The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command awarded a contract to Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) to produce 1,780 units of the M915A5 6x4 military line haul tractors.
This version represents a block upgrade, from the previous M915A3 model, in response to the Army's request for improvements based upon lessons learned on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan. The major change in the block upgraded model is the inclusion of armor protection, using an A-kit and B-Kit design approach, in accordance with the Army's long term armoring strategy.
DTNA partnered with BAE Systems' Security and Survivability business to develop and integrate an armor package design into the M915A5 line haul tractor. BAE Systems, a subcontractor to DTNA, will provide DTNA with an A-Kit for each M915A5 produced on the military production line in Portland.
BAE will also produce B-Kits for trucks as determined by and requested from the U.S. Army to meet combat requirements. In addition to enhanced armor, the M915A5s feature a larger cab to store combat gear, personal weapons and ammunition. The larger cab, combined with an upgraded electrical system, also provides the space and power for the robust C4I packages now utilized on line haul trucks in combat.
Powering the M915A5 is DTNA's Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, rated at 500 HP and delivering 1650 LB-FT of torque.
According to Rick Engel, director for government vehicle sales, "These new vehicles will protect soldiers' lives while also providing them the additional power and safety enhancements, including advanced collision warning and roll stability control systems, to perform their sustainment missions under the most severe conditions."
The M915A5 recently passed rigorous test and evaluation at the Army Test Center, surpassing performance and reliability goals.