The ACA Hurricane 130 was designed by Jim Biersach of Alerting Communicators of America and presented at a Civil Defense convention in November, 1968. They introduced other sirens, however, this utilized new fiber casting techniques, never before used by any other company. The Hurricane started off with a square horn (very similar to the Federal Signal Thunderbolt), but ended with two throats where the horn attaches to the chopper enclosure. These were produced until 1973, when a larger, rounded horn was made that was a true exponential horn. Additionally, the Hurricane siren was a supercharged mechanical siren, utilizing a blower and high output chopper similar to the Federal Signal Thunderbolt. The siren was popular with towns looking for a high output 130dB siren. The corporation continued production until 1980, when it was replaced with the P-50 50 HP, 135 dB siren (also known as the T-135). All Hurricanes are very rare, as most of them have been replaced by newer sirens.
Technical information
Year
Type
Horn Shape
Rotor/Stator Ratio
Notes
1968
Hurricane 130
Square
10/12
Cylinder shaped rotator assembly, with small collector rings.
1970s
Hurricane 130
Square
10/12, 8/10, 8/12, 8/8, 10/10, and 12/12
Bigger rotator, with larger collector rings for better performance.
1973
Hurricane 130 MKII
Round
8/10
This type onwards used a 30 HP compressor, as opposed to earlier 25 HP compressor.
Mid-1970s
Hurricane 130 MKII
Round
8/10
Used modified rotator to allow for easy maintenance. This is the most commonly seen Hurricane of all types.
2, 1 is out of service as the switch is set to the (OFF) position. The Hurricane located near the car dealership has a detached blower, with reports of the siren changing directions. It is assumed active as the power switch remains in the (ON) position with no evidence of cut wires. No test videos have been made on this one.
2, 1 operational. The one at the West Bradley fire station is confirmed to still be working, no sources of replacement.[1] It will only be removed if it ceases operation. The other one is stored at the ASC Headquarters.