Pierce Manufacturing built its first HEWATT apparatus — a military-grade, multi-purpose water distribution and tactical support vehicle. The vehicle was presented to representatives of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command during a ceremony at Pierce Manufacturing’s facility in Bradenton, Fla., on June 12.

The HEWATT is an Oshkosh Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) platform-based water tender. Its primary function is to be used with the Pierce Tactical Fire Fighting Truck against accidental and incendiary type fires, and to provide airfield crash-rescue operations. The HEWATT is designed for temporary and permanent military installations, and can operate under extreme conditions and in a broad range of terrain.

“To help those who do this vital work, Pierce has equipped the HEWATT to perform the dangers of the job, much like soldiers who train for the unforeseeable on the battle field,” said Wilson Jones, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “With the HEWATT’s water-carrying capabilities, and the TFFT’s firefighting capabilities, both built on the Oshkosh HEMTT chassis, we are providing soldiers the very best in firefighting technology coupled with severe duty mobility, bringing mission-readiness up to 100%.”

The vehicle can reach 62 mph, climb vertical and sideways inclines, and withstand extreme environmental conditions. The HEWATT is equipped with severe-duty HEMTT components. The body is constructed of high-impact galvanneal steel and corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel plumbing. It features a 2,500-gallon water tank, 500-gpm single-stage pump, a 445-hp engine, 210-inch wheelbase, all-wheel drive and LED lighting. Its cruising range is 400 miles and fording clearance is 36 inches.