Country of origin |
United States |
Entered service |
2006 |
Configuration |
6x6 |
Cab seating |
1 + 2 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight (empty) |
12.7 t |
Payload capacity |
~ 30 t |
Length |
7.55 m |
Width |
2.49
m |
Height |
3 m |
Mobility |
Engine |
Caterpillar C-12 diesel |
Engine power |
445 hp |
Maximum road speed |
105 km/h |
Range |
483 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
~ 20% |
Side slope |
? |
Vertical step |
? |
Trench |
? |
Fording |
1.52 m |
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The Oshkosh
MK31 tractor truck is a member of
Oshkosh MTVR family of military vehicles.
It was designed to meet a US Navy Seabees requirement. Its production for
the US Navy Seabees and US Marine Corps commenced in 2005. First
production vehicles were fielded in 2006. In service the Mk.31 tractor truck
is referred as Medium Equipment Transporter (MET). It has been
deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and proved itself well.
This tractor
truck is a purpose-designed
heavy-duty military vehicle. It utilizes the same (but shorter) chassis, engine, drivetrain and running gear as the baseline MTVR Mk.23 cargo truck.
It has a commercially-compatible fifth wheel. This tractor truck
hauls semi-trailers with fuel, water, combat vehicles, construction
equipment and a variety of other military cargo. It can haul loads
with a maximum weight of about 30 000 kg. Vehicle has 70% on-road,
25% unimproved road and 5% off-road mission profile. This vehicle
has expected service life of 22 years.
The MTVR Mk.31 is an
integral part of the US Navy and US Marine Corps logistical
backbone. The US Navy vehicles are used in conjunction with a
variety of commercially-based semi-trailers. The US Marine tractors
are primarily used with M870 flatbed and M969 and M970 fuel tankers.
Engine is
located under a forward fiberglass bonnet. Roof of the cab with
hinged aluminum windscreen and door frames can be folded down to
reduce overall height. The Cab accommodates driver, co-driver and
one passenger. For operation in combat zones cab can be
fitted with add-on armor kit. It provides protection against small
arms fire, artillery shell splinters. Furthermore armored cab
withstands blasts equivalent to 6 kg of TNT. Also a roof-mounted 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm
machine gun can be fitted.
The Oshkosh MTVR
Mk.31 is powered by the Caterpillar C-12 11.9-liter turbocharged
diesel engine. Engine was uprated from 425 to 445 hp. It is mated to an Allison 7-speed
automatic transmission. Vehicle has a full-time all-wheel
drive. It also has an independent suspension and is fitted with a
central tyre inflation system. Tyre pressure is adjusted from the
drivers seat depending on terrain conditions and payload. Also it has an all-wheel steer. Some commercially available driveline
components were used in order to reduce production and operating
costs.
With some preparation
vehicle and trailer combination can be airlifted by the
C-130 Hercules
aircraft. It can be also airlifted by
CH-53 helicopter.
Variants
Oshkosh Wheeled Tanker, a version of the Mk.31 for United
Kingdom. It is designed to tow specialized semi-trailers with fuel
and water tanks over unimproved roads.
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