BAE, Oshkosh offer MRAP recovery vehicles

[unhappycamper]

BAE, Oshkosh offer MRAP recovery vehicles
By Kris Osborn - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Feb 28, 2008 13:49:13 EST

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — With the Army and Marines buying thousands of 14- to 24-ton Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Oshkosh and BAE Systems are betting that the services are going to want new recovery trucks to tow the damaged vehicles out of combat. Both companies have built prototypes to offer for sale.

“Over the last year, with more Stryker and MRAP vehicles being fielded, there were more urgent requirements out there to protect soldiers and Marines. They do not have equipment that is designed to recover or evacuate those heavier platforms that were introduced as a result of the threats in theater,” said Steve Zinc, Oshkosh vice president of defense.

Oshkosh modified its 10-wheel-drive Palletized Load System (PLS), adding a rear forklift and a hitch. Called the PLSR (Palletized Load System Recovery), the new vehicle will be able to move 80,000 pounds, Zinc said at the winter 2008 Association of the U.S. Army show here.

“We put a fifth wheel on the back of a PLS, a circular metallic device connected to a hitch system. The hitch system lifts up the damaged vehicle or assists it and lifts it onto a trailer,” said Joaquin Salas, Oshkosh marketing manager.

BAE used its 26- to 35-ton MRAP RG33L chassis to create a prototype vehicle that can lift 22 tons and pull 80,000 pounds.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/dfn_022808_towtrucksw/