Oshkosh Defense [OSK] will continue research activities under a $9.4 million contract modification on its Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A3 variant.
The contract modification from Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) includes additional improvements to the current HEMTT A3 technology demonstrator to provide the Army an operationally complete and fully equipped vehicle.
Oshkosh engineers will upgrade the vehicle’s engine horsepower and incorporate an Army Long-Term Armor Strategy (LTAS) compliant integral lightweight composite armor A kit and add-on lightweight composite armor appliqu� B kit to improve crew protection.
“These are among the first steps that could establish the HEMTT A3 as the Army’s next-generation support vehicle,” said John Stoddart, Oshkosh Corp. executive vice president and president, Defense. “Featuring Oshkosh’s signature ProPulser hybrid system, TAK-4r independent suspension, and the Enhanced Load Handling System, the HEMTT A3 combines the durability of the proven HEMTT vehicle with the advanced technology needed for tomorrow’s missions.”
The work also will result in the production of two new HEMTT A3 vehicles. One of the vehicles will be provided to the Army for a 20,000-mile durability test at its Aberdeen Test Center. The second vehicle will be used for performance-capability testing of the HEMTT A3 against its current HEMTT A2/A4 production vehicles.
The HEMTT A3 was designed to help transform the Army’s tactical vehicle fleet and support modularity. It features advanced vehicle technology and a 13-ton payload capacity, making it ideally suited for the Army’s logistics support missions.
Oshkosh’s ProPulse hybrid technology improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency by at least 20 percent compared to other HEMTT models while an on-board generator exports 100 kW of military-grade power. The HEMTT A3 also is capable of loading and unloading C-130 aircraft without the need for additional material handling equipment. These features reduce the vehicle’s logistics footprint, increase its mobility and provide new capabilities to the warfighter.