The U.S. Army could soon get new heavy-duty trucks with autonomous drive capability. Palletized Load System (PLS) A2 trucks are set to be developed by Oshkosh Defense under a new contract.
The transport vehicle is used to move supplies and equipment in combat zones. The PLS A2 delivers a range of advanced technologies, including by-wire functionality to enable autonomous operation and active safety systems that increase protection and efficiency for soldiers operating in complex environments.
Oshkosh Defense highlighted that these capabilities are critical enablers for multi-domain operations and ensure sustainment across dispersed battlefields and contested supply lines.
Rugged Oshkosh Defense Palletized Load System
The $89-million contract was delivered to Oshkosh Defense by the Army Contracting Command in Detroit under the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) program.
“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 for 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.”
PLS A2 supports future technology insertions
The PLS A2 open architecture supports future technology insertions that directly align with the Army’s transformation priorities.
Through the FHTV program, which also includes the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A4, the Army can leverage common militarized commercial components to lower lifecycle costs and integrate new and recapitalized variants efficiently. Recapitalization enables the Army to accelerate delivery of critical capabilities to Soldiers by modernizing vehicles already in the fleet. Under FHTV V, the Army can procure vehicles until August 2029, according to a press release.
Earlier, the company stressed that the rugged Oshkosh Defense Palletized Load System (PLS) M1075A1 excels in extreme conditions, efficiently distributing supplies and equipment in treacherous environments using demountable flat rack cargo beds or ISO containers.
Built to perform under the most challenging conditions
Featuring a hydraulic Load Handling System (LHS), it offers quick self-loading and unloading, increasing mission efficiencies and safety while minimizing personnel fatigue and risk, according to the company.
The PLS model vehicles are built to perform under the most challenging conditions, ensuring reliable supply and equipment distribution in treacherous environments. The PLS can carry payloads on demountable flat rack cargo beds or inside 8x8x20-foot ISO containers, providing flexible transport options for various mission requirements.
Oshkosh Defense’s reputation for producing durable and dependable military vehicles is reflected in the PLS’s ability to operate reliably in demanding environments. Operators can load or unload the truck in less than one minute and both the truck and trailer in less than five minutes, reducing downtime and increasing mission effectiveness, according to the company.