The vehicles, called MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles or M-ATVs, are lighter, more mobile versions of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles now used in Iraq.
One version of the vehicle is produced by the company’s Global Tactical Systems (GTS) business and the other from its US Combat Systems (USCS) business.
“We combined the industry’s best in a vehicle that is survivable, mobile and dependable for use in Afghanistan,” said Regis Luther, vice president of Light Tactical Vehicles for the GTS line of business.
“Our lightweight M-ATV provides MRAP protection and better mobility than Humvees,” said Greg Mole, director of MRAP programs.
Force Dynamics has already delivered two Production Representative Vehicles (PRVs) to undergo initial survivability and mobility screening as part of the M-ATV solicitation.
The US Army`s Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) has indicated that if an M-ATV vehicle submission can meet all of the inspection requirements, survivability threshold and mobility tests that the vehicle will be given a “fair opportunity” for selection for a production delivery order.
Damon Walsh, executive vice president and managing director of Force Dynamics, commented that he was “very pleased that the Cheetah has been selected to continue to compete for this important and urgently needed program. This is a strong validation of the M-ATV Cheetah’s high level of mobility, combined with MRAP-I level protection. We believe that the M-ATV Cheetah provides the war fighter with the highest level of performance. In order to be as prepared as possible, Force Dynamics has already initiated production of the M-ATV Cheetah. We are fully ready to respond to the customer’s demand for these critical vehicles.”
Mike Cannon, chairman of the board of Force Dynamics and vice president, Ground Combat Systems, at General Dynamics Land Systems, commented “This is an important milestone for Force Dynamics in the M-ATV competition. Our submission offers superior mobility and survivability, and the complementary strengths of this partnership offer the best in production capability, service and support, and research and development.”
“Our M-ATV effort is backed by world-class manufacturing abilities and logistical support that will allow us to successfully deliver on the aggressive procurement schedule outlined by TACOM and to provide total lifecycle support for the vehicle,” Cannon said.
As is the case with all the other vehicles in the competition, the Oshkosh M-ATV is designed to meet an urgent need requirement for a well-protected vehicle than can thrive in operations on Afghanistan’s rugged and mountainous off-road terrain.