Truck manufacturers have until the end of January to offer design upgrades for the Army’s fleet of utility trucks, focusing on increased payload and improved crew protection.
The Army in October issued a request for proposals for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) model A2, which is an upgrade to the long-term armoring strategy A1P2 model that allows bolting varying levels of armor to the cab and chassis.
Plans are to award on seven-year firm fixed price and cost-plus fixed fee contract that involves five base order years with two one-year options. In order to maintain the testing schedule, the first FMTV A2 test vehicle must deliver to the Army 450 days after contract award, according to the RFP.
The Army plans to order 285 light MTVs in three variants, 2,116 MTV trucks in 13 variants and 23 trailers in three variants. There are 17 existing variants within the FMTV fleet, all built on a common chassis.
“The A2 continues to allow Commanders to adapt to new armor technologies, changing missions, and changing threats,” the Army says. “The A2 model enhancements allow the ability for increased underbody armor protection, mobility, ride quality, safety, and electrical power generation.”
FMTVs primarily provide transportation and mobility for combat, combat support, and sustainment units. The trucks are made to move supplies, personnel, units, and equipment to arm, fuel, fix, and sustain fielded forces.
The forthcoming contract includes options for supplemental kits for underbody protection, alternate paint, vehicle care and storage, Arctic missions, resupply vehicles and resupply trailer kits. Component upgrades include a higher capacity suspension, an integrated data bus, Electronic Stability Control, higher capacity alternator, and an increase in engine power.
FMTVs entered service in 1996 but have undergone significant upgrades and the number of variants has increased considerably since then. The trucks have been manufactured by a series of companies beginning with Stewart and Stevenson. Armor Holdings took over before BAE Systems assumed responsibility and they are now built by Oshkosh [OSK], which also is building the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle that replaces a portion of the Humvee fleet.
Vehicle manufacturers that have been locked out of the program are expected to pitch vehicles and/or kits for the FMTV upgrade program. Incumbent Oshkosh did not respond to requests for comment on its plan to retain the Army’s business.
AM General, which built both the Humvee and the current Army and Marine Corps fleets of M939 heavy cargo trucks, plans to enter a vehicle in the competition. That company, which lost JLTV to Oshkosh, has been racking up significant contracts for sustainment and international sales of the Humvee.
Navistar Defense, builder of mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles called the MaxxPro, also is expected to participate. In October the company brought an example of its hardened, drop-in replacement cab for its 7000 Series commercial truck to the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The company has not commented on its plans to enter the FMTV upgrade competition.