Article Posted on : - Jun 07, 2010

MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle . Photo: Oshkosh Defense.

OSHKOSH (BNS): Oshkosh Defense has received a contract worth more than $67 million to incorporate configuration changes to more than 420 MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) variants for the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

The new M-ATV variants with the SOCOM-specific vehicle configuration will be delivered to US between September and November 2010.

"The M-ATV SOCOM variant will give Special Forces the life-saving protection capabilities and superior off-road mobility that already have benefited US operations in Afghanistan, in addition to delivering design changes specific to SOCOM's needs," Ken Juergens, Oshkosh Corporation vice president and general manager, Defense - Joint Programs, said in an official news release.

"This new variant is a part of our continuous effort to expand our M-ATV family of vehicles to best serve the needs of the War-fighter and leverage fleet commonality,” he added.

The M-ATV SOCOM variant features a modified cargo deck, intended to accept specialised equipment based on the requirements of each mission, as well as larger front windscreens for increased visibility.

The rear storage is accessible through an armoured cargo access hatch in the passenger capsule, which can seat five while operating a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) or four with a gunner.

The M-ATV was designed to provide superior off-road mobility for harsh mountainous terrain and unimproved road networks in places like Afghanistan.