History
Following the evaluation of proposals submitted by AM General, MAN, Pacific Car & Foundry (PACCAR) and Oshkosh Truck Corporation, In May 1981, the then U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command awarded an initial five-year contract valued at US$251.13 million to Oshkosh Truck Corporation for production of the 10 ton (9,070 kg) 8 x 8 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). The first rebuilt M1120 was produced in late-1999, with new build M1120A2 examples (now A4) available from February 2004. For reference, original HEMTT models now have the suffix A0. Only the M984 wrecker was produced in A1 configuration. All models were produced in A2 configuration. The A3 suffix is applied to HEMTT technology demonstrators with a diesel-electric drive system. All current HEMTT production models have the suffix A4. == Description ==
Description
The HEMTT was developed from the outset as a tactical truck, but to minimize procurement and life cycle costs included militarized commercial automotive components where possible, these including the engine and transmission. Some components used in early HEMTTs are common with the Oshkosh Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) vehicles which were supplied to the U.S. Marine Corps. The Multilift MPH (Military Pivoting Hooklift) range is based around commercially proven technologies, the overall system performance being improved by enhancing below ground pick up and the ability to load misaligned flatracks, both important military operational requirements. The complete system is designed to be used in all operational conditions, including darkness or while wearing nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protective equipment. An automatic, fully sequenced control system mounted in the cab aids operational safety and maximises speed, even under battle conditions. The MPH range was designed and optimised to load, transport and unload flatracks conforming to the NATO standard (STANAG 2413). Flatracks can be pre-loaded at base with any military payload ready for dispersal to the required location. Payloads such as MLRS rockets, light armoured vehicles and command/control shelters can also be transported by using purpose-built flatracks with the correct locking systems built in. ==M1977 HEMTT Common Bridge Transporter (CBT)==
M1977 HEMTT Common Bridge Transporter (CBT)
The M1977 HEMTT Common Bridge Transporter (CBT) is a further development of the M1120 LHS, and in common with the M1120 LHS was initially introduced as part of the HEMTT overhaul/rebuild program. It is used for loading, transporting, and unloading Ribbon Bridge components and bridge erection boats. ==Gallery==
References (bibliography)
• Modern U.S. Military Vehicles by Fred Crismon • HEMTT - US Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical truck by Carl Schulze (published by Tankograd) Tankograd • Brothers of HEMTT - PLS-LVS by Carl Schulze (published by Tankograd) Tankograd • U.S. Army, Technical Manual, TM 9-2320-279-24P-1, DIRECT SUPPORT AND GENERAL SUPPORT MAINTENANCE REPAIR PARTS AND TOOLS LIST FOR M977 SERIES, 8X8 HEAVY EXPANDED MOBILITY TACTICA, (HEMTT), TRUCK, CARGO, WITH WINCH M977, (NSN 2320-01-097-0260), (E TRUCK, CARGO, WITHOUT WINCH M977, (2320-01-099-6426), (EIC: B2G), TANK, FUEL, WITH WINCH M978, (2320-01-097-0249), (EIC: B2C), TRUCK FUEL WITHOUT WINCH M978, (2320-01-100-7672), (EIC: B2H), TRUCK, TR WITH WINCH, WITHOUT CRANE M983, (2320-01-097-0247), (EIC: B2A), TR WRECKER-RECOVERY M984, (2320-01-097-0248), (EIC: B2A), TRUCK, WREC. Publisher - U.S. Army, U.S. Dept of Defense, U.S. Air Force, www.armytechnicalmanuals.com (10 Aug. 2010) website • Jane's Land Warfare Platforms 2014/2015: Logistics, Support & Unmanned Jane’s Land Warfare Platforms: Logistics, Support & Unmanned • Jane's Land Warfare Platforms 2015-2016: Logistics, Support & Unmanned • Jane's Military Vehicles & Logistics 2004-2005 Jane’s Land Warfare Platforms: Logistics, Support & Unmanned • Oshkosh Trucks: 75 Years of Specialty Truck Production Paperback – November, 1992 () ==References==