U.S. Army Conducts Final Airdrop Test for Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 LVAD

The U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) recently completed the final airdrop test for the Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD) at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

This test series represents a milestone for the FMTV A2 LVAD program, assessing the vehicle's suitability for airdrop and subsequent operational use.

The purpose of the tests was to validate the design and capabilities of the FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 LVAD, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of airdrop and follow-on missions. Developed to address the challenges posed by an aging medium LVAD fleet, the FMTV A2 LVAD variants, including the Cargo 6×6, Cargo 4×4, and Dump Truck 6×6, aim to fulfill critical needs within the Airborne community.

The FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 LVAD demonstrated its ability to withstand the airdrop impact, maintain structural integrity upon landing, and perform post-drop road maneuvers. In 2023, the Cargo 6×6 LVAD prototype underwent Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS), RIGEX (Rigging Exercises), Roller Loading, and Simulated Airdrop Impact Testing (SAIT) to validate its capabilities.

Looking ahead, similar testing will be conducted for the Cargo 4×4 and Dump Truck 6×6 LVAD variants in 2024, further advancing the development and validation of these critical airborne vehicles.