Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has introduced its first hybrid Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, the Striker Volterra, becoming one of the first airports in the country to deploy the cutting-edge emergency response technology.
The Striker Volterra is a specialized six-wheeled apparatus designed to enhance aircraft firefighting capabilities. Weighing 100,000 pounds, it can accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in under 21 seconds—improving response times by 40% over the standard diesel-powered Striker.
Equipped with a hybrid drive system, the Volterra reduces fuel use and noise emissions while operating in electric mode. It also produces zero emissions during station entry and standby, minimizing firefighters’ exposure to harmful exhaust fumes.
“Enhancing performance by reducing response times is the key driver of transitioning to these new vehicles,” said Daniel White, Chief of DFW Fire-Rescue. “The Striker Volterra vehicles are faster and more agile than our current fleet. Because they are also safer for our firefighters and better for the environment, this investment represents a rare win-win-win.”
The hybrid ARFF fleet upgrade aligns with DFW’s broader initiative to transition to fluorine-free firefighting foam and to modernize firefighting infrastructure. Five additional Volterra vehicles are expected to arrive by late summer, making DFW the largest customer of the Volterra in the nation.
The airport is also updating its ARFF stations with 480-volt power service to support the hybrid fleet’s charging requirements.
DFW Fire-Rescue is responsible for the safety of nearly 90 million travelers annually and is recognized globally for its advanced aircraft fire training and emergency response standards.
