Oshkosh Corporation and Navistar Defense LLC have delivered production-representative MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) to the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland for military evaluation.
The Oshkosh M-ATV meets the survivability and mobility requirements of the warfighter for Afghanistan. The U.S. Armed Services have an urgent need requirement for M-ATVs to be used in the harsh conditions of Afghanistan. The M-ATV contract has a potential award value of $2 billion.
The Oshkosh M-ATV boasts commonality with the Department of Defense’s fleet of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), Palletized Load System (PLS), Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) and current Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
Oshkosh is partnered with Plasan North America to provide the Oshkosh M-ATV’s armor system, which is in place on 5,000 current MRAP vehicles and the Armored Cab MTVRs and has saved lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The vehicle also will feature Oshkosh’s signature TAK-4 independent suspension system for off-road ride quality and durability to meet the essential mobility capability not available in the current MRAP fleet.
Navistar’s MXT-based design provides the same production and delivery advantages offered by its original MRAP product, the International MaxxPro, but in a lighter and more mobile configuration.
Designed to navigate Afghanistan’s rough terrain and perform in off-road conditions, Navistar’s M-ATV unit utilizes a specially-designed, light-weight armor, which is incorporated into the survivability system. While the platform of the company’s M-ATV vehicle varies from its MaxxPro MRAP, which is based on the International WorkStar platform, the smaller base allows Navistar’s unit to weigh significantly less than its MaxxPro Dash - the lightest of the company’s MRAP units and in service now in Afghanistan.
Navistar’s M-ATV unit is powered by a MaxxForce D 6.0 L V8 engine designed to maximize speed and payload capability. The company would also be able to support its M-ATV units in theater through its existing dealer and parts and support network, which includes locations in Afghanistan.