Oshkosh Defense is unveiling a Special Operations Vehicle (SOV) configuration of the SandCat at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2009 taking place at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire, U.K. next week. The vehicle was designed specifically for the emerging requirements of international special forces units that need an open, highly mobile and well-protected vehicle for operations in remote locations.
The variant is the latest addition to the SandCat family and is based on the same lightweight, high-performance and well-protected platform. The vehicle has an integrated, customizable and replaceable survivability system that can match specific mobility requirements. Protection features include a high-energy absorbing belly deflector, ballistic steel roof, collapsible seat base and suspended seats. Armor sections made from metal composites provide protection from multiple hits and are integrated into the vehicle’s design to allow for a higher payload capacity than a standard vehicle its size. The armor suite was designed and manufactured by Plasan North America, which developed the armor systems in use on the Oshkosh Armored Cab Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) and more than 5,000 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
According to Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense, the SandCat SOV was built around commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to maximize ease of maintenance and repairs globally. As with other Oshkosh SandCat vehicles, the SOV’s survivability features can be adjusted to meet the payload needs and threat levels of specific missions. Available in utility and transport variants, which can carry four to eight people respectively, SandCat vehicles boast a 242-kilowatt (325-horsepower) engine, a maximum speed greater than 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) and exceptional maneuverability. They were designed to meet the international market’s needs for numerous operations, including peacekeeping, homeland security, military, law enforcement, disaster aid and security.
