RABAT / MILWAUKEE — Oshkosh Defense, in coordination with Optimum Vehicle Logistics (OVL), has secured a second Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) order from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces for 50 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) A1 8×8 tractors and 50 MN573 heavy-duty multi-axle trailers.
The procurement—executed under Morocco’s strategic armored force modernization program—expands on an initial delivery tranche that is already operational within Moroccan tactical logistics units. Manufactured in partnership with Dutch trailer specialist Broshuis B.V., the specialized MN573 low-loader trailers feature independent suspension architectures designed to carry main battle tanks (MBTs), recovery platforms, and self-propelled artillery systems across rugged North African terrain while preserving chassis lifecycle and crew readiness.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: OSHKOSH HET A1 & BROSHUIS MN573 SYSTEM
1. Oshkosh HET A1 Tractor Platform (M1070A1 Architecture)
* Drive Configuration: 8×8 all-wheel drive with power-assisted steerable front/rear axles
* Powertrain Package:
* Engine: 18.1L Caterpillar® C18 Heavy-Duty Diesel (700 hp / 522 kW)
* Transmission: Allison® 4800 SP 7-speed automatic transmission with Oshkosh® 30000 single-speed transfer case
* Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): ~236,600 lbs (~107,320 kg)
* Recovery & Auxiliary Winch Suite: Dual 55,000 lbs (24,948 kg) hydraulic winches for automated load handling
* Mobility & Protection Features: Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), air-ride rear suspension, 6-person armored-ready (LTAS-compliant) air-conditioned crew cab
2. Broshuis MN573 Heavy-Duty Trailer System
* Design & Manufacturing: Engineered by Broshuis B.V. utilizing hydraulic/pendular suspension technology
* Load Capacity & Payload Profile: >70 metric tons (optimized for M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams MBTs, M88A2 Hercules ARVs, and M109A6/A7 SPGs)
* Suspension & Maneuverability: Multi-axle hydraulic pendular axles providing enhanced ground clearance, active height adjustment, and reduced turn-radius strain
* Operational Role: Strategic road transport, reducing mechanical wear on heavy tracked armor during non-tactical redeployments
