Making its defence show debut at SOFEX was the Oshkosh Defense Special Purpose All-Terrain Vehicle (S-ATV), a lightweight 4×4 designed for rapid deployment by Special Forces.
Mike Ivy, senior vice president International Programs told Armada International that “ the concept was designed some years ago but put on the shelf until an unnamed Middle East country issued a requirement for this type of vehicle. Extensive desert trials were held in 2014 which proved the vehicle’s excellent rough terrain capability. However, the country that issued the requirement decided to go for an indigenous solution.”
Having proved its speed, power and agility on and off-road, Oshkosh funded further development of the vehicle.
The S-ATV employs proven technology used for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) project including the 205kW (275hp) Duramax 6.6 litre V8 diesel engine and Allison 2100 SP automatic 6-speed transmission as well as the TAK-4i suspension system. This intelligent independent suspension system enables the S-ATV to shift power to the wheels that are in contact with the ground for better control and manoeuvrability over dangerous terrain. It can also deliver 50cm of independent wheel travel while delivering the same ride quality at high speed.
With four crew and a gunner who operates a roof-mounted 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, the S-ATV has a curb weight of 3,740kg (8,250lb) and a payload capacity of 1,930kg (4,250lb). Its light weight makes it air transportable by CH-47/CH-53 helicopters.
Its engine cooling system allows continuous full power operation up to temperatures of 54ºC (130ºF). With a maximum road speed of 145 km/hr, the S-ATV is capable of climbing 70 percent gradients.
It is reconfigurable for a wide range of missions and Mike Ivy said that the S-ATV would be a contender for the US Army’s Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) requirement that is expected to be announced in the next few months.
by David Oliver
