The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) has awarded Oshkosh Defense and partner, Broshuis B.V., a contract to produce semitrailers for the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET). The contract is in response to an Operational Needs Statement (ONS) from the U.S. Army Europe for a semitrailer that can deliver increased payload capability while gaining European road permissions.

The contract, initially awarded at US$13.3M, has a maximum value of US$109.8M and calls for 170 semitrailers to be delivered between FY20 and FY21.

The HET was designed by Oshkosh Defense to provide rapid movement of mission-critical equipment including tanks, armoured vehicles, and recovery vehicles. Oshkosh Defense has been producing the HET for the U.S. Army since 1976. Broshuis B.V. has more than 130 years of experience providing innovative semitrailers for specialised commercial and military transport.  

“Oshkosh Defense and our partner, Broshuis B.V., each bring a unique set of skills and experiences to this programme,” says Pat Williams, vice president and general manager of U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps Programmes for Oshkosh Defense. “As the OEM of the HET, not only do we understand this vehicle inside and out, but we also have a proven record of success delivering critical vehicle accessories and upgrades that our troops rely on. By combining our experience with the trailer expertise of our partner, Broshuis B.V., we were able to provide the U.S. Army with an efficient, durable semitrailer that can be relied upon to ensure heavy equipment arrives in mission-ready condition.”

The U.S. Army‘s selection comes after two prototypes successfully completed a three-month test and evaluation phase at Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland. The semitrailers were evaluated on their payload capacity, transportability, loading and unloading efficiency of operational and disabled vehicles, and overall logistics capability.

Facts about the semitrailer

• Eight hydraulically controlled power steered independent PL2 pendular axles

• Compensating hydraulic gooseneck for optimal weight distribution

• Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides independent power

• Provides storage for tractor and trailer Basic Issue Items (BII) and spare tyres

Facts about the HET

• 700 hp Caterpillar C18 engine

• Allison 4800SP transmission

• Single-speed Oshkosh 30000 transfer case

• Two 55,000lb (24,947kgs) winches