Marine Corps Moves Forward with Large-Scale Production of the P-19R Vehicle Initiative
Oshkosh Defense announced on August 18th that the U.S. Marine Corps has achieved Milestone C approval to commence Full Rate Production (FRP) of the P-19 Replacement (P-19R) Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle project. This approval marks a substantial milestone for the $192 million P-19R ARFF contract, awarded to Oshkosh in May 2013 to replace the aging P-19A fleet.
“The P-19R project represents a significant technological leap for the U.S. Marine Corps, enhancing its ability to respond quickly and effectively to aviation emergencies,” stated Pat Williams, Oshkosh Defense’s Vice President and General Manager for Army and Marine Corps programs. “The Oshkosh P-19R equips Marines with improved off-road capabilities, speed, and versatility for a comprehensive array of firefighting operations, whether based at military facilities or deployed at expeditionary airfields.”
After securing the P-19R contract, Oshkosh successfully completed all required government development tests and assessments, along with readiness reviews essential to obtain Milestone C and transition to Full Rate Production (FRP). In total, Oshkosh will deliver 164 P-19R ARFF vehicles by 2019. The P-19R is designed to replace the P-19A fleet, introduced in 1984, which is nearing the conclusion of its operational lifespan.
The Oshkosh P-19R ARFF integrates cutting-edge firefighting technology and vehicle systems to reach emergency situations more promptly, equipped with enhanced capabilities to tackle a broad range of emergency scenarios upon arrival. The P-19R achieves exceptional acceleration with its powerful 600 horsepower engine, allowing speeds of up to 70 mph. It meets the “gold standard” for off-road performance thanks to the Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension system. TAK-4 is trusted across more than 20,000 military-class vehicles, providing 16 inches of independent wheel travel to improve all-terrain performance for off-runway emergencies. Additionally, the TAK-4 system enables a payload capacity sufficient for carrying 1,000 gallons of water, 130 gallons of foam solution, and 500 lbs of additional firefighting agents. The combination of roof and bumper turrets can discharge up to 750 gallons per minute.
Furthermore, the Oshkosh P-19R is equipped with Oshkosh’s Command Zone integrated control and diagnostics system. This fully automated system provides crucial vehicle data, allowing Marines to troubleshoot and repair vehicles, monitor real-time performance metrics, and remotely access diagnostic information. The P-19R also features advanced Striker ARFF firefighting systems from Oshkosh Airport Products LLC, a leader in the ARFF vehicle industry. The P-19R will be exhibited next month at the Modern Day Marine military exposition at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
