WITS on our LMTV/HMTV
The existing Light and Heavy Maintenance Task Vehicles (MTVs) have
certain drawbacks such as insufficient lifting capacity,
insufficient carrying capacity and the lack of power tools. They
were unable to support the current operational requirement
efficiently and thus, created a maintenance capability gap.
The WITs had identified two suitable platforms from the present
fleet of SAF 'B' vehicles to be modified for use as MTVs. The
facilities and accessories for the MTVs were also identified. Two
prototypes MTVs, based on the FIAT 3-Ton Vehicle and the U1300L
Unimog, were developed with sufficient on-board lifting capability,
enhanced diagnostic and payload capacities necessary to operate
independently for prolong periods in the forward battle area.
It is a vehicle for the field maintenance battalions to provide
fix-forward repair as well as battle damage assessment and repair
capability in support of the combat, artillery, engineers and
armoured forces in the forward areas. Besides, this current fleet
of in-service vehicles, which are about 10 years old, are still in
good condition and will not require major maintenance until 10 - 15
years later.
In order to calculate the cost avoidance, the WIT then used a
similar platform from the US Army as a basis for comparison. Based
on the total number of MTVs needed, the cost is approximately $90
million for the new buy. The cost incurred for this project is
approximately $40.898m, resulting in a cost avoidance of $49.102
million.
