Several companies are likely to participate in the M-ATV competition. Lockheed Martin originally planned to submit an M-ATV version based on the family of medium tactical vehicle (FMTV) chassis already proposed for JLTV but eventually didn’t deliver a model and preferred to focus on JLTV. Alternatively, BAE Systems Global Tactical Vehicles that teamed with Lockheed Martin on JLTV submitted an FMTV based vehicle derived from the Caiman. BAE Systems is also competing with another M-ATV version based on the RG-33, produced by another division. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) Canada has also submitted an RG-31 based platform for M-ATV but this vehicle, already operational with the U.S. Army and Special Operaions Command, failed the initial evaluation.
Force Protection and GDLS are proposing a version of the Cheetah as a lightweight, highly protected off-road vehicle. This vehicle was designed with V-shaped hull and high level of protection from the baseline, and, as such, offers attractive mobility and protection at a reasonable weight class. Navistar is also working on an M-ATV design. Navistar is proposing an lighter version of the MaxxPro MRAP. Finally, Oshkosh is offering an all-terrain highly armored vehicle based on a 4×4 MTVR truck.
By Mid-march 2009 fivex vehicles have been confirmed to enter the Army evaluation, including the two models proposed by BAE Systems, the MTVR based vehicle, Navistar’s MXT and Force Dynamics Cheetah.
Navistar, Oshkosh, Force Protection, General Dynamics and BAE Systems submitted proposals for M-ATVs. All vehicles were designed to comply with MRAP level protection, offer good off-road performance, carry mission equipment, including protected gunner kit or remotely operated weapon station in additional to add-on armor protecting from EFPs and possibly RPGs. Responding to the army’s requirements, all vehicles are also equipped fixed and amiable, remotely controlled side lights illuminating the roadsides and assisting in spotting potential IED ambushes. The vehicle is configured to seat five soldiers and has a payload capacity for 2,500 lbs.
- M-ATV Specifications and Performance
- Implementing Lessons from the MRAP
- M-ATV Candidates
- Producing the M-ATV
- BAE Unveils Two M-ATV Models
- Cheetah M-ATV Candidate
- Oshkosh Unveils MTVR-Based M-ATV
- Navistar’s proposes MXT for M-ATV
