It has been announced today that the US Army has selected Oshkosh Defense to produce a semi-trailer for the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET).
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Press Release, Wisconsin, 30 May 2019: Oshkosh Defense, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced today that the US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) has awarded Oshkosh Defense and partner, Broshuis B.V., a contract to produce semitrailers for the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET).
The contract award is in response to an Operational Needs Statement (ONS) from the US Army Europe for a semitrailer that can deliver increased payload capability while gaining European road permissions. The contract, initially awarded at $13.3M, has a maximum value of $109.8M and calls for 170 semitrailers to be delivered between FY20 and FY21.
The HET was designed by Oshkosh Defense to provide rapid movement of mission-critical equipment including tanks, armoured vehicles, and recovery vehicles. Oshkosh Defense has been producing the HET for the US Army since 1976. Broshuis B.V. has over 130 years of experience providing innovative semitrailers for specialized commercial and military transport.
“Oshkosh Defense and our partner, Broshuis B.V., each bring a unique set of skills and experiences to this programme,” said Pat Williams, Vice President and General Manager of US Army and US Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “As the OEM of the HET, not only do we understand this vehicle inside and out, but we also have a proven record of success delivering critical vehicle accessories and upgrades that our troops rely on. By combining our experience with the trailer expertise of our partner, Broshuis B.V., we were able to provide the US Army with an efficient, durable semitrailer that can be relied upon to ensure heavy equipment arrives in mission-ready condition.”
The US Army’s selection comes after two prototypes successfully completed a 3-month test and evaluation phase at Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland. The semitrailers were evaluated on their payload capacity, transportability, loading and unloading efficiency of operational and disabled vehicles, and overall logistics capability.
“We are proud that the US Army has trusted us to produce the HET ONS semitrailer, and we look forward to getting these fielded with our Soldiers in Europe,” Williams continued.
About the Semitrailer
- 8 hydraulically controlled power steered independent PL2 pendular axles
- Compensating hydraulic gooseneck for optimal weight distribution
- Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides independent power
- Provides storage for tractor and trailer Basic Issue Items (BII) and spare tires
About the HET
- 700 Horsepower Caterpillar® C18 engine
- Allison® 4800SP transmission
- Single-speed Oshkosh 30000 transfer case
- Two 55,000 lbs. winches