Oshkosh TAK-4 Independent Suspension System

Oshkosh TAK-4 Independent Suspension System
TAK-4 independent suspension system is a family of independent suspension systems designed and manufactured by Oshkosh Corporation for use on military, severe-duty and emergency vehicles.
Place of origin	United States of America
Production history
Designer	Oshkosh
Manufacturer	Oshkosh Corporation

TAK-4 independent suspension system is a family of independent suspension systems designed and manufactured by Oshkosh Corporation for use on military, severe-duty and emergency vehicles. The system was developed from the mid-1990s.

In addition to third party usage for U.S. Army and Marines Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) fleet upgrades, TAK-4 independent suspension system is fitted by Oshkosh to a variety of its military vehicles and by its business unit, Oshkosh Airport Products, to its Striker Airport Rescue vehicle and Pierce Manufacturing to its Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) trucks and other appliances.

In 1999 Oshkosh was awarded a United States Air Force (USAF) contract to supply P23 ARFF trucks. These, and the earlier P23 supplied to the Air Force between 1994 and 1996 by Teledyne and Emergency-One (E-One) were fitted with independent suspension designed by Timoney Technology of Ireland.

The success of the P23, and subsequent interest in an independent suspension solution for US Army and Marines 5-ton truck upgrade projects led to Oshkosh (and the then Rockwell) approaching Timoney with regard to a licence arrangement for the suspension. Following discussions with both, Timoney opted to enter into a licence arrangement with Rockwell (now Meritor).

Oshkosh then developed two, possibly three independent suspension systems, including the set-up that came to be marketed as TAK-4 independent suspension system.

The first use of TAK-4 independent suspension system was on an M939 5-ton truck as part of the Marines’ plan to upgrade its M939 fleet. The upgrade approach was ultimately abandoned, this replaced by a new-build approach for which the Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) was selected.