Oshkosh producing MRAP ambulances

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OSHKOSH, Wis., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Oshkosh Defense will begin delivering the first MRAP all-terrain tactical ambulances to the U.S. military this spring under a $161 million award.

The ambulances, designed in cooperation with the U.S. Army Medical Department, feature the armored protection of other Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles with specially designed interiors.

Oshkosh said the ambulances can transport two litter patients in a side-by-side layout, and can be configured to carry up to four ambulatory patients. The vehicles will include military-grade ambulance equipment, including oxygen concentrators, on-board power for medical equipment and IV stabilization equipment.

"The addition of this vehicle to the U.S. services' fleets will allow the military to provide urgent medical care in landscapes that are too rugged for other tactical ambulances," said Ken Juergens, vice president and general manager of Joint Programs for Oshkosh Defense. "We invested in the development of the M-ATV ambulance in response to the military's need for additional patient recovery and ground transport capabilities."

The $161 million order from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command is for 250 vehicles.