14 DAY TRIAL // For decades, the United States Armed Forces have been using the Humvee to perform various military operations. But this could soon come to an end thanks to the latest light combat vehicle coming from Oshkosh Defense: the Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV).
In what is considered to be the next generation of light combat military vehicles, the Oshkosh L-ATV reportedly incorporates field-proven technologies, advanced armor solutions and expeditionary levels of mobility.
The real leverage of the L-ATV is that it can accept multiple armor configurations that offer protection from IEDs, a weakness that became evident during the Iraq War.
Also, the vehicle comes fitted with the TAK-4i intelligent suspension system that provides 20 inches (508 mm) of wheel travel to improve off-road mobility.
Available as a kit is an optional ProPulse hybrid diesel-electric drive train with exportable power (stationary and on the move) and lower life-cycle costs.
According to the manufacturer, the ProPulse system uses a modular series-hybrid arrangement to simplify the transmission of power to the wheels. The diesel engine powers an electric generator, which provides direct power to the wheels, eliminating the torque converter, automatic transmission, transfer case and drive shafts.
The system has no batteries, using ultracapacitors for energy storage instead. A regenerative system uses the traction motors as generators for vehicle braking, storing the energy and then uses it during the next acceleration event, thus reducing wear and tear on the brake system.
“We designed the L-ATV to address the rapidly evolving threats and provide troops with greater ability to navigate through extreme driving conditions,” said Ken Juergens, vice president and general manager of Joint Programs for Oshkosh Defense.
“Battlefields have changed – threats are more dangerous, operating environments are more rugged and fuel efficiency is more important than ever. The state-of-the-art L-ATV is designed to meet these challenges, today and well into the future, just as our M-ATV continues to meet evolving battlefield threats without comprising its payload and off-road mission profile,” added Juergens.