The US Army has facilitated the final trial under the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles A2 Low-Velocity Airdrop (FMTV LVAD) initiative in North Carolina.
Held at Fort Liberty, the activity validated the capabilities and design of the FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 vehicles to ensure their operability across various airdrop missions.
System developer Oshkosh Defense wrote that the platforms successfully demonstrated their structural integrity and overall durability to withstand challenging conditions from landing and post-drop road maneuvers.
“We are extremely pleased with the results of the FMTV A2 LVAD airdrop tests,” Oshkosh Defense Chief Programs Officer Pat Williams stated.
“This is an integral step in delivering the FMTV A2 LVAD capability that underscores our commitment to partnering with the US Army to deliver mission-critical tactical vehicles that meet the needs of the modern battlefield.”
The FMTV A2
Oshkosh’s FMTV A2 was developed to take over the role of the US Army’s aging LVAD employed in the late 1990s.
The FMTV A2 incorporates commercially sourced parts and other components similar to the existing tactical vehicle systems.
Each platform can transport general supplies, personnel, containers, and military equipment across tactical units and forward areas.
The vehicle can travel on highways, across trails, cross-country terrain, and other surfaces in all weather conditions.
The FMTV A2 has Medium and Light Medium (MTV and LMTV) variants with configurations that can carry 3 to 10 tons of payload.
Recent Airdrop Projects
The US Army demonstrated a ground transport drone for LVAD missions last year in North Carolina.
In 2022, the agency conducted an LVAD test for its infantry squad vehicles following modifications applied by industry partner General Motors.
The same year, the service completed an airdrop operation during an all-aerial delivery of its new SXV search and rescue tactical vehicle from an HC-130J Combat King II recovery aircraft.
In 2021, the US Army facilitated a “series of extensive airdrop exercises” to evaluate the LVAD concept for squad vehicles.