OSHKOSH, WIS. (February 16, 2005) – Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK], a leading manufacturer of trucks and truck bodies, announced it has developed the next generation of its Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) for the U.S. Army. Known as the HEMTT A3, this third-generation design features numerous advanced technologies such as hybrid-electric drive, an enhanced load handling system and independent suspension to improve performance and enhance the U.S. Army’s deployability and mobility.
Oshkosh will unveil its newest tactical defense truck at the Association of the U.S. Army Winter Exposition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., February 16 – 18.
The HEMTT A3 is the first production-ready tactical defense vehicle to feature a diesel-electric drive system known as ProPulse® technology. This system not only increases fuel economy by at least 20 percent but also allows the vehicle to export up to 200 kilowatts of AC power, helping reduce the U.S. Army’s requirements for separate generators to power field hospitals, airfields and command centers.
“The HEMTT A3 was designed to be the most advanced, most effective tactical defense truck in the world, and we expect it to be a vital logistical element as the U.S. Army transforms into modular brigades. It offers the rare combination of cutting-edge hybrid technology, off-road mobility and proven dependability. The capabilities it provides will help ensure all of the benefits of lighter, faster, more mobile combat forces are realized to their fullest extent,” said John Stoddart, Oshkosh’s executive vice president and president, defense business.
Equipped with Oshkosh’s TAK-4® adjustable-height independent suspension and a revolutionary load handling system, the HEMTT A3 is the first tactical truck capable of directly unloading cargo from a C-130 aircraft without the assistance of material handling equipment.
“This capability will produce efficiencies in the supply chain never before experienced in a joint operating environment. Air Force cargo planes will be able to deliver supplies directly to Army transport units in remote locations,” said Stoddart.
The HEMTT A3 is designed to allow logistics support battalions to keep pace with combat troops led by the armored and highly mobile Stryker combat vehicles. Oshkosh’s TAK-4 independent suspension allows the HEMTT A3 to travel faster over difficult terrain.
Electric-motor-driven axles provide the truck with capabilities that meet or exceed those of earlier HEMTT configurations. This version can climb a 60-percent grade while carrying a full payload. And, it is a full 3,000 pounds lighter than its predecessor while maintaining a 13-ton payload capacity and improving reliability through the use of lightweight, high-strength materials. This allows the new truck to carry cargo while in transit on a C-130 aircraft, a first for the HEMTT line.
“A critical emphasis during development of this revolutionary new tactical truck was improving protection for the soldier. An integral armored cab can be field installed in less than eight hours to allow commanders to respond to changing threat levels quickly,” explained Stoddart.
A collision avoidance warning system is standard to help prevent accidents. And, larger windows provide improved visibility for the operator.
The new HEMTT A3 was designed to reduce the logistics footprint through:
· A modular design that simplifies maintenance. The power pack module can be removed and replaced in less than 30 minutes, and common axle and suspension modules reduce replacement parts stocking requirements.
· Improved local diagnostics that allow the operator to access vital vehicle information — via laptop, on-board display screens or hand-held, personal digital devices – to repair or troubleshoot the vehicle. Built-in diagnostic software allows maintenance personnel to pinpoint problem areas within minutes, and can even e-mail this information anywhere in the world.
· Enhanced remote diagnostics that improve the military’s “reach back” readiness, allowing expert technicians to perform vehicle diagnostics long-distance, using modem, satellite or radio telecommunications technology.
The HEMTT A3 was developed under a research and development grant from the Department of Defense, through the Heavy Tactical Vehicle Program Office and TACOM. During the next 18 months, the truck will undergo extensive performance and durability testing.
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK] is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Oshkosh Truck is a Fortune 1000 company with products marketed under the Oshkosh®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Geesink, Norba and Jerr-Dan® brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $2.3 billion in fiscal 2004. To learn more about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, visit its web site at www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that the company believes are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital spending and debt levels, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as the company “expects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” or “believes” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, risks related to reductions in government expenditures, the uncertainty of government contracts and the possibility that expected cost savings will not be achieved nor future plans realized. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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