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Military

Oshkosh L-ATV put forward as Humvee replacement

By Ben Coxworth
September 15, 2011
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Oshkosh Defense's new light combat vehicle, the L-ATV, could replace the U.S. Military's Humvee
Oshkosh Defense's new light combat vehicle, the L-ATV, could replace the U.S. Military's Humvee
Oshkosh Defense's new light combat vehicle, the L-ATV, could replace the U.S. Military's Humvee
Oshkosh Defense's new light combat vehicle, the L-ATV, could replace the U.S. Military's Humvee
Oshkosh Defense's new light combat vehicle, the L-ATV, could replace the U.S. Military's Humvee
Oshkosh Defense's new light combat vehicle, the L-ATV, could replace the U.S. Military's Humvee
Oshkosh Defense's new light combat vehicle, the L-ATV, could replace the U.S. Military's Humvee
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Much as Hummer-owners may like to speak of their vehicles' military pedigree, the fact is that the U.S. Army now wants to replace its Humvees with vehicles that are better suited for use in war zones, particularly when it comes to protecting occupants. One potential Humvee-replacement has just been announced by Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense - the Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle or L-ATV.

First of all, the L-ATV is well-armored. Its passenger capsule is scalable, and can accept multiple armor configurations, depending on the situation. The capsule's modular design also allows for compatibility with future technological upgrades.

Road bumps are soaked up by Oshkosh's proprietary TAK-4i independent suspension system, which offers 20 inches (50.8 cm) of travel per wheel. According to the company, that is 25 percent more than any vehicle currently in use by the U.S. Military.

One interesting option is a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. While drivers of the L-ATV might not be thinking much about its carbon footprint, they doubtless don't want to run out of fuel in enemy territory, or waste more time than necessary refueling. It also means that their mission range is considerably extended.

Another one of the company's products, the M-ATV Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, is already in military service.

Source: Slashgear

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MilitaryHybridHummerOff-roadCombatOshkoshOshkosh Corporation
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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
23 comments
Bill Bennett
looks impressive, please do not let there be a "street" version, we already have enough MORONS driving oversized vehicles
Slowburn
I hope they sell them on the civilian market, just to annoy the suicidal idiots in the smugmobiles.
Chevypower
Yes, make a civilian version!!!! I love running over jealous idiots in their little hatchbacks.
barak.josh
The vehicle was developed with pallsan (kiutz sassa israel)
http://www.plasansasa.com/product-lines/armored-vehicles
josh
Daryl Sonnier
Yes, build a civilian version to run right over the self-righteous, smug MORONS that drive their Priuses.
chidrbmt
Why can\'t those that leave comments just stick with the article subject without adding idiotic political thoughts and name calling? The intelligence and maturity of comment differences between American and those in England and Europe is astounding.
Albert Feyen
Looks good, I can\'t wait to trade in my Hummer for an Oshkosh, by gosh! If only to piss off the self-righteous hybrid owners. After all, it is a hybrid. I hope it will come with a big towing package.
Jim Sadler
Keeping occupants reasonably safe when the improvised explosive charges are in play sounds really challenging. How does one even guess at the strength of an improvised device? Worse yet would it only be a matter of an enemy using a bit more of a charge if these vehicles become common in conflict areas? Using robotics instead of human occupied vehicles seems like a better idea to me.
phydeaux
I just wonder if it could be any fuglier.
Its looks is its own weapon.
Jeff Kunkler
to chidrbmt, not all Americans think along these lines (I realize that this is not what you said)... please realize that it\'s kind of a self selecting group that responds; meaning the most likely to post here are those who are interested in military vehicles. I would believe that there will be a vocal minority of this set who hold less than socially responsible or respectful positions. I believe that most military personnel would take the position that they would be willing to fight for our rights as Americans to drive low carbon footprint vehicles, regardless of personal views.
I do agree a few people can be \"smug\" about being environmentally aware, but to respond that we should run them over points out the lack of social respect. Clearly we have a ways to go to voicing opinions in more mature manner.
Regarding the vehicle; I\'d love to know how they got 20\" of wheel travel, that is a tremendous technical achievement, and should let the passengers get to where they are needed with less fatigue. And as a Wisconsinite, I am proud that Oshkosh Truck is being considered to be a supplier to the military.
Cheers!
Jeff
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