Oshkosh Defense announced on 21 August 2024 that it had been awarded a contract worth USD 1.54 billion (EUR 1.37 billion) by the US Army Contracting Command relating to the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) V programme. The contract allows Oshkosh to continue delivering new and recapitalised FHTV variants and their associated trailers into 2031.
The FHTV range includes the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT A4), the Palletized Load System (PLS A1), the PLS Trailer and the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET A1). Adaptability is the key to these heavy platforms, which provide the payload, protection and mobility to support combat formations in the most demanding environments. To date, Oshkosh has produced more than 71,000 modernised heavy tactical vehicles and trailers for the US military and its allied nations.
The HEMTT is an 8×8 heavy tactical military truck with a protected cab for swap-body carriers with a payload of ten tons. The PLS with trailer is a transport system with an unprotected cab for interchangeable load carriers with a payload of up to 16.5 tons each. The HET is an 8×8 tractor with two 25-ton winches for the transportation of M1 Abrams main battle tanks on a trailer.
Oshkosh says it will improve the FHTV fleet through cost-effective and targeted upgrades to modernise the fleet, extend vehicle life and reduce operating costs. The FHTV’s advanced architecture allows for the seamless integration of additional features such as drive-by-wire capability, condition-based maintenance (CBM), electrification, electric power dispensing, fuel efficiency and modifications to reduce logistical needs.
“The evolution of the FHTV through technical insertions and recapitalization is a testament to our innovation and focus on expanded capabilities,” said Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense. “By integrating new technologies into the FHTV fleet, we are not only improving operational efficiencies, but also future-proofing our vehicles to meet the evolving needs of the warfighter.”
In June 2024, as part of the FHTV IV contract extension, the US Army awarded a number of contract modifications valued at USD 231.9 million for modernised trucks, kits and kit installs. The army can begin buying vehicles on the FHTV V contract in August 2024.
