Oshkosh Defense is set to begin full rate production (FRP) of the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) P-19 replacement (P-19R) aircraft rescue fire-fighting (ARFF) vehicle programme, following the receipt of milestone C approval.
In May 2013, Oshkosh received the $192m contract to deliver 164 P-19R ARFFs through 2019, and the approval marks a major milestone for the programme.
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The P-19R ARFF vehicles are set to replace the P-19A fleet, which is nearing the end of its service life.
Oshkosh Defense vice-president and Army and Marine Corps programmes general manager Pat Williams said: “The P-19R programme represents a technological leap forward for the US Marine Corps and its ability to respond quickly and effectively to aircraft emergencies.
“The Oshkosh P-19R gives marines greater off-road capability, speed and transportability for a full range of fire-fighting missions whether they’re at a military base or an expeditionary airfield.”
Oshkosh has successfully completed all required government development testing and evaluation, and readiness reviews.
Designed to provide more capability to manage a spectrum of emergency situations, the Oshkosh P-19R ARFF is equipped with 600hp engine for unprecedented levels of acceleration and speeds up to 70mph.
The P-19R features the Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspension system, advanced Striker ARFF vehicle fire-fighting systems, and fully-automated Command Zone integrated control and diagnostics system.
The control and diagnostics system provides information to marines to repair and troubleshoot vehicles, view real-time performance data, and remotely access diagnostics information.
The P-19R vehicle will be on display at the Modern Day Marine military expo at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, in September.
Image: The Oshkosh P-19R gives mariners greater capability to respond to emergency response situations. Photo: courtesy of Oshkosh Defense.
