US Army concludes final airdrop test of new tactical vehicle

US Army concludes final airdrop test of new tactical vehicle

US Army concludes final airdrop test of new tactical vehicle

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The U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) recently completed the concluding airdrop test of the Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

According to a press release from Oshkosh, this milestone event represents a crucial phase in the FMTV A2 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD) program, affirming its capability to withstand rigorous airdrop conditions and meet the exacting requirements of airborne missions.

Developed as a solution to address the challenges posed by an aging medium LVAD fleet, the Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 LVAD series, comprising the Cargo 6×6, Cargo 4×4, and Dump Truck 6×6 variants, is designed to fulfill essential roles within the Airborne community.

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Commenting on the successful tests, Pat Williams, Chief Programs Officer at Oshkosh Defense, expressed satisfaction with the FMTV A2 LVAD’s performance, emphasizing the company’s dedication to delivering mission-critical tactical vehicles aligned with the evolving needs of modern warfare.

The completion of the FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 LVAD airdrop trials underscores its resilience, structural integrity upon landing, and capability to execute post-drop maneuvers effectively. Preceding this achievement, the Cargo 6×6 LVAD prototype underwent comprehensive testing in 2023, including Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS), Rigging Exercises (RIGEX), Roller Loading, and Simulated Airdrop Impact Testing (SAIT). Similar evaluations are scheduled for the Cargo 4×4 and Dump Truck LVAD variants in 2024.

Photo by Tad Browning

Set to replace aging Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs), the FMTV series represents a vital advancement in military logistics and operational readiness.

Oshkosh’s ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Army has seen significant procurement orders, including a US$152 million contract in 2021, followed by a $141 million order in February 2023, and a subsequent $201 million contract in August 2023, reaffirming the military’s confidence in the FMTV A2’s capabilities and potential impact on future operations.

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