Fire suppression on Langley Air Force Base has taken a step up in technology with the newest fire truck, which joined the 11 “big truck” vehicle fleet at the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department, during Fall 2017.
The Striker 3000, a 39 and half foot, 3,000-gallon high performance fire truck, brings new and improved technology to the flightline and community.
“Having the new fire truck online and in action, brings capabilities that we have never had on Langley, allowing the fire department to be ready for any type of call we receive, “said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Tellish, 633rd CES station captain. “The water flow alone can do four times more than our previous vehicles, making a tank of water last upwards of nine minutes.”
The first noticeable difference of the truck is the front bumper that is equipped with a high-pressure nozzle. Controlled by an electronic joystick, this nozzle produces a smaller droplet size of water. The smaller droplets absorb the heat of the fire faster and suppress it with less water, said Antonio Blackwell, 633rd CES fire department driver operator.
“Everything is tailored as you walk in to the cab, so the driver can reach everything, allowing him to solely drive it if necessary,” said Blackwell. “This is probably the best crash truck we have in our fleet and it goes above and beyond.”
Attached to that high-pressure nozzle is the gray scale infrared camera, giving the driver and crew chief the ability to find hot spots inside an aircraft or structural fire. The camera also identifies human beings with a yellow box ensure firefighters are aware of the location’s surroundings.
Additional capabilities the truck provides:
- Tighter turning diameter, 78 feet to be exact
- Computerized water supply control panel on outside of truck
- 238-degree horizontal visibility from the center steering console
- Drafting from static water source
- Hand lines to use in structural fires
“This truck allows our Airmen and crew chiefs to focus on their mission and make sure everything is working properly,” said Blackwell. “Where the driver can focus on getting water to the fire and maneuvering the vehicle.”
Date Taken: | 12.04.2017 |
Date Posted: | 12.04.2017 11:18 |
Story ID: | 257317 |
Location: | HAMPTON , VIRGINIA, US |
Web Views: | 63 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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