Oshkosh Defense to supply FHTV to US Army

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, will deliver more than 730 trucks from the US Army's Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV), including new and recapitalized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A4s and new Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) A1s, following orders from TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC).

Oshkosh recently reached a major milestone with more than 10,000 heavy and medium-payload vehicles restored to zero-hours, zero-miles condition for the US Army, National Guard and Marine Corps. Oshkosh recapitalizes and remanufactures vehicles for the US military as part of the company's extensive life-cycle support and aftermarket services programme. Through recapitalization, heavily used vehicles are stripped to their frame rails and rebuilt to like-new condition.

"The restoration of more than 10,000 military-class vehicles is a significant achievement in our continuing support of the military's fleet management strategy," said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programmes for Oshkosh Defense. "Oshkosh Defense has recapitalized and retrofit vehicles for more than 40 years, significantly increasing their life-span and offering great value to military customers, and equipping soldiers with the latest vehicle safety, survivability, and mobility technologies."

To meet the latest HEMTT A4 configuration, the suspension in the recapitalized vehicle is improved and a fully air-conditioned and armor-ready cab is installed, in addition to a more powerful drivetrain. The vehicles have new components, new technology and a new "zero hours/zero miles" bumper-to-bumper warranty, at a considerable cost savings to the government. Oshkosh also has refurbished more than 2,000 heavy-payload vehicles in theater, including vehicles originally built by other manufacturers, as part of the Army's Theater Provided Equipment Refurbishment (TPER) programme.

The HEMTT A4 is the backbone of the Army's logistics and resupply fleet, and is available in multiple variants for a wide range of operations. The Light Equipment Transporter (LET) variant is included in the orders and is equipped with durable components to provide optimal maneuverability and versatility in rugged terrain. Its anti-lock braking system, traction and air-ride suspension allow troops to navigate wherever the mission demands while transporting light-duty equipment.

The HET is designed to rapidly transport battle tanks, fighting and recovery vehicles, armored vehicles and construction equipment, as well as their crews, so they arrive in mission-ready condition. The latest Oshkosh HET A1 configuration includes increased horsepower, a six-person armor ready cab, higher capacity front suspension, electrical upgrades, and improved diagnostics and standard air conditioning.

The US Army's heavy fleet, currently in production by Oshkosh Defense, also includes the Palletized Load System (PLS). Production of the new HEMTT A4s and HETs on these awards is expected to begin in April 2012 and be completed in September 2012. Recapitalization of the HEMTT A4s began in May and is scheduled to be completed in September 2012. Together, these orders have a value of more than $252 million.

Source: Oshkosh Defense

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