The US Army has awarded Oshkosh Defense an $89-million contract to build Palletized Load System (PLS) A2 trucks, along with kits and installations.
The order was issued through the Army Contracting Command in Detroit under the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) program, which runs until August 2029.
The PLS A2 is a heavy-duty transport truck used to move supplies and equipment in combat zones.
It incorporates drive-by-wire controls that can support future self-driving functions and includes safety systems designed to reduce risks for soldiers.
The vehicle’s open design also makes it easier to add new technology as the army updates its fleet.
“This award underscores our commitment to partnering with the Army to modernize the heavy tactical fleet quickly and at scale,” said Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense.
“Together, we are delivering next generation capabilities that keep Soldiers safer for today’s missions while providing a foundation to enable the fleet for the future fight.”
The FHTV program also covers the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). Similar to PLS, the HEMTT vehicles use commercial-grade parts, which helps lower maintenance costs and simplify upgrades.
The effort also allows older trucks to be rebuilt and modernized, speeding up the delivery of updated vehicles to soldiers in the field.
The Palletized Load System
Oshkosh’s PLS was first commissioned in the 1990s and has since received multiple renditions to match warfighters’ evolving needs.
Operated by a crew of two, the vehicle measures 11 meters (36 feet) in length, weighs up to 39,009 kilograms (86,000 pounds), depending on configuration, and can move payloads weighing up to 14,965 kilograms (32,992 pounds).
It is powered by a 600-horsepower Caterpillar C15 engine, an Allison 4500SP six-speed automatic transmission, specialized rear and front suspensions, and a 704-liter fuel tank.
The platform has a range of 483 kilometers (300 miles) and a maximum speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour.
