REDBACK/SAMSON-Based Offering
The US Army has selected Oshkosh Defense and Partners to participate in the concept Design Phase for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), which will replace the now 40-year old BRADLEY IFV fleet, the Wisconsin-based company announced on 26 July.
The Oshkosh team, which includes Pratt Miller Defense, Hanwha Defense USA, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, QinetiQ Inc., and Plasan, will develop initial concepts supported by modelling, simulation and analysis, informing the OMFV requirements to the point of a system functional review.
“As a leading innovator of defense technologies, Oshkosh Defense is committed to providing the best possible solutions to the US Army for its evolving modernization priorities,” said Pat Williams, VP/GM of US Army and US Marine Corps Programs. “Each of our industry partners will contribute their own best-in-class expertise in ground combat vehicles, turrets, armor, and autonomy. Together, we will provide a modular OMFV solution designed to defeat emerging threats with flexibility and room for growth to accommodate evolving requirements.”
The Oshkosh solution will leverage the proven capabilities of Hanwha Defense’s REDBACK chassis and Rafael’s SAMSON turret family. REDBACK is one of two contenders for the Australian Army’s IFV requirement, while the SAMSON range provided the basis for the recent award to Oshkosh of the Medium Calber Weapon System contract by the US Army.
