Oshkosh M-ATV

Oshkosh M-ATV[1]
Type	MRAP
Place of origin	United States
Service history
Used by	US Armed Forces Polish Armed Forces[2]
Wars	War in Afghanistan
Production history
Designer	Oshkosh / Plasan
Designed	2009
Manufacturer	Oshkosh Corporation
Unit cost	$470,000+
Produced	2009
Number built	8,108 on order[3]
Specifications
Weight	Curb weight: 27,500 lb (12,500 kg) Gross weight: 32,500 lb (14,700 kg)
Length	246.8 inches (6,270 mm)
Width	98.1 inches (2,490 mm)
Height	105 inches (2,700 mm)
Crew	4+1 gunner
Armor	Plasan composite
Main armament	1× 7.62 mm (.308") M240 machine gun, or 1× 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher, or 1× BGM-71 TOW Anti-tank guided missile
Engine	7.2 liter inline-6 Caterpillar C7 turbodiesel 370 bhp; 925 lb-ft
Power/weight	25 hp/ton
Payload capacity	4,000 pounds (1,800 kg)
Transmission	Allison 3500SP, 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
Suspension	4x4, TAK-4 independent suspension
Operational range	320 miles (510 km)
Speed	65 miles per hour (105 km/h) (electronically limited)

The Oshkosh M-ATV is an MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle developed by the Oshkosh Corporation of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It is designed to provide the same levels of protection as the larger and heavier previous MRAPs but with improved mobility and it is intended to replace M1114 HMMWVs.^[4]

Features

An early model M-ATV with a manned turret.

The M-ATV utilizes the MTVR chassis and TAK-4 suspension with the Plasan designed armored hull developed for the Northrop Grumman/Oshkosh JLTV.^[5] The V-shaped Plasan armored hull offers protection for the occupants from IED attacks while the centrally inflated run-flat tires allow the M-ATV to travel at least 30 miles at 30 mph even if two tires lose pressure. The vehicle can also take a 7.62 mm round to its engine oil/coolant/hydraulic system and continue to drive for at least one kilometer. The Tak-4 suspension is coil sprung and fully independent, and offers 16 inches of travel. The M-ATV's roof mounted turret is capable of mounting weapons such as a M240 machine gun, a Mk 19 grenade launcher, a 50 caliber machine gun, or a BGM-71 TOW anti-tank guided missile launcher. The roof weapons can be operated either from the turret by person or remotely inside the cabin with a CROWS remote weapon system. The M-ATV also features modern vehicle safety systems such as Traction control and anti-lock brakes in addition to modern creature comforts such as an HVAC system and power outlets for charging portable electronic devices.^[4]

History

First of the M-ATVs on its way to Afghanistan

Originally one of five candidates down selected for the M-ATV (MRAP All Terrain Vehicle) program, the Oshkosh M-ATV was chosen on 30 June 2009 to be the sole winner of the contest. Oshkosh Corporation received an initial order for 2,244 vehicles in a contract worth US$1.06B.^[6][7]

According to the United States Marine Corps program officer for MRAP, Brigadier General Michael Brogan, the Oshkosh M-ATV was chosen because it had the best survivability and Oshkosh had the best technical and manufacturing capabilities of all the competitors. The Oshkosh bid was also the second cheapest. The first vehicles arrived in Afghanistan in October 2009 and all should be delivered by March 2010.^{[8][9][10][11][12]}

Additional contracts have increased M-ATVs orders to 8,108 as of September 2010.^[7][3]

See also

• Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)

References

1. ^ Oshkosh M-ATV brochure oshkoshdefense.com
2. ^ http://zafganistanu.pl/?p=1856
3. ^ ^{a b} "M-ATV Production Nears End; Future Contracts Loom". defensenews.com, September 22, 2010.
4. ^ ^{a b} Tegler, Eric. "Oshkosh M-ATV - Specialty File". Car and Driver magazine, January 2010.
5. ^ "Oshkosh wins $1 billion contract for bomb-resistant trucks". marketwatch.com, July 1, 2009.
6. ^ Pentagon ships new M-ATVs to Afghanistan cnet.com, October 1, 2009.
7. ^ ^{a b} M-ATV: A Win, at Last, for Oshkosh. Defense Industry Daily, 21 September 2010.
8. ^ M-ATV's to be in Afghanistan by October. aviationweek.com, July 1, 2009.
9. ^ Oshkosh to make new M-ATV. armytimes.com, July 1, 2009
10. ^ Oshkosh awarded Army contract for All-Terrain Vehicles chicagotribune.com, July 1, 2009.
11. ^ Delivering the most well-protected vehicle for the warfighter. defpro.com
12. ^ Cole, August "Oshkosh Wins $1.06 Billion Job for Mine-Resistant Trucks". Wall Street Journal (online), July 1, 2009.

External links

• M-ATV on Oshkosh Defense page