The Oshkosh M-ATV is a mineresistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle developed by the Oshkosh Corporation for the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) programme. It is designed to provide the same levels of protection as the larger and heavier previous MRAPs, but with improved mobility. In the summer of 2008, the US Department of Defense began to examine the possibility of developing and procuring a lighter-weight, all-terrain capable MRAP variant to address the poor roads and difficult terrain of Afghanistan. The vehicle’s large size is due to the raised suspension and inclusion of a V-shaped blast plate that helps to deflect the blast from a mine or improvised explosive device. There is also extensive armour plating for added protection to the crew, plus an open cargo area. The M1024A1 M-ATV comes equipped with the M153 Common Remotely Operated Weapon
Station (CROWS) or Gunner Protection Kit (GPK) armoured turret. These can mount the .50 calibre M2HB or M240 machine guns, or an Mk.19 grenade launcher, BGM-71 TOW launcher or M230 chain gun.