Oshkosh Defense to produce new M-ATV SOCOM variant

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, announced today that the company received an undefinitized award valued at more than $67 million to incorporate configuration changes to more than 420 MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) variants for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The SOCOM-specific vehicle configuration changes will be cut in on Oshkosh manufacturing lines in August 2010. M-ATV SOCOM variants with these configuration changes are scheduled to be delivered between September and November 2010.

Oshkosh engineers have been working in tandem with SOCOM to develop an M-ATV variant to meet their unique mission needs. The M-ATV SOCOM variant features a modified cargo deck, intended to accept specialized equipment based on the requirements of each mission, as well as larger front windscreens for increased visibility. The rear storage is accessible through an armored cargo access hatch in the passenger capsule, which can seat five while operating a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) or four with a gunner.

“The M-ATV SOCOM variant will give Special Forces the life-saving protection capabilities and superior off-road mobility that already have benefited U.S. operations in Afghanistan, in addition to delivering design changes specific to SOCOM’s needs,” said Ken Juergens, Oshkosh Corporation vice president and general manager, Defense - Joint Programs. “This new variant is a part of our continuous effort to expand our M-ATV family of vehicles to best serve the needs of the Warfighter and leverage fleet commonality.”

The SOCOM variant is the latest in the M-ATV family of vehicles and joins utility and ambulance variants recently developed by Oshkosh. Utility and ambulance M-ATVs were developed to help military operations provide resupply services and critical casualty care in unforgiving landscapes where tactical missions must operate.

The M-ATV was designed to provide superior off-road mobility for harsh mountainous terrain and unimproved road networks in places like Afghanistan. Oshkosh has received awards valued at more than $5 billion to date for 8,079 M-ATVs, as well as spare parts kits, upgrade kits and aftermarket support.