US Army Awards Oshkosh Defense Contract for FMTV A2 Low-Velocity Air Drop Cargo Vehicles.

On May 29, 2024, Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense announced that it had won a substantial contract to supply medium tactical vehicles to the U.S. Army. The $108.9 million contract encompasses the production and delivery of the new generation of Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles A2 (FMTV A2) and corresponding trailers.

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Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6x6 Low-Velocity Air Drop Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Oshkosh Defense)

The company specified that these systems would be utilized by the U.S. Army and in projects supporting international military sales. The FMTV A2 is an enhanced version of the FMTV A1P2 model, which has been in service with the U.S. military since the 1980s. This upgrade includes reinforced armor for crew protection, increased engine power, enhanced alternator capacity, and a strengthened underbody chassis and suspension for improved resilience in the field.

The vehicles are available in various configurations, including tractors, wreckers, dump trucks, load handling systems, and cargo transport models in both 4x4 and 6x6 versions.

Pat Williams, Chief Programs Officer at Oshkosh Defense, emphasized the importance of this renewed partnership with the U.S. Army: "Our ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Army reflects our commitment to providing our nation's warriors with the most advanced tactical wheeled vehicles, supporting the modernization of the armed forces."

One of the standout models under this new contract, the FMTV A2 Cargo 6x6 LVAD (Low-Velocity Air Drop), is specifically designed to meet the logistical and transport needs of the U.S. Army. This robust tactical vehicle is equipped with a 7.2-liter Caterpillar C7 diesel engine and a 7-speed Allison automatic transmission with an integrated transfer case, optimizing torque and traction management. Its suspension system, featuring parabolic leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers, ensures maximum comfort even on very rough terrain. Additionally, its armor, compliant with the U.S. Army's Long-Term Armor Strategy (LTAS), provides enhanced protection for the crew against ballistic threats and improvised explosive devices. The payload capacity of this model is also a major asset, allowing for the transportation of significant volumes of materials and supplies.

The year 2023 was particularly successful for Oshkosh, with several major contracts signed. Besides the current contract, the company secured a $201 million deal to supply FMTV A2s in 16 different configurations, as well as a $57 million contract to develop 116 trailers for the Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter System. Later in the year, Oshkosh also signed a $342 million contract to provide Medium Equipment Trailers and another $89 million deal for Heavy Equipment Transporter tractors.

These agreements underscore the U.S. Army's renewed confidence in Oshkosh and reinforce the critical role of the company in supporting and modernizing the nation's defense capabilities.

Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6x6 Low-Velocity Air Drop Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Oshkosh Defense)