Logistics Vehicle System

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LVS Self-loader variant (MK48/18A1) with MAK Armor-kit. Fallujah, Iraq 2006
LVS Self-loader variant (MK48/18A1) with MAK Armor-kit. Fallujah, Iraq 2006

The Logistics Vehicle System (LVS), is a modular assortment of eight-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles used by the United States Marine Corps.

The LVS was fielded in 1985 as the Marine Corps heavy tactical vehicle system. It was designed and manufactured by the Oshkosh Truck Corporation. The United States Army has a similar tactical vehicle called the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). The key differences between the two is the LVS's ability to interchange Front Power Units with Rear Body Units. The LVS also steers through both standard wheel pivoting (as on a typical automobile) and hydraulic yaw steering (by articulating the Front Power Unit against the Rear Body Unit). This gives the LVS remarkable maneuverability for its size.

Contents

[edit] Variants

LVS Semi-trailer variant (MK48/16/870A2), hauling insurgent-damaged semi-trailer. Fallujah, Iraq 2006
LVS Semi-trailer variant (MK48/16/870A2), hauling insurgent-damaged semi-trailer. Fallujah, Iraq 2006

The LVS is comprised of a Front Power Unit (FPU) and Rear Body Unit (RBU). The FPU can be driven on its own, but is front-heavy in this mode and prone to nose-diving when the brakes are applied. A suspension lockout strut reduces this problem. When describing a truck it is remarked by the combination of both units. i.e., an MK48 FPU attached to an MK18 RBU is called a '48/18'. For MK16's, which tow M870 semi-trailers, the type of trailer is added as well, i.e., '48/16/870A2'.

Front Power Units

  • MK48 houses a unique turbocharged and supercharged Detroit Diesel V8, mated to a 4-speed Allison Transmission. The engine also powers an alternator, air compressor and hydraulic pump. The MK48 also houses the cab, for a crew of 2.
  • MK48A1 offers slight improvements to the original MK48. Those improvements include a revised battery box and cover, an extra cab entry step for both sides, modified air intake cover, and added handles and steps to ease climbing on top of the power unit.

Rear Body Units

  • MK14 Flatbed is 20 ft long and features locks for ISO Containers. The MK14 can hold a single, one twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) sized ISO shipping container. There are also accommodations for tie-down hooks and ratchet straps for securing cargo. When equipped with a tow bar, two MK14's can be joined and towed by a single MK48 power unit. This is referred to as a 'Tandem Tow' or 'TT'.
  • MK15 Recovery Vehicle is capable of recovering LVS's, MTVR's and HMMWV's
  • MK16 Fifth-wheel is designed to tow the M870 family of semi-trailers. It is the shortest of the FPU/RBU combinations. This is useful, as when towing an M870 trailer, it becomes the Marine Corps longest tactical vehicle.
  • MK17 Material Handling Crane (MHC), features a slightly shorter flatbed than the MK14. This is to accommodate the (MHC) at the rear of the unit. The boom is rated at a maximum lifting capacity of 15,000 lb. The MK17 can also be fitted to carry 20 combat loaded Marines.
  • MK18/18A1 Self-Loader is capable of loading ribbon bridges, small boats, and six-cons with no external heavy-equipment support. The 18A1 features improvements to the loading and offloading process. The 18A1 features a prominent 'stick-figure'-shaped Front Lift Adapter (FLA) rising from the middle of the vehicle.

[edit] Specifications

LVS Flatbed variant (MK48/14) with MAK Armor-kit. Carrying two abandoned insurgent vehicles, near Fallujah, Iraq 2006.
LVS Flatbed variant (MK48/14) with MAK Armor-kit. Carrying two abandoned insurgent vehicles, near Fallujah, Iraq 2006.
Vehicle Nomenclature Length Weight Payload Capacity Onroad/Offroad Turning Radius
MK48/A1 238.5 in 24,500 lb N/A N/A
MK48/14 456 in 40,300 lb 45,000/25,000 lb 38.5 ft
MK48/15 444 in 50,550 lb 20,000/20,000 lb 38.5 ft
MK48/16 398 in 40,550 lb 46,000 lb/N/A 32.5 ft
MK48/17 456 in 47,200 lb 39,000/20,000 lb 38.5 ft
MK48/18 456 in  ? 45,000/25,000 lb 38.5 ft

System Wide Specifications
Crew: 2
Maximum Speed: 57 mph
Maximum Range: 300 mi
Highest Climbable Grade: 60%
Steepest Approach Angle: 45°
Steepest Departure Angle: 45° (48° for MK48/16)
Maximum Side Slope: 30%
Maxmium Fording Depth: 60 in

[edit] References

[edit] See also

United States Marine Corps Portal

[edit] External links

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