Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck
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The Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) is an 8x8 or 10x10 diesel powered vehicle used by the US military. It has been nicknamed "Dragon Wagon". It is distinguished by extreme mobility compared to standard 5 ton trucks due to all-wheel drive combined with very large low-pressure tires. Though far less publicized than the Humvee it has been extremely important in transporting logistics behind quick-moving forces based on the M1 Abrams tank. It is available in several configurations:
- M977 and M985 cargo trucks carry all types of equipment, especially ammunition. A crane is mounted at the rear of the vehicle.
- M978 tanker refuels tactical vehicles and helicopters in forward locations.
- M983 tractor tows the trailer-mounted MIM-104 Patriot missile systems.
- The M983 with 30 KW generator and a crane mounted behind the cab towed the MGM-31 Pershing Erector Laucher in CONUS (a MAN tractor was used in West Germany).
- M984 recovery vehicle uses a lift-and-tow system to recover disabled vehicles in two-to-three minutes. It mounts a recovery winch, a crane and a large storage box.
The vehicle is produced by the Oshkosh Truck Corporation. The same chassis is also used in airport firefighting vehicles. The cost of a 'plain' HEMTT (M977 or M985) begins at approximately $135,000.
The latest model, the HEMTT A3, features independent suspension and a hybrid drive system (see Petroleum electric hybrid vehicle).
[edit] General characteristics
- Length: 33.4 ft (10.2 m) M977, M978, M985, 32.8 ft (10.0 m) M984, 29.2 ft (8.9 m) M983
- Width: 8.5 ft (2.6 m)
- Height: 7.8 ft (2.4 m)
- Weight: 31 tons (M977, M978, M983), 34 tons (M985), 49 tons (M984)
- Speed: 55 mph (89 km/h)
- Range: 300 miles (480 km)
- Fording Depth: 5.4 ft (1.6 m)
- Crew: 2
[edit] External links
