An M-ATV is a vehicle designed by the Oshkosh Corporation based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in the United States. It is considered an MRAP vehicle, or mine resistance ambush protection, as well as an all-terrain vehicle capable of driving over extremely harsh terrain. This vehicle is mainly used for military applications for the United States military, though the Polish military also uses the M-ATV in combat situations. This armored vehicle is designed to be light and maneuverable while still offering the same level of protection as larger, heavier MRAP vehicles previously used in military applications.
The M-ATV is usually outfitted with various artillery, and the top of the vehicle features a turret that allows a gunner to position the gun or guns anywhere in a 360 degree rotation. The vehicle itself is armored to protect the passengers from bullets and other artillery or shrapnel, and the hull of the M-ATV features a V-shape that will protect the passengers from IED, or improvised explosive device, detonations. These IEDs became common weapons during the war in Afghanistan, as well as the war in Iraq, so vehicle redesigns became necessary to counteract the devastating effects of IED blasts.
Run-flat tires are also included on the M-ATV; these pneumatic tires will allow the driver to continue driving at a reduced speed even if the tires become punctured. This is a temporary fix, of course, but the driver will still be able to operate the machine for long enough and far enough to get out of hostile situations as necessary. The maneuverability and stability of the vehicle will be affected, however, and the driver must be trained to operate the vehicle after a puncture or several punctures have occurred. The engine compartment can also take a large round bullet and still function for a short distance, again to help the driver maneuver the vehicle out of a hostile situation.
The payload capacity of the M-ATV is large enough to accommodate most military operations, though it may be smaller than larger MRAP vehicles that are heavier and less maneuverable. It will feature some of the same safety and maneuverability controls a regular vehicle would feature, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and even air conditioning. Communications capabilities can vary, though the M-ATV will feature several power ports for charging portable communications devices and other devices that require a power source to operate. The vehicle is likely to feature several batteries for regular operations as well as periphery device operation.
