Logistics Vehicle System
The Logistics Vehicle System or 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 most automobiles) and hydraulic yaw steering. This gives the LVS remarkable maneuverability for its size.
Variants
An LVS is comprised of a Front Power Unit (FPU) and Rear Body Unit (RBU). They are incumbent upon each other to function. 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 the engine and accessories, passenger cab and two axles.
- 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' long and features locks for ISO Containers. The MK14 can hold a single, 1 TEU sized ISO 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 15,000lbs.
- MK18/18A1 Self-Loader is capable of loading ribbon bridges, small boats, and six-cons with no external heavy-equipment support. The 18A1 is completely different in looks and in performing its functions. The 18A1 is phasing out the original 18.
Specifications
| Vehicle Nomenclature | Length | Weight | Payload Capacity Onroad/Offroad | Turning Radius |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MK48/A1 | 238.5" | 24,500lbs | N/A | N/A |
| MK48/14 | 456" | 40,300lbs | 45,000/25,000lbs | 38.5' |
| MK48/15 | 444" | 50,550lbs | 20,000/20,000lbs | 38.5' |
| MK48/16 | 398" | 40,550lbs | 46,000lbs/N/A | 32.5' |
| MK48/17 | 456" | 47,200lbs | 39,000/20,000lbs | 38.5' |
| MK48/18 | ? | ? | ? | ? |
System Wide Specifications
Maximum Speed: 57mph
Maximum Range: 300mi
Highest Climbable Grade: 60%
Steepest Approach Angle: 45deg
Steepest Departure Angle: 45deg (48deg for MK48/16)
Maximum Side Slope: 30%
Maxmium Fording Depth: 60"
See Also
External Links
- Manufacturer's Website
- Additional information at GlobalSecurity.org
- Additional information at Federation of American Scientists
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