AFES Protects Troop Compartment of Oshkosh M-ATV Vehicles

The Spectrex Automatic Fire Extinguishing (SAFE) system was recently integrated in the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) Oshkosh Vehicles. Over the past two years, TACOM LCMC has ordered more than 8000 M-ATVs from Oshkosh which has selected Amerex as its sub contractor using the Spectrex (AFES) to protect the soldiers in the troop compartment.

The Spectrex AFES (Automatic Fire/Explosion Extinguishing System) protects against combat-initiated and slow-growth fires featuring high-speed optical detection in less than 3 milliseconds, and ultra fast extinguishing agent discharge and unique 360 degree dispersion. The systems detect and suppress all types of fires, i.e, small or large, slow or rapidly growing, limited in area or widely spread, as well as fuel explosions which are likely to occur during combat or training service of these military vehicles.

Its control electronics provide system activation; self and built-in test capabilities and system monitoring. System components are robust, comply with the latest Mil-Specs and provide for a high reliabililty. The system includes the new Detector/Controller, an additional optical detector, fast discharge extinguishing cylinder, manual activation back up and a power back up box.

The combination of harsh, mountainous off-road environments and dispersed combat situations in Afghanistan resulted in the U.S. Armed Forces’ urgent-need requirement for the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), a new class of vehicles. Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, developed its M-ATV with Plasan North America to meet these specific challenges and allow soldiers and marines to take the fight to the enemy in even the most difficult terrain.

More than 5,000 MRAPs in the Iraq theater are equiped with Spectrex AFES systems that protect the life of the troops from fire injuries and enhance the vehicle’s survivability.

To address the military’s urgent need for the Afganistan arena, thousands of M-ATVs are to be delivered at the shortest possible time to help support combat operations.