to the airport industry. “In the aviation business, being at the forefront of technology isn’t only about what’s in the cockpit of a plane,” points out YLW Director Sam Samaddar. “Our emergency response and maintenance equipment are part of the


6 | YLW.KELOWNA.CA


essential infrastructure we require to ensure responsive and timely services to our stakeholders and customers.” The new acquisitions replace vehicles that have been in the fleet for up to 40 years that are simply tired and have reached the end of their operational life. “Awesome” is the word likely to come to mind when one first sets eyes on the new Striker 6 x 6 fire truck. The 93,000 lb. neon-green vehicle commands the runway with its sleek aerodynamic styling and powerful performance. Leading edge technology includes features customized to the needs of YLW to ensure a quick response time and maximum safety. These include 84 square feet of glass for exceptional visibility, an ergonomic cab and “intuitive” instrumentation so that the operator doesn’t have to scan for


controls or strain for a better view. Response time is enhanced by the ability to accelerate from 0 to 50 kilometres in just 35 seconds and rear wheel steering allows for efficient manoeuvrability in even the most extreme weather conditions.


In the rare occurrence of a fire, the Striker has dual turrets, one on the roof and one on the bumper. Both have the ability to discharge foam or water at 625/1250 U.S. gallons per minute and the bumper turret has the additional ability to discharge dry chemical at a rate of 5.5 pounds per second. The 3,000 gallon water tank is essential for an airport like YLW that is accommodating an increasing number of larger aircraft.


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