Oshkosh Defense signs contract to upgrade US Army's Heavy Transporters.

On December 20, 2023, the US Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) signed a five-year, $89 million contract with Oshkosh Defense for the supply of modification kits. The agreement, which includes an option for an additional three years, aims to provide approximately 1,384 kits to upgrade existing Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) A1 tractors into Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter System (EHETS) tractors, aligning them with European road standards for required payloads.
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Manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, the M1070 tractor is an 8x8 transporter that comes in various models including the M1070A1, M1300, and HET A1 to meet diverse operational needs. (Picture source: US DoD)

The Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter System (EHETS) is a configuration that includes a HET A1 M1300 tractor and an eight-axle M1302 trailer, designed for the transportation of heavy military equipment globally. It aims to facilitate line haul, local haul, and maintenance evacuation of substantial equipment like tanks, armored vehicles, and recovery vehicles. The system also has the capability for self-loading and unloading of disabled cargo, which is critical for evacuation scenarios.

Manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, the M1070 tractor is an 8x8 tank transporter that comes in various models including the M1070A1, M1300, HET A1, and Global HET A1 to meet diverse operational needs. The HET A1 and Global HET A1 are variants of the M1070A1, modified to have three axles and designed for the deployment and retrieval of a range of heavy equipment.

Both the HET A1 and Global HET A1 models are powered by a 700-horsepower Caterpillar C18 engine and feature an Allison 4800SP transmission and a single-speed Oshkosh 30000 Series transfer case. They are equipped with dual 55,000 lbs. winches and a 6-person, air-conditioned cab. These variants comply with Long-Term Armor Strategy (LTAS) standards. The HET A1 is tailored for the transport of the M1 Abrams main battle tank, incorporating specific features for this task, while the Global HET A1 is adjusted to meet European road regulations and has a payload capacity of 72 tons (65,317 kg).

The M1302 trailer, part of the EHETS, has eight axles for increased capacity, supporting a payload of up to 85 tons. It includes an adjustable gooseneck, hydraulic ramps, and an Auxiliary Power Unit for various hydraulic systems. Additional features of the trailer include 32 tires plus a spare, a load-leveling hydraulic suspension, and ten suspension supports for enhanced reinforcement. The trailer is equipped with a two-line, straight-air brake system, Michelin radial tires, and a pivoting gooseneck with hydraulic and load-compensating capabilities. The kingpin is 3.5 inches in diameter, complying with US/NATO Heavy Duty Standards, and is designed for easy removal.