Oshkosh M1120 LHS

   The Oshkosh HEMTT LHS or Load Handling System is essentially the M977 8x8 cargo truck, fitted with a load handling system used on the PLS. It was developed by Oshkosh Truck Corporation. It entered service with the US military as the M1120 in 2002 and became the standard forward resupply vehicle.

   The M1120 LHS is a versatile logistic support vehicle, designed for off-road application and capable of transporting large quantities of various loads to front-line troops. The LHS has a payload capacity of 10 000 kg. This system  utilizes a variety of standard NATO flatracks, that are interchangeable with PLS and comparable British, German or French systems. A standard sideless flatrack is used to transport pallets of ammunition. Vehicle can transport shelters, containers, fuel racks or engineering mission modules simply by changing pallets. It uses a hydraulic load handling system, which loads and unloads flatracks or containers rapidly, without any additional material handling equipment.

   Vehicle can also tow the M1076 trailer with a maximum weight of about 16.5 t. This trailer is also used by the PLS. It was specially designed to carry the same load pallet, transferred from the main vehicle.

   Cab of the M1120 LHS provides seating for driver and co-driver, plus space for stowage. It can be fitted with add-on armor kit for a higher level of protection. A hatch with a machine gun mounting is located in the roof.

   The driver controls the hook arm from within the cab, which lowers and lifts the flatrack onto the vehicle, which can also move load on the ground. Loading or unloading takes about 30 seconds for the truck or over 2 minutes for truck and trailer combination.

   The Oshkosh M1120 LHS is powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V92TA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 450 hp. Vehicle is capable of transporting its payload in virtually any type of terrain and maintain pace with the tracked combat vehicles that it supports. The prime mover has a full-time all-wheel drive and is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. Vehicle can be airlifted by the C-130 Hercules and C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft.