Oshkosh Defense expands US Army heavy fleet with additional vehicle orders

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is increasing the US Army's Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicle (FHTV) fleet with the addition of 1,200 trucks following orders from the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC). The bulk of the orders are for the Oshkosh Palletized Load System (PLS) A1, a next-generation truck that gives soldiers improved mobility and protection capabilities.

"The heavy tactical trucks that we supply to the US Army have evolved with technological advancements over the years to meet the changing threats and demands of the modern battlefield," said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programs for Oshkosh Defense. "Whether Iraq, Afghanistan or any other location in the world, the Army can count on Oshkosh for on-time delivery of quality products backed by best-in-class sustainment services. We're proud to serve the men and women who serve our nation."

The PLS is the backbone of the Army's distribution and resupply system. Built to transport ammunition and other critical supplies needed in battle, the PLS has proven its ability in front-line resupply missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Together, the PLS truck and trailer form a complete system that reduces the need for forklifts or other material-handling equipment. The Long-Term Armor Strategy (LTAS)-compliant PLS A1 can accept add-on armor and uses an Oshkosh TAK-4 independent front suspension for improved off-road mobility.

Oshkosh will deliver more than 1,050 PLS A1 trucks under the orders, as well as nearly 150 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A4s. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by August 2012. The combined orders are valued at more than $459 million.

Source: Oshkosh Defence

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