Logistics Vehicle System

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.

Variants

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.

pecifications

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"

References

* [http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/f7d8a84fade7b24185256289005c04b0?OpenDocument Headquarters Marine Corps Factfile]
* Federation of American Scientists [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/mk48.htm Military Analysis Network]

ee also

* Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT)
* Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR)
* High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV)

External links

* [http://www.oshkoshtruck.com/defense/ Manufacturer's Website]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/mk48-lvs.htm Additional information at GlobalSecurity.org]
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/mk48.htm Additional information at Federation of American Scientists]