“The Oshkosh TAK-4 system has brought unparalleled mobility to the battlefield on medium, heavy and MRAP vehicles,” said Rob Messina, vice president of Defense Engineering for Oshkosh Defense. “Our engineers have taken mobility performance one step further with the TAK-4i to give troops a critical advantage in maneuverability, speed and durability as they navigate the off-road terrain that dominates today’s battlefields.”

Oshkosh developed the TAK-4i intelligent independent suspension system after studying military vehicles in action and calculating requirements for optimal speed, mobility and reliability on the battlefield. The TAK-4i system, which has completed more than 50,000 test miles with exceptional reliability, is scalable for use on light, medium and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles. With TAK-4i, a vehicle’s height can be adjusted to maximize transportability and reduce the time and effort it takes to field vehicles.

The TAK-4i system delivers 20 inches of independent wheel travel, which is 25 percent more than other vehicles fielded with the U.S. military, for new levels of off-road mobility. Improved shock absorption results in increased speed and significantly better ride quality for Warfighters who often travel off-road for hours at a time. The TAK-4i system is used on the Oshkosh Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV) and the Oshkosh Light Combat Tactical Vehicle (LCTV), which are designed to deliver the protected mobility needed on remote, rugged and hostile landscapes.

Oshkosh vehicles including the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), Palletized Load System (PLS) A1, Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) and Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) use the Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspension system and have delivered proven off-road mobility in Iraq, Afghanistan and other challenging landscapes around the world. Oshkosh was also selected by the U.S. military to retrofit its TAK-4 system on MRAP vehicles produced by other manufacturers to deliver urgently needed off-road performance.

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection.

The affordable Oshkosh L-ATV incorporates field-proven technologies, advanced armor solutions and expeditionary levels of mobility to redefine safety and performance standards for the U.S. Armed Forces and international militaries. The L-ATV also is designed for future growth, with the ability to accept additional armor packages and technology upgrades as the mission requires.

“We designed the L-ATV to address the rapidly evolving threats and provide troops with greater ability to navigate through extreme driving conditions,” said Ken Juergens, vice president and general manager of Joint Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “Battlefields have changed – threats are more dangerous, operating environments are more rugged and fuel efficiency is more important than ever. The state-of-the-art L-ATV is designed to meet these challenges, today and well into the future, just as our M-ATV continues to meet evolving battlefield threats without comprising its payload and off-road mission profile.”

Equipped with the Oshkosh TAK-4i independent suspension system, the next generation of Oshkosh’s TAK-4 suspension system, the L-ATV can safely navigate dangerous on- and off-road terrain while providing unmatched ride quality. The TAK-4i technology uses a proprietary technology to deliver 20 inches of independent wheel travel – 25 percent more wheel travel than any vehicle in the U.S. military’s fleets – and expands on the success of the TAK-4 system, which is currently fielded on more than 20,000 military-class vehicles.

The L-ATV’s armored capsule is scalable and can accept multiple armor configurations to protect troops from IEDs and today’s other prevalent battlefield threats. The capsule is optimized for protection, weight and mobility, and its modular and flexible design allows the vehicle to accept a greater range of upgrades and continuous enhancements.

The L-ATV’s modern technology engine delivers expanded power capabilities, greater fuel efficiency and integrated communications for improved diagnostics and maintenance over legacy engine technologies currently fielded. An optional Oshkosh ProPulse diesel-electric hybrid powertrain has been developed, integrated and tested in the L-ATV, providing a powertrain option that can be readily implemented to maximize the vehicle’s efficiency through improved fuel economy, high levels of exportable power (stationary and on the move) and lower life-cycle costs.

As evidenced with the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) production, when the company ramped up to exceed 1,000 vehicle deliveries per month, Oshkosh has robust manufacturing capabilities, proven expertise and is ready now to build the L-ATV cost effectively on-time and in the quantities needed, with flexibility for future growth. Oshkosh’s flexible production capabilities and remanufacturing experience allow the company to quickly incorporate production changes or retrofit vehicles with additional armor or upgrades.

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection.

The M-ATV tactical ambulance offers an enhanced design that exceeds the military's original M-ATV ambulance survivability requirements and delivers exceptional off-road mobility so military medics can reach and care for injured personnel in challenging operating environments.

"The M-ATV tactical ambulance is the lightest and most mobile MRAP ambulance available to Warfighters today, and it delivers MRAP-level protection mirroring the protection on M-ATVs now equipped with underbody improvement kits to keep them safe on the battlefield," said Ken Juergens, vice president and general manager of Joint Programs for Oshkosh Defense.

"As we have proved since we started work on the M-ATV program, Oshkosh has the production capabilities to deliver this vehicle in response to urgent needs in the field."

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 U.S. Army, National Guard and Marine Corps. Oshkosh recapitalizes and remanufactures vehicles for the U.S. military as part of the company’s extensive life-cycle support and aftermarket services program. 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 Programs 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) program.

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 U.S. 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.

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection.

“Many of the heavy and line-haul trucks that come to this facility have seen almost a decade of rugged, in-theater use,” said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “The TPER program allows us to significantly reduce the cost of refurbishing the Army’s vehicles, and cuts maintenance cycle time by at least 60 days compared to U.S.-based repairs – more quickly getting the trucks back out where they are needed. The 2,000th truck that we’re delivering to the Army today represents the success of this program and our combined commitment to supporting Soldiers as close to point of use as possible.”

Oshkosh executives and Army officials gathered at Oshkosh’s Defense Logistics Center in Kuwait to celebrate the milestone and pay tribute to Oshkosh employees, as well as the U.S. Army staff, who support the TPER program. An Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET), part of the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV), was the 2,000th refurbished vehicle.

The TPER program restores battle-damaged and heavily worn vehicles from the Army’s FHTV and line-haul fleets to the military’s strict equipment-readiness standards so they can be returned to the field. The military departments involved in the TPER program include TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).

The DCMA and Oshkosh’s quality-assurance offices work together to ensure vehicles are restored to full mission-capable operability. The Kuwait facility sees as many as 60-65 vehicles a month that need anywhere from 300-1,000 replacement parts. To meet these requirements, Oshkosh collaborates extensively with TACOM and DLA to maintain a multifaceted supply-chain management approach.

Oshkosh Defense provides aftermarket service and support with a full life-cycle approach. The company has led customer service projects at more than 100 locations globally, including in-theater. These efforts, along with factory-trained field service representatives (FSRs) and Web-based parts support ensure customers can access service, repair and parts distribution in every corner of the globe, at any time of day. More than 700 Oshkosh service personnel are currently deployed across the U.S. and abroad, including more than 280 FSRs in Afghanistan.

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons.

Oshkosh worked closely with SOCOM to design the Special Forces Vehicle (SFV) variant and meet the Special Operation Forces’ demanding operational requirements.

“We continue to answer the Warfighters’ needs in theater for the armored and highly mobile M-ATV, and we have flexibility at the design, production and sustainment levels to fully support the program,” said Ken Juergens, vice president and general manager of Joint Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “The SFV variant is part of the M-ATV family of vehicles, which we designed to support the most challenging tactical operations in rugged and mountainous off-road terrain.”

Oshkosh is delivering the spare-parts kits as part of its complete sustainment support of the M-ATV fleet. The company also has received orders to provide more than 330 field service representatives (FSR) to support the vehicles with onsite technical assistance, proper maintenance procedures, correctly identifying parts, and troubleshooting techniques and maintenance training for troops.

The M-ATV SFV features alterations specific to the needs of U.S. Special Forces, including a modified cargo deck, intended to accept specialized equipment based on each mission’s requirements, and larger front windscreens for increased visibility. Vehicle deliveries are scheduled to take place in May 2011, and deliveries of the spare parts are scheduled to begin in March 2011 and be completed in June 2011. The orders have a combined ceiling price of nearly $55 million.

In addition to the SFV, Oshkosh produces the M-ATV base and tactical ambulance variant for the U.S. military. Oshkosh has received awards to date for nearly 8,400 M-ATVs, including more than 460 SFV variants, as well as spare parts kits, upgrade kits and aftermarket support.

Oshkosh is continuing to explore new potential mission solutions for the M-ATV. The company has designed the M-ATV 2.5 Cargo vehicle to support resupply operations and the M-ATV Multi-Oshkosh Defense to Deliver Additional M-ATV Variants for U.S. Special Operations Forces Dec. 20, 2010 Mission Vehicle (MMV) to support reconnaissance, missile-carrier and command-and-control operations in unforgiving landscapes.

Photo caption: Oshkosh worked with SOCOM to design an M-ATV variant for U.S. Special Operation Forces missions. It has a modified cargo deck that can accept specialized equipment for varying missions and larger front windscreens for increased visibility.

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection.

"Oshkosh is committed to bringing this life-saving technology to the field," said Gary Schmiedel, Oshkosh Corporation senior vice president of Defense Engineering and Technology. "Our TerraMax technology is designed as a kit that can be integrated in new vehicles as they are produced or retrofitted into the government's existing vehicle fleets."

The Oshkosh Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) Load Handling System (LHS) variant is equipped with the company's unmanned technology for autonomous logistics missions. The TerraMax fully-autonomous navigation kit has been demonstrated on the Marine Corps' Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles, as well as the Army's Palletized Load System (PLS) vehicle.

"The TerraMax fully autonomous system provides flexibility to the Warfighter," added Schmiedel. "It is integrated so each vehicle can still be manually driven with the press of a button. The technology is capable of fully autonomous missions supervised from an escort vehicle at a safe standoff, or operation in leader-follower mode, depending on the mission and situation."

“Our TAK-4 independent suspension system will significantly improve HMMWV mobility and speed on the severe terrain that Marines encounter in their tactical, combat and expeditionary missions,” said John Bryant, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager, Marine Corps Programs. “We continue to see vehicles equipped with the TAK-4 thrive in places like Afghanistan – where unimproved roads and rocky, rugged terrain make up the battlefields. We’ve also integrated our vee-shaped under-vehicle armor on the HMMWV, which is proven to mitigate the effects of IED blasts more effectively than flat bottom vehicles.”

Current U.S. Marine Corps operational protection requirements call for add-on armor to improve the vehicle’s survivability (i.e., the Up-armored HMMWV, M1151A1 with B1 armor kit). With this up-armoring, the vehicle weighs in more than 1.5 tons above its originally designed Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and experiences performance, ride quality and mobility degradations.

“Oshkosh offers a new way forward for the Marine Corps’ light vehicle fleet, and does so using its proprietary TAK-4 suspension, which has been proven in theater on multiple vehicle classes,” Bryant added. “The HMMWV with the TAK-4 system improves vehicle ride height and performance, ride quality and restores the original vehicle payload capability – allowing for additional under-vehicle armor protection for improved survivability.”

Equipping the TAK-4 suspension on HMMWVs provides numerous benefits, including:

• --A 70 percent off-road profile capability and 14 inches of independent wheel travel to overcome obstacles and navigate rugged, mountainous environments
• --Ground clearance increased to 17 inches to improve mobility and occupant visibility while also helping to counter underbody blasts, such as IEDs, by enabling more stand-off distance
• --A 40 percent increase in the vehicle’s maximum speed and a 46 percent improvement in braking
• --Restoring a 2,500-pound vehicle payload capacity when the crew is embarked with all current add-on armor installed, which allows for consideration of an under-vehicle armor vee-shaped panel solution to further improve survivability
• --Improved ride quality, with a reduction in suspension vibration and harshness for less crew fatigue

The Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspension system is a proven, mobility-enhancing technology. It has been used on more than 10,000 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MVTR), which Oshkosh designed and produces for the Marine Corps and Navy Seabees. It also is a vital component on the Oshkosh MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), allowing the vehicle to drive 70 percent off-road and take on additional armor while maintaining its 4,000-pound payload capacity. The TAK-4 system has undergone more than 500,000 miles of government durability testing.

Oshkosh also will have an MTVR 4x4 and M-ATV Troop Carrier at Modern Day Marine. Oshkosh will be exhibiting at booth #2525 at the show, which is taking place Sept. 28-30 at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico.

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection.

The new PLS model, known as the PLS A1, features design improvements creating a more secure and robust vehicle for logistics missions that face increased combat exposure.

"Working closely with our Army customer, Oshkosh has improved the PLS to provide our troops increased protection and mobility demanded in today's critical distribution and resupply missions," said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programs for Oshkosh Defense.

"The military can only move as fast as its supplies. Improved armor, common with the proven armor solution on the HEMTT A4, and enhanced off-road capabilities will better protect logistics missions from blasts and other threats. PLS A1 updates make a good truck even better and will secure the vehicle's role in Army logistics operations for many years to come."

The vehicle, developed to load and unload a variety of heavy-payload cargo, now features a Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS)-compliant cab, a 600-horsepower engine and a six-speed transmission. It also uses the Oshkosh-patented TAK-4(r) independent suspension on the front axle positions, which provides greater off-road mobility and enhances protection in harsh terrain, like Afghanistan.

The initial deliveries of 11 vehicles are part of an order for more than 725 PLS vehicles issued under the U.S. Army's existing Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) contract. Production for this order is scheduled to be completed in September 2011.

This is the first order for the HEMTT A4 in Egypt and it will integrate with Egypt’s current HEMTT A2 fleet.

The Oshkosh M978 HEMTT A4 fuel-servicing truck, or tanker, is designed to transport 2,500 gallons of fuel to forward-arming and refueling points (FARP). The vehicle, which is part of the U.S. Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV), features a more powerful drivetrain, improved suspension and a fully air-conditioned and armor-ready cab.

“The HEMTT A4 is part of our full line of vehicles designed for international and off-road operations,” said Ron Ziebell, Oshkosh Corporation vice president and general manager of international programs, Defense. “In addition to offering severe-duty, medium- and heavy-payload vehicles, our global aftermarket network ensures our customers have ready access to parts and support services.”

In addition to supplying the vehicles, Oshkosh Defense will provide support and more than 25 spare engines to the Egyptian military. Aftermarket support includes a two-year fleet agreement, vehicle training and 12 months of Field Service Representative (FSR) support in Egypt.

Since 1990, Oshkosh has supplied Egyptian armed forces with tactical wheeled vehicles and aftermarket support. The HEMTT A4 is the latest Oshkosh vehicle in the Egyptian military fleet, which also includes the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) and the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT).

Oshkosh has produced more than 70,000 military-class vehicles at its facilities, including more than 30,000 FHTVs. The company has begun work on the Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) as well and is currently working on an initial FMTV delivery order valued at $280.9 million for the production and delivery of 2,568 trucks and trailers. Oshkosh has the available capacity, highly skilled workforce and proven manufacturing capability to deliver these and other vehicle orders for all Army and Defense programs, including the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), as well as any surges in production.

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons.