Oshkosh Receives $122 Million Order To Provide TAK-4 Independent Suspension System For MRAPs

Oshkosh Receives $122 Million Order To Provide TAK-4 Independent Suspension System For MRAPs

(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. — April 12, 2009: Oshkosh Corporation announced April 9., that its Defense business received a $122 million order to supply its TAK-4® independent suspension system for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The supply order was issued by Force Protection Incorporated (FPI) as a result of a contract action from the MRAP Joint Program Office (JPO).

TAK-4® Independent Suspension System—Improved off-road capability. Increased payload. Unmatched combat performance. Oshkosh’s patented TAK-4 suspension allows for faster stopping, better cornering, and is far more off-road capable than most straight-axle vehicles. It is combat-tested and combat-proven, having demonstrated proven performance in both Iraq and Afghanistan theaters. TAK-4® Delivers: *Improved ride quality *Better maneuverability *Reduced braking *Less maintenance. Oshkosh’s patented TAK-4 Independent Suspension System has experienced tremendous success on more than 8,000 tactical trucks since its introduction on the Marine Corps MTVR (Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement ) in 1998. That success has also been proven on thousands of custom fire trucks built by our fire truck subsidiary, Pierce.

The order will equip MRAP 4x4 and 6x6 axle configuration vehicles with the Oshkosh® TAK-4 system for improved off-road mobility. Under the purchase order, Oshkosh will provide the military with its patented TAK-4 independent suspension upgrade kits for installation on existing MRAP vehicles. This same innovative Oshkosh independent suspension system is featured on over 10,000 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) chassis for the U.S. Marine Corps.

The MTVR is renowned for its survivability and off-road capability in severe environments, including conducting missions on Afghanistan's rugged terrain while maintaining high readiness rates. “The Oshkosh TAK-4 system has undergone more than 400,000 miles of government durability testing and will significantly improve the off-road mobility of MRAP vehicles.

We are proud that our suspension system has been recognized for its strength and durability, while enhancing vehicle mobility in the toughest terrain,” said Robert Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “We are committed to providing our military customers with the most advanced vehicles and technologies to best serve the Warfighters in the field.” The Department of Defense is continuing to evaluate the Oshkosh TAK-4 system for suitability on additional MRAP models. The Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) and MRAP JPO tested early-fielded MRAPs upgraded with TAK-4 and determined the enhancement significantly improved the vehicle's mobility. Based on this successful testing, Oshkosh worked with FPI to develop a field installable kit to upgrade the vehicle.

About Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons.

Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com. About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, BAI®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, Geesink™, Norba™, Kiggen™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.