Oshkosh Truck Corporation (OSK)

[Investorman]

First Oshkosh LVSR Deployed to Afghanistan in Support of U.S. Marine Corps
October 19, 2009 7:30 AM ET

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation OSK, announced today that the first Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) has been deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan, with two additional vehicles set to be delivered later in October. All three vehicles being delivered are cargo variants. Oshkosh is also sending two Field Service Representatives (FSR) to Afghanistan this month to provide support services for LVSR users.

The heavy-payload LVSR, which arrived in Afghanistan in September, is a next-generation replacement for the LVS and features survivability, mobility and performance improvements. The vehicle uses the industry-leading Oshkosh®TAK-4® independent suspension system and mechanical rear-steer technology to provide superior mobility on demanding off-road terrain and unimproved roads. The LVSR also features factory-installed armor as part of its crew cab and is designed to accept an add-on armor kit for increased protection.

“The fielding of this vehicle in Afghanistan is a significant milestone for both the U.S. Marine Corps and Oshkosh Defense,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “The LVSR expands on the capabilities of the LVS, which has been an integral part of the Marine Corps fleet for nearly 25 years, to negotiate and overcome the most challenging environments, including those found in Afghanistan.”

The LVSR features an on-road payload capacity of 22.5 tons and an off-road payload capacity of 16.5 tons. The LVSR uses a single-source lubrication system for simplified maintenance and has a 600-horsepower C15 engine. The vehicle also uses Oshkosh’s Command Zone embedded diagnostics to monitor major vehicle systems, including the engine, transmission and brakes. Vehicle service and support is streamlined by the parts and maintenance commonality the LVSR shares with more than 10,000 fielded Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR).

Oshkosh won the competitively bid indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for the LVSR in June 2006. The contract has a value of $740.2 million based on a production quantity of 1,592 vehicles.

Oshkosh’s fully trained FSRs go where the military goes and provide a full range of in-field support services, including training, maintenance support, and repair and supply services. They are stationed around the world, including in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, and also provide a direct link to Oshkosh and its parts network.

Oshkosh Defense is a leading manufacturer of both medium and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles in the U.S. defense industry. More than 67,000 military-class vehicles have been produced in the company’s manufacturing facilities.