Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck

Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck
A HEMTT loaded up and ready to go on a mission in Iraq.
Type	8×8 off-road cargo truck
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1982–present ^[1]
Used by	U.S. Army ^[1]
Production history
Manufacturer	Oshkosh Corporation
Unit cost	starting at US$135,000
Produced	1982–present
Number built	13,000+^[2]
Variants	M977 cargo truck M978 tanker M983 tractor M984 wrecker M985 cargo truck M1120 Load Handling System
Specifications (M977A4^[1]^[2]^[3])
Weight	41,600 lb (18,886 kg) empty
Length	409 in (10.39 m)
Width	96 in (2.44 m)
Height	119 in (3.02 m)
Crew	2

Engine	Caterpillar C15 515 hp (384 kW)
Transmission	5-speed automatic with 2 range transfer case
Suspension	Hendrickson w/equalizing beam
Ground clearance	24 in (610 mm)
Fuel capacity	155 US gal (587 l)
Operational range	300 mi (483 km) loaded
Speed	62 mph (100 km/h)

The Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) series is a range of eight-wheel drive diesel-powered off-road capable trucks, used by the US military. Formally described as "Truck, Cargo: 10-Ton, 8×8", 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.^[2]

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 Corporation. In the civilian realm the truck's chassis is also used in the Oshkosh Striker as an airport crash tender.

The United States Marine Corps uses a similar vehicle, the Logistics Vehicle System (LVS), also manufactured by Oshkosh. An LVS differs in that it is actually an articulated vehicle, similar to a semi-trailer truck, using a modular system of a Front Power Unit attached to a Rear Body Unit, whereas HEMTTs are non-articulated, single unit vehicles.

Description

HEMTT M984 wreckers

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. It is distinguished by extreme mobility compared to standard 5-ton trucks, thanks to its large number of wheels and turbo-charged engine, 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.

The cost of a 'plain' HEMTT (M977 or M985) begins at approximately $135,000.

The HEMTT A3 is a technology demonstrator with hybrid powerplant.

In the HEMTT A4, the latest in the series, the familiar Detroit Diesel engine has been replaced by the Caterpillar C15/17 inline six-cylinder diesel engine. All "CAT" engines are turbo charged and highly computerized. They are much more powerful than the previous Detroit Diesel engines, and more fuel efficient. Maintenance has also been simplified (at least when it comes to diagnostics) through the inclusion of OBD-II style technology.

All models are capable of fording water crossings up to 48 inches deep, and are air transportable in the C-130 and C-17.^[1]

HEMTT Models

M977 and M985 cargo trucks carry all types of equipment, including ammunition. A crane is mounted at the rear of the vehicle.^[4]^[5]

The M977 Common Bridge Transporter (CBT) is used for loading, transporting, and unloading bridge components and erection boats.^[6]

M978 tanker refuels tactical vehicles and helicopters in forward locations.^[4]^[7]

M983 tractor can tow the trailer-mounted MIM-104 Patriot missile system, the Interim Stryker Recovery System, or other trailers.^[4]^[8]

M983 with 30 KW generator and a crane mounted behind the cab towed the MGM-31 Pershing Erector Launcher in CONUS (a MAN tractor was used in West Germany).

M983 Light Equipment Transporter (LET) tractor is used to transport construction equipment. It has a 45,000 lbs (20,430 kg) 2 speed hydraulic winch mounted behind the cab used to load the trailer. It does not have a self-recovery winch.^[9]

M984 wrecker 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.^[4]^[10]

M1120 Load Handling System (LHS) is an M977 with a load handling system in place of the cargo bed.^[11]

M1142 is a Tactical Fire Fighting Truck (TFFT) capable of extinguishing aircraft, petroleum, brush, and structural fires at isolated military installations.^[12]