SOCOM's request for information on an Internally Transportable Vehicle is out.

Photos from Soldier Systems

Interesting.

SOCOM's request for information on its "desired" ITV is out.  You can read it here, check it out for yourself but the requirements are pretty tough.  What caught my eye immediately is that casualty evacuation is right at the top of the requirements.

That indicates (at least in my opinion) that we're seeing a merging of the Para-rescue unique requirements with those of SOCOM.

2. Casualty Transport. The vehicle shall be configured to carry three (3) litters (T), six (6) litters (O), attached to the framework of the vehicle such that the casualties will not extend horizontally outside the vehicle and rescue personnel will have access to all patients.

I complained earlier that the US military could have 3 or more ITV's.  Seems like SOCOM is attempting to do its part to fix that.

But I wonder if SOCOM isn't tipping its hand a bit.  Check out this section that covers approach and departure angles.

h. Approach Angle. Vehicle shall have an approach angle to an obstacle of not less than 50 degrees (T), 75 degrees (O).

i. Departure Angle. Vehicle shall have a departure angle of not less than 45 degrees (T), 75 degrees (O).

If you're driving a standard truck type vehicle then you're not going to make this requirement.  They're looking at HUMVEE performance specs that can fit in the back of a V-22.

This looks like its tailor made for  BC Customs.  What do you guys think? 

On reflection it also explains some of the redesign work that's been done on the former Force Protection Jamma, now General Dynamics unnamed vehicle....

This is gonna be good.  These specs aren't DARPA hard but they're pretty tough.  One other thing I want to point out is SOCOM's mission profile for the vehicle.

a. Mission Profile. Vehicle shall have a mission profile of 40% cross country, 30% trails, 20% secondary roads, and 10% primary roads.

That my friends is 70% use out in the boonies (counting secondary roads...I'm not sure how SOCOM classifies secondary roads is it US or third world standard) and perhaps up to 90%.  These trucks won't rack up hundreds of thousands of miles but you can bet the miles that they do get will leave these trucks beat the hell up.  The money in this award won't be in the actual building of the vehicles but in maintenance and service over the life of the contract! 

UPDATE:
The USAF Para-rescue vehicle RFP (Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Vehicle) is here.