The M-ATV extended medical (EXM) vehicle was displayed at International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in February 2015. ImageL courtesy of Oshkosh Corporation.

M-ATV EXM offers protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Image: courtesy of Oshkosh Corporation.

M-ATV extended medical (EXM) vehicle is the latest variant of the M-ATV family of vehicles. Image: courtesy of Oshkosh Corporation.

MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) extended wheel base medical (EXM) is a new ambulance version in the M-ATV series of vehicles from Oshkosh Defense, an Oshkosh Corporation company. The vehicle was unveiled at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in February 2015.

The M-ATV is used in medical evacuation (MEDVAC) missions to offer optimum protection to crew, medics and patients in high-threat environments.

Oshkosh has also developed another M-ATV tactical ambulance variant, which was showcased at AUSA’s Army Medical Exposition held in San Antonio, Texas, in June 2011 and the InternationalArmoured Vehicles Conference held in Farnborough, UK, in February 2012.

The US Army TACOM life cycle management command (LCMC) ordered 250 M-ATV tactical ambulance vehicles in December 2010.

M-ATV EXM design and features

The interior design of M-ATV EXM was developed by Oshkosh in collaboration with the US Army Medical Department (AMEDD). The vehicle is based on M-ATV extended wheel base platform and offers similar silhouette compared to other M-ATV variants.

The crew capsule can accommodate seven people including two crew members, one medic, two ambulatory patients and two litter-bound patients. Its centrally-positioned medic’s seat enables rapid access to patients and medical equipment. The medic area of the vehicle is covered with vinyl floor, which can be easily cleaned and sanitised.

M-ATV EXM includes a loading ramp with forward-locking mechanism glides, which can secure any Nato standard litter into position.

The efficient litter assist system aboard the vehicle can load patients in less than two minutes without any risk of medic crews becoming targets. The vehicle is also integrated with an optional gunner protection kit (GPK), supplied byOshkosh, including a turret ring and gunner sling with 360° rotation.

The vehicle can be customised to support standard mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) medical equipment sets (MES), a universal mounting system, and storage bags mounted to a pouch attachment ladder system (PALS). It also includes dual-rear hatches to minimise exposure to threats.

M-ATV EXM self-protection

The vehicle protects the crew from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other battlefield threats. A single compartment crew capsule offers highest standards of MRAP-level protection for occupants. The vehicle also incorporates an under-body improvement kit (UIK) for enhanced safety and protection.

Engine and performance details

M-ATV EXM is fitted with a 7.2l Caterpillar® C7 engine, which can generate 276kW of power and torque of 1,254Nm. The engine is coupled to Allison® 3500 SP six-speed automatictransmission system.

Curb weight of the vehicle is 16,500kg. It can carry a maximum payload of 2,000kg.

Mobility

The full-time four-wheel drive vehicle integrates TAK-4® independent suspension system, which provides smooth drive in rough terrains, thus enabling better patient care while also enhancing the longevity of medical equipment.

The wheels are fitted with 16.00R20 tires, whilst suspension durability profile of the vehicle is 70% off-road and 30% on-road.

A two-channel central tire inflation system (CTIS is included on the vehicle. This offers four terrain settings with integrated driveline lock-up control.