M1083 MTV

   In 1991 one Texas company was awarded a large-scale contract to manufacture the US Army's new Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV). Later all ageing medium trucks in the Army's inventory were replaced by this modern and efficient design.

   The FMTV is based on an Austrian truck, the Steyr 12M18, but considerably reengineered to be available as the 4x4 2.5-tone Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) and the 6x6 5-tone Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV). Both models have over 90 percent of components in common such as the cab, engine, drive train, tyres, wheels, front suspension, axles, etc, and involve many commercial components. The basic LMTV is the M1078 cargo while the 6x6 base is the M1083.

   The MTV family of 6x6 military trucks is powered by Caterpillar 3115 ATAAC 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine, developing 290 hp. It is a high efficiency and low emission unit. This engine is coupled with a fully automatic transmission. A central tyre pressure system is fitted as standard.

   Some versions are fitted with load handling cranes and others have recovery winches. It is also produced as bare chassis for special bodies to be added. A machine gun mounting is provided.

   Throughout the exercise the MTV accent has been on reliability, low unit and running costs, and long term efficiency, all aspects well demonstrated during a grueling series of selection trials which took place over a period of many months before selection of the Steyr design. The MTV is destined to serve well into the 21st Century and is being offered for export sales in the Far East and elsewhere.

   The M1083 MTV basic model have many variants such as:

- M1085 long wheelbase version;
- M1086 long wheelbase version;
- M1087 with expansible van body;
- M1088 truck tractor;
- M1089 wrecker;
- M1090 dump truck;
- M1091 fuel or water tanker;
- M1093 special version for low altitude air drops;
- M1095 cargo trailer for any MTV vehicle.
 

   Throughout the exercise the M1083 MTV accent has been on reliability, low unit and running costs, and long term efficiency, all aspects well demonstrated during a grueling series of selection trials which took place over a period of many months before selection of the Steyr design. The MTV family is destined to serve well into the 21st Century and is being offered for export sales in the Far East and elsewhere.