Oshkosh Defense unveils TAPV prototype

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, today unveiled its prototype for Canada’s Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program, as well as the company’s plans to work with its subsidiary, London Machinery, Inc. (LMI), to leverage that company’s new facility in London, Ontario, in pursuit of Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) vehicle programs.

LMI, the leading manufacturer of concrete mixer trucks in London, Ontario, provides local advanced manufacturing capabilities and a highly skilled workforce to the Oshkosh Defense and General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada team’s bids for the TAPV and Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) programs.

“Our team has thoughtfully reviewed draft RFPs for the TAPV and MSVS programs, and we are aligning our operations to DND requirements for highly-protected vehicles and long-term maintenance and support for the vehicles,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Oshkosh Defense. “Our plans will deliver significant value to DND by leveraging proven technology and support capabilities while providing industrial and regional benefits to contribute to the Canadian economy.”

LMI, an Oshkosh Corporation subsidiary, is set to provide in-country manufacturing capabilities for both the TAPV and MSVS programs. The 140,000 square-foot LMI facility applies the latest manufacturing methods and quality processes to produce concrete mixer trucks for customers throughout North and South America. The LMI operation was designed with capacity for future programs and fosters an experienced workforce to support the TAPV and MSVS programs as well as a broad range of commercial and specialty vehicle programs.

“The Canadian content provided by LMI is in addition to the team’s commitment to perform the complete range of extensive systems integration and testing support for the vehicles at our company’s London, Ontario facility,” said Mark Roualet, president, General Dynamics Land Systems. “General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada also will provide in-country sustainment support.”

Oshkosh Defense and General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada teamed for the TAPV program, which will replace the Armoured Patrol Vehicle (APV) and the Coyote reconnaissance vehicle. The companies also are teamed up for the MSVS program, which will replace the Medium Logistics Vehicles, Wheeled (MLVW) fleet. The new programs will enhance the capabilities of the Canadian Forces with protected, high-performance vehicle fleets.

Oshkosh will serve as the prime contractor for both programs and will leverage proven vehicle platforms and advanced technologies for proposal submissions, including the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) and the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR). Oshkosh Defense uses the services of Valley Associates to provide Canadian-based marketing and business development.

“From the start of our collaboration, the Oshkosh-General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada team has been dedicated to creating good jobs and lasting value to the Canadian economy,” Hove said. “We are continuing to demonstrate that dedication through investment commitments in London Machinery.”

The production work provided by LMI is in addition to the previously announced work scope being performed by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. On March 22, 2010, the team announced that General Dynamics will provide remote weapons system (RWS), command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) integration and testing support for the vehicle as well as extensive logistics, training and technical manuals.

Source: Oshkosh

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