OSHKOSH, Wis. (Dec. 6, 2010) — Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), and the U.S. Army commemorated the rollout of the first Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) A1 and Palletized Load System (PLS) A1 vehicle configurations with a ceremony today at Oshkosh’s headquarters. The new configurations of these trucks feature upgrades for improved survivability and performance.
“At Oshkosh we consider it our responsibility to provide U.S. soldiers with the most advanced vehicles and protection systems,” said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “Everyone at Oshkosh, from our engineers to our Field Service Representatives in action across the globe, works to understand soldiers’ needs and, together with the military, continuously develops innovative designs that meet these needs. The HET A1 and PLS A1 are the most recent results of this collaborative approach.”
The Oshkosh HET A1 configuration includes increased horsepower, higher-capacity front suspension, a larger vehicle cab, electrical upgrades and air conditioning. The PLS A1 features a Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS)-compliant cab that is common with the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A4 for improved fleet commonality. Other PLS A1 upgrades include a 600-horsepower engine, electrical upgrades and incorporation of an Oshkosh TAK-4® independent front suspension for improved off-road mobility.
Both the HET and PLS vehicles have a long history of success within the U.S. Army. The HET is designed to rapidly transport battle tanks, fighting and recovery vehicles, construction equipment and crews to arrive in mission-ready condition. Since receiving its first contract for the vehicle in 1976, Oshkosh has produced more than 3,000 HETs for the Army.
The PLS is the backbone of the Army’s distribution and resupply system. Built to transport ammunition and other critical supplies needed in battle, the PLS has been used in front-line resupply missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Oshkosh received its first PLS contract in 1990, and has produced more than 6,000 PLS trucks and more than 14,000 trailers at its facilities to date.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, visit www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
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