Oshkosh Corp.’s [OSK] Defense division has unveiled its prototype for Canada’s Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program at its subsidiary London Machinery Inc. (LMI), in London, Ontario.
The company also revealed plans to leverage the new LMI new facility there to aid in pursuing Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) vehicle programs.
LMI, the leading manufacturer of concrete mixer trucks, provides local advanced manufacturing capabilities and a highly skilled workforce to the Oshkosh Defense and General Dynamics [GD] Land Systems-Canada team’s bids for the TAPV and Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) programs.
“Our team has thoughtfully reviewed draft RFPs (request for proposals) 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,” Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corp. executive vice president and president, Oshkosh Defense, said in a Feb. 15 statement. “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 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 has 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).
The production work provided by LMI is in addition to the previously announced work scope being performed by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. Last March, the team said General Dynamics would 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.