The U.S. Army has chosen Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) for a $377 million contract to supply 1,780 M915A5 6x4 military linehaul tractors.
The tractors are an upgrade from the M915A3 model, incorporating improvements from requested by the Army after seeing the vehicles perform under battlefield conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The major change in the block upgrade model is the inclusion of armor protection using an A-kit and B-kit design approach, in accordance with the Army’s long-term armoring strategy.
In conjunction with subcontractor BAE Systems’ Security and Survivability business, the armor upgrade package was designed into the M915A5. The vehicles also feature a larger cab to store combat gear, personal weapons and ammunition and have an upgraded electrical system.
The M915A5 is powered by a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine rated at 500 hp and 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque.