Oshkosh Awarded HET A1 Upgrade Program Contract from U.S. Army

OSHKOSH, Wis. -- It was recently announced that Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army to begin engineering and initial production of the next-generation of Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET).

Oshkosh Corporation currently supplies the Army with the M1070 HET. The HET, along with the M1000 trailer, is designed to increase mobility and decrease wear on the Army's M1 Abrams tank by hauling it over long distances. The Army developed a requirement to improve upon the performance of the tank's transporter. The HET A1 upgrade program will expand upon the vehicle capabilities of the existing M1070 HET and is valued at more than $11 million.

Earlier this month Oshkosh Corporation submitted a HET A1 Phase I proposal to the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). After conducting a number of analyses of alternatives, the government has requested that Oshkosh proceed with the proposed improvements through this single-source contract.

The HET A1 program includes improvements to the power train including the engine, transmission, transfer case and electrical systems. The next-generation HET also will incorporate improved axles and wheels, a new hood and cab improvements consisting of improved seats, dash panel, electrical, air conditioning and additional support for future armor upgrades.

These upgrades will be delivered on six pilot vehicles for testing. Phase II will involve production verification testing of the HET A1.

Oshkosh Corporation also supplies the U.K. 1070F HET to the Ministry of Defence. Coupled with a King GTS100 heavy equipment trailer, the U.K. HET is designed to haul the Challenger II battle tank or armored vehicles and self-propelled guns. Manufacturing of the Oshkosh® HET began in 1992.

For more information, check out www.oshkoshtruck.com/defense/products~het~home.cfm