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2021-09-01

Military Trucks Steer Ahead with Innovative Upgrades

Trucks play a crucial role in any army. Designed to transport troops, fuel and military supplies to the battlefield, through asphalted or unpaved dirt roads, military trucks are increasingly expected to overcome hurdles on the path, while simultaneously applying the brake on tactical disadvantages.

On the ground, the needs are changing. Modern armies have very different demands ranging from mission support in the battle area to logistical tasks in the homeland.

In most military operations, early deployment cargo moves on military assets. Although such movements may account for merely a small portion of the total, they are often the most critical.

Most military cargo, personnel, and war-fighting assets still move on commercial resources. It may be recalled that more than 95 per cent of the equipment and cargo shipped in Desert Shield and Desert Storm moved on commercial carriers.

In an era of increasing need for military augmentation, competitive pressures have reduced civilian excess capacity and amplified the need for closer coordination between the military and civilian carriers.

Recognising the need for quality effectiveness in order to stay ahead, several countries have manufactured their own models of military trucks, each of which has a unique technical characteristic.

These vehicles are adapted to the needs of the different armies. In general, these trucks are composed of a chassis, motor, transmission, cabin, an area for the placement of the load and the equipment, axles of transmission, suspensions, direction, tyres, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, engine cooling systems, and brakes.

They can be operated with a gasoline or diesel engine. There are four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicles, six wheeled (6x6), eight wheeled (8x8), 10 wheeled (10x10) and even 12 wheeled vehicles (12x12).

Military trucks need to sustain the rigours of combat and, when needed, effortlessly be plated with thousands of pounds of armour. Some of them are commercial designs, just repainted in military colours. The others are purpose-built tactical vehicles, that where specially designed for military use.

Here we take a look at some of the popular military trucks in service around the world.

Unimog’s Efficiency on Wheels

The MercedesBenz Defence Vehicles offers a range of highly capable tactical and logistics vehicles with payloads ranging from 0.5 to 110 t and gross combination weights up to 250 t.

Unimog production started in 1948 at Boehringer in Göppingen. Daimler-Benz took over manufacture of the Unimog in 1951, and first produced it in its Gaggenau plant. From 1951, the Unimog was sold under the Mercedes-Benz brand.

The new Unimog brings efficiency and environmental friendliness to the road. Compared to Euro V engines, it generates up to 90 per cent fewer emissions and fine dust particles. In addition to the latest BlueTec 6 engine generation, this is due to the powerful cooling system and exhaust gas aftertreatment, which reduces nitrogen oxides to a minimum.

The current engines are quiet, easy to maintain and economical. Mercedes-Benz trucks rely on a worldwide service network for maximum availability.

For more than seven decades, the vehicle concept offers individual all-round solutions for customer requirements. In cooperation with vehicle bodybuilders, custom-made units are created that combine the accumulated expertise of decades of practice and innovation.

The G-Class basic vehicles offer a wide range of possible uses, and dynamic off-road capabilities. The common rail turbo diesel engine complies with the Euro 5 standard.

Versatile Oshkosh FMTV

The Oshkosh Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) stands out as the go-to resource for military operations. The FMTV has been proven time and time again as durable, reliable and capable of advanced performance. It meets the demands of the mission, battlefield and military personnel who rely on it.

Commonality of parts across chassis variants considerably reduces the logistics burden as well as operational and support costs. With a Long-Term Armour Strategy-compliant cab (LTAS) and other advanced technologies, military personnel get the enhanced protection essential to complete their missions successfully.

Thanks to its ergonomic, adjustable driver seat and steering wheel and an electronic Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS), the FMTV powers over terrain with full-time all-wheel drive, an integral transfer case and a fully automatic transmission.

Crew-protecting armour and advanced technologies work in concert to provide the capability, versatility, mobility and protection to move supplies and weapon systems or haul equipment wherever the mission requires.

‘Fit for All’ HX vehicles

The HX family is a range of purpose-designed tactical military trucks manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV). The HX range was initially disclosed in 2003, and the first order was placed in 2004. It replaced the earlier FX and LX ranges in production.

In recent months, the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) family of vehicles has raced ahead of the competition, winning major procurement orders in Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and elsewhere.

The low-torsion ladder frame of the HX is based on the tried and-tested series frame of the civilian MAN TG series. It is adapted for heavy off-road use. Steel bumpers ensure the required levels of reliability.

Similar to the frame, the HX suspension system has proven its worth over time. It was enhanced for the HX with long, wear-free, rubber-mounted springs, large shock absorbers and stabilisers.

The all-rounder combines the reliability of tested, mass produced components with innovative engineering. From cargo/troop carrier to heavy equipment tractor with gross train weights of up to 120 t, the HX vehicles (4x4, 6x6, 8x8 and 10x10 variants) ensure the perfect fit for all military purposes.

Incredible Ural-4320

The Russian origin Ural-4320 military truck is a modified version of Ural-375D. Its development started in 1972. The alterations from the previous model include new engine, enlarged bonnet plus revised fuel, cooling and electrical systems.

Its production commenced in 1976. The Ural-4320 took many of the roles, previously carried by the Ural-375D. Production of the Ural-4320 still continues. This truck is in service with the Russian military as well as many other countries.

The vehicle is conventional in design and technology. It has a payload capacity of 4.5 t off-road and 6 t on hard surface roads. A standard troop/cargo platform has drop sides, drop tailgate and removable tarpaulin with bows. In troop carrier configuration it accommodates 27 troops. This military truck also tows trailers or artillery pieces with a maximum weight of 12 t.

The cab of the Ural-4320 provides seating for the driver and two passengers. An add-on armour kit has been developed for this military truck. It protects the cab end engine compartment from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.

The Ural-4320 is powered by YaMZ-740 10.85-liter V8 diesel engine, developing 210 hp. Later it was fitted with improved diesel, developing 220 hp. The current production models are available with more powerful diesel engines.

The vehicle can operate in climatic conditions, ranging from -50°C to +50°C.

Tough and Reliable KrAZ-6322

An interest from the military is based on high technical and operational characteristics of Ukrainian off-road trucks. Military trucks KrAZ meet the requirements imposed on soldiers: strong, tough, reliable and undemanding.

Special vehicles have always held an important place in the line-up of Kremenchug Automobile Plant. PJSC “AutoKrAZ” currently manufactures the following special vehicles: platform trucks KrAZ-6322 Soldier (6х6) and KrAZ-5233ВЕ Spetsnaz (4х4), chassis cabs KrAZ-63221 and KrAZ-6322 (6х6), KrAZ-5233НЕ (4х4), truck tractors KrAZ-6446 (6х6) and KrAZ Т17.1 ЕХ (6х6).

KrAZ trucks were used in almost all the armed conflicts and wars at the end of 20th and the beginning of 21st centuries. They were in service of Ukrainian Peacekeeping Forces in Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces in Sudan.

Experiences of service in the armies show that KrAZ trucks tackle tough jobs under the harshest environmental conditions: desert, jungle, mountains. They are reliable operating over temperature range from -50 to +650С; an altitude up to 5,000 m above sea level, water barrier up to 1.5 m and also snow cover.

Today’s KrAZ trucks are in service with the armies of 36 countries, including Armed Forces of Ukraine, Georgia, Iraq, Egypt, India, Yemen, Angola, Nigeria.

They are used for carrying cargo and personnel, towing artillery systems and trailers and accommodating electronic warfare systems.

KamAZ-5350’s Mustang Touch

The KamAZ-5350 general utility truck is a member of Mustang family. This family of military trucks includes the KamAZ-4350 (4x4) and KamAZ-6350 (8x8) with numerous variants. This truck is an enhanced version of the KamAZ-4310, which was launched in the early 1980s. It was officially accepted to service with the Russian Army in 2002 and a small-scale production commenced in 2003.

The KamAZ-5350 is conventional in design. The vehicle has a payload capacity of 6,000 kg and can also tow trailers or artillery pieces. This military truck can carry a variety of shelters or container-type loads. A standard troop/cargo platform has drop sides, drop tailgate and removable tarpaulin with bows.

A three-person cab is standard across the Mustang range. It has a sleeping berth and tilts forward for engine access. This cab can be fitted with add-on armour equipment.

The vehicle is powered by a KamAZ-740.13.260 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 260 hp. Its engine is compliant with Euro II emission requirements, equipped with cold weather starting device and can be started at temperatures down to -50°C. The vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive and is fitted with a central tyre inflation system.

There are several variants of the baseline model, including KamAZ-53501 bridge transporter and KamAZ-53504 tractor truck.

HEMTT A4 – Power of Experience

Built to stand up to the rapidly evolving challenges in the operational environment, the Oshkosh Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A4 brings substantial improvements in power, maintenance and safety to the battlefield.

Its 500 horsepower Caterpillar C15 engine offers greater horsepower than its predecessor, so it can traverse the most challenging environments easier and more efficiently.

Oshkosh Defense is a global leader in the design, production and sustainment of best-in-class military vehicles and mobility systems. As a pioneer of combat-ready vehicle solutions, Oshkosh develops and applies emerging technologies that advance troop safety and mission success.

The HEMTT A4 performs while it protects with integrated under cab protection and Long-Term Armur Strategy (LTAS) B-kit attachments. Each and every variant – cargo, refueller, load handling system, recovery, light equipment transporter, guided missile transporter and MLRS resupply – offers the power, versatility and safety needed for success of the mission. There are many variants of HEMTT.

Major changes and additions to the HEMTT A4 cab offer greater comfort and safety. These protection features include heavy-duty cab mounts and attachments advancing a modular approach to personnel protection.

Since 1917, Oshkosh Corporation has delivered and sustained more than 190,000 tactical wheeled vehicles to its customers in more than 20 countries.

Delivering Results MTVR-Way

Built to go over even the roughest terrains and through the most hazardous environments, the Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) is a high-performance, durable, all-terrain vehicle military personnel can count on.

The MTVR carries 15 tonnes over the highway and up to 7.1 tonnes off-road. And with advanced technologies like TAK-4 independent suspension, the MTVR can take on any obstacle that impedes the mission.

With the addition of an all-aluminium cab, a strict anti-corrosion programme and total life-cycle support, the MTVR can perform for any mission, any time.

The Oshkosh vehicle can transport troops, fuel, water, food and supplies. It will also be used to tow the M777 lightweight 155mm howitzer.

More than 11,000 MTVRs have been delivered to the Marines and the Navy Seabees to date.

The MTVR is available in nine variants including MK23 and MK25 Standard Cargo Truck, MK27 and MK28 Extended Cargo Truck, MK29 and MK30 Dump Truck, MK31 Tractor, MK36 Wrecker, MK37 HIMARS Resupply Vehicle, 4×4 Short Bed Cargo, 9-Tonne Load Handling System 6×6, and 16.5-Tonne Load Handling System 8×8.

The crew cab and cargo compartment are equipped with an MTVR Armour System (MAS) to protect the crew from 7.62mm M80 ball rounds and 7.62mm Armour Piercing (AP) rounds. The mine protection kit can protect the occupants from mines and improvised explosive devices.

Unmatched Capabilities of LVSR

In 2006, the U.S. Marine Corps selected the Oshkosh LVSR (Logistic Vehicle System Replacement) heavy tactical trucks to replace the ageing Oshkosh Mk.48 series, which was launched in 1985 and remained the mainstay of the USMC logistics fleet.

This truck is similar in concept to the U.S. Army Palletised Load System (PLS). Overall USMC requirement is for over 2,000 heavy high mobility trucks, including variants. First production vehicles were delivered in 2009. In the same year, these heavy trucks were deployed in Afghanistan.

The primary function of this heavy utility truck is to transport heavy engineering and combat equipment, containers and basic supplies, such as ammunition, fuel and water. This 10x10 vehicle has a payload capacity of about 12 t off-road and 20.4 t on hard surface roads. It can tow a trailer or artillery pieces.

The Oshkosh LVSR trucks are capable of meeting the operational requirements of Marine Corps expeditionary missions globally. It is fitted with an integrated armoured cab and energy-absorbing seats.

The Oshkosh LVSR is powered by a Caterpillar C15 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 600 hp. The engine is located behind and under the cab. Such layout helps reduce the height of the vehicle.

IVECO M250’s Mobility Advantage

Iveco Defence Vehicles’ High Mobility range of 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 battle proven trucks are designed to have the protection and mobility to meet specialist military logistic applications.

This range of purpose designed vehicles offers exceptional mobility and an unprepared fording capability of 850mm, providing tactical support to military operations in the most hostile environmental conditions, from -32C to +49C.

The High Mobility Product Range can be customised to match specific user needs by virtue of its modular design, which embraces both the cab and the driveline. Crew survivability has been accorded high priority: the whole range can be equipped with a new generation of appliqué armour kits providing both anti-mine and ballistic protection.

The IVECO M250 is an Italian series of tactical military trucks. These trucks are branded ASTRA for domestic market while the M250 is its export designation. This military truck is in service with Italy. Deliveries to the Italian Army purportedly commenced in 2003. These trucks fulfil logistic roles both for frontline and rear echelon units. The vehicles have been exported to Belgium and Spain. The Spanish trucks are badged as IVECO-Pegaso.

The IVECO M250 series trucks are available with various wheelbase lengths. Payload capacity varies depending on the version. The M250.45WM has a payload capacity of 8,000 kg. It can tow trailers or artillery pieces.

Surmounting Future Challenges

Military transportation requirements pose a set of problems that differ from those of the commercial world. The most important challenge is the need for rapid planning and execution of a complex set of activities including coordination, assignment, scheduling and routing of land, air, and sealift resources; effective use of crews and support resources; coordination with users; and the integrated use of both military and commercial resources.

Future military transportation must take advantage of advances in the field of logistics. This involves increased use of computers and real-time communications, as well as a systems approach to integrating suppliers and users.

Much effort is essential to improve efficient use of resources for commercial land, air, domestic water, and sea transportation. Effectiveness and efficiency hold the key.

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