M105 DEUCE

   The M105 DEployable Universal Combat Earthmover (DEUCE) was developed by Caterpillar as a private venture. Originally it was known as the Caterpillar 30/30 Engineer Support Tractor. It is a high-speed, high-mobility earthmoving system intended for use in the forward areas. Production contract was awarded to Caterpillar in 1995. First examples of the new earthmover were delivered to the US Army in 1997. Full-scale deliveries commenced in 1999. A total of 227 vehicles were produced for the US Army. The M105 DEUCE replaced a Caterpillar D5 bulldozer in service with the US Army. The new vehicle was more suitable for the role than the militarized D5 dozer, which was essentially a standard commercial machine, just painted in military flat paint. The M105 DEUCE is mainly used by light infantry and airborne units. The only export operator of this combat earthmover is the United Kingdom. A total of 15 DEUCEs were delivered to Royal Engineer units.

   The M105 DEUCE performs excavation in support of mobility, counter-mobility and survivability missions. Typical missions of this high speed dozer are digging of pits and positions for armored vehicles, troops or artillery systems, preparing airstrips. It also performs other typical engineering tasks.

   This combat earthmover is fitted with a hydraulically operated dozer blade at the front. The DEUCE is as powerful as the D5 dozer and able to perform many of the same jobs as the M9 ACE.

   The DEUCE is operated by a single engineer. This earthmover carries no armor or defensive armament.

   This earthmover is powered by a 7.2-liter Caterpillar 3126 turbocharged diesel engine. It has dual power settings and develops 185 hp in earthmoving mode and 265 hp in travelling mode. Vehicle has an automatic transmission. A wide range of standard proven and commercially available components are used on this earthmover. Approximately 75-80% of components are commercially available. The DEUCE can self-deploy and travel long distances without the need of a prime mover and trailer. It can perform earthmoving tasks and then self-deploy to the next mission site. The M105 uses rubber track, which is lighter and less damaging to road surfaces than traditional steel track. Vehicle carries fuel for 320 km of road travel or 10 hours of earthmoving.

   This earthmover can be airlifted by the C-130 Hercules with a short preparation in 10 minutes. Furthermore the DEUCE can be airdropped. Two mechanics prepare this combat earthmover for air drops in less than 20 minutes. After an airdrop it is re-assembled and ready for action in less than 30 minutes.