Since being awarded the production contract on June 30, 2009, Oshkosh has received four additional awards to supply a total of 6,219 M-ATVs. Oshkosh also has received orders for spare kits and to send its factory-trained field service representatives (FSR) to Afghanistan to provide training and maintenance support for the vehicles. The aggregate amount of the five awards is valued at $3.2 billion.
The first M-ATV armored vehicles arrived at Helmands' Camp Leatherneck in Southern Afghanistan in November are already taking part of patrols. The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade stationed here expects receiving more than 500 of the new vehicles in the coming weeks. Designed for small unit combat operations, M-ATV will replace the HMMWVs performing combat patrols along the rugged roads in Helmand.
The vehicle features a V-shaped hull that helps deflect roadside-bomb explosions away from its crew. It also delivers more comfort to the crew, as well as safety from different blast angles. Sporting an extended wheel base, the M-ATV keeps its crew a safe distance away from pressure plate improvised explosive devices, many of which are designed to detonate when tires roll over them.
M-ATV employs an independent suspension to absorb the bumps encountered with the humvee. Most Marines will welcome the comfort, but many will also be excited about the power. Sporting a 7.2-liter diesel engine, the M-ATV can reach 30 miles per hour in less than 11 seconds, despite weighing more than 25,000 pounds. The vehicle also tackles terrain at speeds the humvee could not, even when going up steep inclines.
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