Country of origin |
United States |
Entered service |
1999 |
Crew |
1 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
16.1 t |
Length |
6.42 m |
Width |
2.94
m |
Height |
2.71 m |
Mobility |
Engine |
Caterpillar 3126 diesel |
Engine power |
265 hp |
Maximum road speed |
53 km/h |
Range |
320 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
0.3 m |
Trench |
~ 2.6 m |
Fording |
0.9 m |
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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.
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