HMMWV Equipped With Oshkosh TAK-4 Suspension Currently Undergoing USMC Evaluation
OSHKOSH, Wis. (Jan. 26, 2011) — Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), will display its enhancements for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) at Marine West 2011 in response to new U.S. Marine Corps requirements that call for the vehicle to receive add-on armor. The Marine Corps is currently testing and evaluating Oshkosh’s upgraded HMMWV, which uses the Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension system to improve the vehicle’s mobility and restore cargo capacity.
“The U.S. Marine Corps needs light vehicles capable of offering the utmost protection for our Marines, and that is what Oshkosh is delivering with these improvements,” said John Bryant, vice president and general manager of Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “Our signature TAK-4 system increases the vehicle’s ground clearance to 17 inches, improving resistance to blasts and allowing for the addition of underbody armor for improved survivability. It also gives Marines improved mobility and ride quality on missions across treacherous terrain.”
Integrating the TAK-4 system on the HMMWV gives the vehicle a 70 percent off-road profile capability and 14 inches of independent wheel travel. In addition to increased mobility, this improves ride quality by reducing suspension vibration and harshness. Use of the Oshkosh TAK-4 system also restores the vehicle’s payload capacity to 2,500 pounds when the crew is embarked with all add-on armor installed; increases the vehicle’s maximum speed by 40 percent and improves the vehicle’s braking by 46 percent.
Also on display at Marine West will be Oshkosh’s Light Concept Tactical Vehicle (LCTV), which successfully tackled the 43rd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race in Mexico in November. The LCTV is equipped with a next-generation TAK-4 independent suspension system, giving the vehicle 20 inches of independent wheel travel, and uses the Oshkosh ProPulse® diesel-electric powertrain.
The ProPulse technology delivers as much as 20 percent improved fuel economy and has 70 kW of available military-grade power. The LCTV’s bolt-together capsule design allows for vehicle upgrades and continuous enhancements without having to weld or conduct major fabrication.
Oshkosh will be exhibiting at booth #333 at the show, which is taking place Jan. 26-27 at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in Oceanside, Calif.
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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