This week, Defense
Update reported that the U.S. Army plans to order more Heavy Expanded
Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) from Oshkosh Corporation, the self-described
maker of "the world's toughest specialty trucks". Although the company's HEMTT
A2 is now in production, Oshkosh
plans to provide the Army with its next-generation vehicle by July 2008. Powered
by a 500-hp Caterpillar C-15 engine, the HEMTT A4 will provide 55-hp more than
the original HEMTT, which debuted in 1985. The Army's newest business with Oshkosh adds $321 million
(USD) to a contract which will cover a total production run of 1,745 HEMTT
A4's.
Today, the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) forms
the backbone of the U.S. Army's logistics fleet. According to Oshkosh
Corporation, the HEMTT A4 will combine "a high degree of parts commonalities"
with "significant advancement in power, maintenance and solider safety". In
addition to its 500-hp Caterpillar C-15 engine, the HEMTT H4 features an
Allison 4500 SP/5-speed automatic transmission that is rated for 600-hp and which
provides 1750 torque (gross input). The steering is power-assisted and
front-tandem, and the brakes use a drum-type, air-actuated S-Cam design. With a
fuel capacity of 155 gallons, the HEMTT A4 can achieve a maximum speed of 62
mph and reach a cruising range of 300 miles.
The full-line of Oshkosh HEMTT A4 vehicles will include M977
and M985 cargo trucks, M978 fuel servicing trucks (tankers), M983 tractors, M983
light equipment transporters (LETs), M984 recovery trucks with cranes and
winches (wreckers), and M985 guided missile transporters (GMTs). Within each
vehicle, a driver and passenger will sit in an air conditioned cab with
air-ride seats and 4-point seat belts. Soldier safety features include
integrated attachments for armor, under-cab protection, and heavy-duty cab
mounts. Built to withstand the rigors of the field, the 77,500-lb. HEMTT A4 will
ride on eight rugged, R20 XZL tires from Michelin. These tubeless tires are compatible with central inflation systems (CIS) as well as bead locks and/or run-flat devices.
Resources:
http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/hemtt.htm
http://www.oshkoshcorporation.com/about/
http://www.oshkoshtruck.com/defense/products~a4~home.cfm
http://www.oshkoshtruck.com/pdf/Oshkosh_HEMTT_A4_brochure.pdf
http://www.militarytires.com/
Photo Credit: Defense Update
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