Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck
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The Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) series are a range of 8x8 diesel powered off-road capable trucks, used by the US military. Formally described as "Truck, Cargo: 10-Ton, 8x8", it has been nicknamed the "Dragon Wagon". HEMTT trucks first went into service with the U.S. Army in 1982, as a replacement for the M520 Goer.[1]
A 10x10 variant of the HEMTT truck is used as prime mover in the Palletized Load System (PLS). The vehicle is produced by the Oshkosh Truck Corporation. In the civilian realm the truck's chassis is also used in airport firefighting vehicles.
The HEMTT's objective is to provide heavy transport capabilities for supply and re-supply of combat vehicles and weapons systems, for the United States Army and Marine Corps. It is distinguished by extreme mobility compared to standard 5-ton trucks, thanks to its large number of wheels, combined with all-wheel drive and 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. Having proved itself as a key workhorse of the US heavy tactical wheeled vehicle fleet, about 13,000 HEMTT vehicles are in service today.
HEMTT trucks exist 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.
- 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 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] See also
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