Oshkosh wins $79 million contract for M-ATV protection and remote weapon system kits from U.S Army

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has received two awards valued at more than $79 million from the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) to supply more than 1,750 add-on rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) protection kits and more than 1,000 kits to support remote weapon systems for the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV). Work for both orders is expected to be completed in September 2010. The award for RPG protection kits is valued at more than $68 million and installation will be completed in-theater. The award for remote weapon system kits is valued at more than $11 million. Oshkosh will install these kits on the production lines and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) will install the kits on previously delivered vehicles. Remote weapon systems allow fighting crews to operate from within the vehicle, even when on the move. “The M-ATV is designed to accept these kits and other add-on packages and still deliver exceptional survivability and performance capabilities for operations in Afghanistan,” said Ken Juergens, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager, Joint Programs. “We are committed to working with our Armed Forces to ensure they have the most advanced, well-protected and mobile vehicles needed to carry out missions in challenging environments.” The Oshkosh M-ATV uses the company’s patented TAK-4 independent suspension system. The proven technology delivers superior off-road mobility and allows the M-ATV to accept heavier armor, such as add-on explosively formed penetrator (EFP) armor packages, while maintaining a full payload of 4,000 pounds. Additionally, the vehicle’s bolt-on armor permits in-theater upgrades to meet mission demands and rapid repair of armor panels for quick turnaround times. To date, Oshkosh has received awards valued at $4.9 billion for 8,079 M-ATVs, as well as spare parts kits, upgrade kits and aftermarket support. Oshkosh also has leaned forward using its own time and resources to create an M-ATV family of vehicles with the ambulance and utility variants. The variants, built around the same highly mobile, well-protected platform, have the potential to deliver critical casualty care and resupply services in harsh environments like those found in Afghanistan.