Oshkosh Defense awarded $13 million for HEMTT A4 add-on armor kits, fuel tanker self-sealant applications

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, has received two awards valued at more than $13 million from the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for the next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). Under an award valued at more than $8 million, Oshkosh will supply more than 90 HEMTT A4 add-on armor kits. A second award valued at more than $5 million is for the application of self-sealant coating to more than 300 new and recapitalized M978 A4 Tankers to help reduce the risk of fire during fuel transport.

The HEMTT A4's add-on armor package, or "B Kit," is in addition to the HEMTT A4's factory-installed, or "A Kit," armor and can be installed in theater. Delivery of the armor kits is expected to be completed by September 2010. The HEMTT A4 and the next-generation Palletized Load System (PLS) share a common cab, resulting in a reduced logistics footprint and streamlined training.

The award for self-sealant applications continues work that began in December 2009 and extends it to September 2010. The self-sealant coating increases safety for HEMTT Tanker crews by sealing punctures from small-arms fire or other small, high-velocity objects.

The Oshkosh HEMTT's 13-ton payload and off-road capabilities make it the backbone for the US Army's logistics fleet. Since its introduction in 1985, the HEMTT has helped keep the Army on the move during major conflicts such as Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The HEMTT is part of the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) built by Oshkosh, which also includes the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) and PLS. Oshkosh has produced more than 70,000 military-class vehicles at its facilities, including more than 30,000 FHTVs.

Source: Oshkosh