Oshkosh Defense has received an $89-million order from the US Army to manufacture Palletized Load System (PLS) A2 trucks along with installation kits. The deal, finalized by the Army Contracting Command in Detroit, comes under the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) program, which runs through August 2029.
The PLS A2 is a versatile heavy transport vehicle engineered to move large volumes of supplies, ammunition, and equipment across combat zones. It introduces drive-by-wire controls, offering a pathway to autonomous capability, and integrates enhanced safety systems to safeguard crews in high-risk operations. Its modular and open design further ensures easy adaptation to future Army requirements, making it a long-term solution for logistics missions.
The vehicle is the latest in a line of Oshkosh-built systems dating back to the early 1990s, continually refined to match operational demands. It is crewed by two soldiers and measures approximately 36 feet (11 meters) in length. Depending on configuration, the PLS A2 can weigh as much as 86,000 pounds (39,009 kilograms) and transport loads up to 32,992 pounds (14,965 kilograms), reinforcing its role as a workhorse of tactical resupply.
Under the hood, the truck is equipped with a 600-hp Caterpillar C15 engine, supported by an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. Combined with advanced suspensions and a 704-liter fuel tank, the system achieves a 300-mile (483-kilometer) range and speeds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h). These specifications enable the PLS A2 to provide reliable heavy transport under demanding battlefield conditions while ensuring readiness for future modernization.
