Oshkosh MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), USA

The Oshkosh MRAP (mine-resistant ambush-protected) all-terrain vehicle (M-ATV) is an armoured vehicle with improved mobility. In June 2009, Oshkosh Corporation received an initial order to deliver 2,900 M-ATVs to the US Armed Forces for deployment in Afghanistan.

The M-ATV is based on the medium tactical vehicle replacement (MTVR) platform and is fitted with patented TAK-4 independent suspension system for utmost mobility and survivability.

The US Army has selected Oshkosh M-ATV out of five participant models, which included two by BAE Systems and one each by Navistar and Force Dynamics.

Oshkosh will recruit 300 to 500 new employees and recall 550 to 650 employees to deliver the orders by February 2010.

M-ATV missions

The US armed forces need 2,080 to 10,000 M-ATVs to deploy them in Afghanistan's rough and mountainous off-road environments and dispersed combat operations. The orders were placed for a few demonstration vehicles for testing.

In May 2009, three demonstration Oshkosh M-ATVs arrived at the US Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, for military evaluation. These vehicles were mainly developed for the US armed forces to resume rugged-terrain operations in Afghanistan. The armour system and the suspension system mounted in Oshkosh M-ATV have already been implemented in 5,000 current MRAPs and about 10,000 MTVRs.

In June 2009, Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation completed the targeted 10,000 miles of on and off-road testing of the M-ATV at the Nevada Automotive Test Centre. Oshkosh also finished 7,500 miles of self evaluation on the vehicle's durability to operate on Afghanistan's tough terrain.

Orders and deliveries

Following many months of testing the US Department of Defense (DoD) has selected Oshkosh for the supply of M-ATVs for its armed forces. The initial order to supply 2,244 M-ATVs is valued at $1.05bn. The vehicles will be used by the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC).

In July 2009, Oshkosh received an additional order for 1,700 M-ATVs worth $1.06bn from TACOM LCMC. Under the contract, Oshkosh will also supply after-market parts packages until April 2010 and field support services to the US armed forces.

The deliveries are expected to be completed by February 2010. By July 2009, Oshkosh had supplied 46 M-ATVs exceeding its first delivery target to 45.

M-ATV features

The Oshkosh M-ATV has seating for four passengers and one gunner. The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 65mph with a maximum payload of 4,000lb. The gross vehicle weight rating of an M-ATV is 32,500lb (14,742kg).

The vehicle has MTVR common, TAK-4 independent suspension that offers maximum mobility for rugged and off-road terrain operations. The vehicle is mounted on a reliable powertrain that provides the speed and lightness needed to travel with ease on mountainous terrain.

Oshkosh Defense and Plasan North America worked together to develop the M-ATV armour system, which comprises a variety of high-strength materials, including ceramic composite armour. It features EFP (explosively formed penetrator) armour while maintaining a full payload. The commonality between the armour and the parts allows the vehicle to be repaired in the theatre.

The vehicle also has a MANPRINT balanced system design that minimises operator and maintenance training and maximises crew effectiveness. Another feature of the Oshkosh M-ATV is that it has a mature C4ISR network.

Manoeuvrability

The M-ATV features a four-wheeled patented TAK-4 independent suspension system for high off-road mobility and combat performance. TAK-4 suspension system provides 16in of independent wheel travel and 13in of ground clearance in normal loaded condition, offering increased mobility as compared to straight-axle vehicles.

It offers mobility for unimproved roads and rugged off-road terrain with 70% off-road mobility and 30% on-road mobility. The suspension system was introduced in the US Marine Corps in 1998 after undergoing over 400,000 miles of testing and applied in about 10,000 MTVRs.

The vehicle has 12 different tyre-pressure settings, which can be adjusted based on the payload and terrain conditions. Additionally, it is also capable of travelling long distances at high speeds on run-flat tyres.

Defence

The vehicle features a v-shaped hull supplied by Plasan North America with four passengers and one gunner seating capacity. M-ATV provides protection from EFPs and rocket-propelled grenades (RPG). The hull provides added protection in a ballistic event and seats are suspended from the ceiling, to mitigate blast effects. The vehicle also contains energy-absorbing floor mats to protect the occupants' lower bodies.

Propulsion

The Oshkosh M-ATV is a 4×4 chassis vehicle fitted with a Caterpillar C7 370hp engine with an Allison 3500 SP transmission and Marmon Herrington transfer case. It also features a rugged, reliable non-developmental powertrain, providing the vehicle quickness to cross mountainous terrain.