June 01, 2010

Brigadier General Michael M. Brogan

Commander

Marine Corps Systems Command

2200 Lester St.

Quantico, Virginia 22134-6050

Dear General,

I realize I’m the last person you wanted to hear from, yet again. But I felt it was essential after reading about the doors jamming on the M-ATV, that’s why I have reached out to you as the Commander of System Command with my thoughts. The issue at hand is the M-ATV doors, I’m well aware you know all about the issue at hand. I ask you now to PLEASE consider the very possibility of the “piano hinge” design again on the M-ATV as well as all upcoming vehicles. You gave me the opportunity once, to give my presentation and thoughts on the Humvee doors that were jamming, as in the case of the new M-ATV. Make no mistake, I was and I am grateful to you for that opportunity you gave me at Quantico. When I introduced the advantages of the “piano hinge” design in 2007 to your staff, which are in use today on the Humvees. All I can say is that your staff must have thought I had something there to have it put into production. It is my strong belief that the continued use of the two strap hinge design on armored vehicles will never work properly. The bushing within the hinges cannot handle the heavy loads of the armor plated doors at two load points. The weight must be equally supported along the full length of the doors. I’m sure if you were to visit any motor-pool with these vehicles you would find graphite like substance on the hinge areas. You gave me an opportunity once; I ask that you employ this concept that is used in the Humvee today. The design has worked and it can work on other vehicles. I would not steer you wrong and better yet, the Troops. The Oshkosh Company should stop all further production of these vehicles, and change the hinge design ASAP. They also should not be allowed to take a band aid approach to resolve these issues. We need the right fix, but not their type of quick fix.

I look forward to hearing from you again and thank you for your time and Godspeed to you General, and maybe someday our paths will cross.

Sincerely,

Michael J. F. Bucca Sr.

Hanover, Massachusetts

Veteran and Father of a proud Marine!