Which is the best
military trucks in the world? Which is the greatest military truck and why?
There are hundreds and thousands of various truck models, that are
being used for military service. Some of them are commercial
designs, just repainted in military colors. The others are
purpose-built tactical vehicles, that where specially designed for
military use. Main roles of military trucks are to carry soldiers
and supplies.
Key factor
for this Top 10 analysis is how long a basic design without
significant changes is being produced, as well as combination of payload capacity, cross-country
mobility, reliability production numbers, and some
other factors.
This Top 10 list includes only
operational trucks. It do not includes vehicles that are being developed
or received no production orders.
Currently
Top 10 military trucks in the world are these:

Nr.1
Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG (Germany)
The first
Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG (Universal Motor Gerat) was designed in 1946, shortly after the World War II.
Prototypes were revealed in 1948. It was originally designed as a
simple and efficient multi-purpose machine with a permanent 4x4,
that could used for agriculture, forestry, and transportation of
various cargo. Its design proved to be extremely successful. This
heavy-duty truck is produced ever since. That's nearly 70 years!
Furthermore over the years the basic design of this vehicle has
remained constant. The UNIMOG range has been expanded to encompass a
family of 4x4 utility trucks with off-road payloads of between 1 250
and 7 500 kg. These is even a 6x6 version. This vehicle is available
both for military and civilian applications. The UNIMOGS have been
exported to all over the world and they are license-produced in some
countries. These military trucks are used used by at least 30
countries.
Over the years many
models have been introduced and body styles have altered
considerably but all versions are tough and efficient vehicles with
excellent cross country performance capabilities. There are varying
wheelbases, engine capacities and outputs, load area dimensions and
many other variables to ensure that there is a UNIMOG to meet any
particular military logistics requirement. These trucks are used as
troop carriers, ambulances, equipment carriers, command vehicles and
for many other specialized roles. UNIMOGS are also used as light
artillery tractors.
These military trucks
are entirely conventional in design. All UNIMOGS have diesel
engines. A number of engines are available for these vehicles. These
trucks are capable of operating off-road, in deep water, mud or
snow. A central tyre inflation system is proposed as an option. The
UNIMOGs are as capable off-road as most purpose-designed tactical
vehicles. However it has an advantage as its parts are readily
available all over the world.
A number of armored
vehicles are based around the automotive components of this utility
truck. These include
Aravis,
Dingo I,
Dingo II
and Mamba
mine protected vehicles,
Condor
and AV-VBL armored personnel carriers.

Nr.2
M1078
LMTV and
M1083
MTV family of trucks (United States)
In 1991 a
Stewart & Stevenson company was awarded a large-scale contract to
manufacture the US Army's new Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV)
with the intention that eventually all the existing (and ageing)
medium trucks in the Army's inventory would be replaced by a modern
and efficient design. First production vehicles were delivered to
the US Army in 1996 and replaced the ageing designs, such as the
M809 and
M35, which traced traced its
origins back to the late 1940s. Since 2012 the FMTV family of trucks
is produced by the Oshkosh
Corporation.
The FMTV is based on
an Austrian
Steyr
12M18 truck, which was produced since 1985, but considerably
reengineered to be available as the 4x4 Light Medium Tactical
Vehicle (LMTV) and the 6x6 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,
while this design involves many commercially available components.
The basic LMTV is the M1078 cargo truck while the 6x6 basic model is
the M1083.
Accent of
these vehicles has been on reliability, low unit and running costs,
and long term efficiency. All aspects were well demonstrated during
its service life.
These military trucks
are designed to transport cargo and soldiers. It is the main
workhorse of the US Army. This family of military trucks is destined
to serve well into the 21st Century and is being offered for export
sales in the Far East and elsewhere.
Experience
in Iraq led to development of an armored cab. It is known as Low
Signature Armored Cab (LSAC). Two man team can remove and replace a
standard cab by an armored cab in the field within 4 hours. Later a
new Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS) armored cab appeared. It can
adapt various armor levels, depending on the threat.

Nr.3
MAN SX
series (Germany)
The MAN SX
series of high mobility military trucks is a successor to the
previous
KAT
1, which was introduced with the German armed forces in the
late 1960s. These military vehicles can
be easily identified by their vertical windscreens. The MAN SX
series vehicles are in service with Germany, Austria, Denmark,
Malaysia, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom and some other countries.
The MAN SX series high
mobility truck shares some technologies with the MAN HX family, as
well as FX and LX families. However it has a stiffer chassis and
much greater mobility. The
SX45
is an 8x8 heavy utility truck, designed to operate in tough off-road
conditions. It has a payload capacity of 14 - 16 t. There is also a
smaller
SX44 with 6x6 configuration. These trucks were specially
developed to meet military requirements and are intended to carry
heavy and specialized equipment, such as radars, command shelters,
antenna masts, missile launchers and so on. It is also used as a
load handling system to carry flatracks and containers. There are
light and heavy recovery versions of this vehicle as well.
The MAX SX family has
a modular cab, which can be fitted with add-on armor protection kit.
This kit was jointly developed by MAN and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. It
provides protection against small arms fire, artillery shell
splinters, grenades, small anti-personnel mines. Armored modules are
attached to the outside of the cab. Armored kit can be installed
within 10 hours in field conditions. The MAN SX series trucks are
also available with an integrated armored cab, which offers higher
level of protection. It can be even equipped with remotely
controlled weapon station.
Another
unusual feature of this military truck is that engine is located
behind and under the cab. Such layout allowed to reduce overall
height of the truck. Furthermore the radiator is located behind the
cab and can not be easily damaged or blocked with mud. This high
mobility truck was designed to keep pace with tracked combat
vehicles across any terrain.
Developers
claim, that the MAN SX are the most mobile and reliable military
trucks currently on the market. The MAN SX series trucks have a
service life of 30 years.
There is
also MAN
HX series. These vehicles were also specially developed to meet
military needs and are intended for off-road applications.

Nr.4
Ural-4320 (Russia)
The
Ural-4320 is a Russian heavy off-road truck. It follows the lines of
the Ural-375 which entered production back in
1961. The Ural-4320 is produced without significant changes
since 1976. It is a heavy-duty cargo vehicle, which is available
both for civil and military customers. This truck is in service with
the Russian military as well as many other countries. It can be
often spotted in various military conflicts.
This vehicle
is entirely conventional in design and technology. It has a payload
capacity of 4.5 t off-road and 6 t on hard surface roads. A basic
version is a troop/cargo carrier. This military truck also tows
trailers or artillery pieces. Though many versions of this vehicle
with various bodies exist.
However
this Russian truck is not as reliable as its Western counterparts.
The
Ural-4320 has a full-time all wheel drive and is fitted with a
centralized tyre pressure system. It is an extremely capable
off-road vehicle. With preparation all models can ford water
obstacles up to 1.75 m deep. Vehicle can operate in climatic
conditions, ranging from -50°C to +50°C.

Nr.5
KrAZ-6322 (Ukraine)
The
KrAZ-6322 is a Ukrainian heavy utility truck. It evolved from the
previous KrAZ-255 and
260
models, but has been upgraded to meet today's standards. It is a
reliable and proven design. The KrAZ-6322 is produced since 1999.
Though its predecessors trace their origins to the 1960s and even
earlier. This military truck is in service with Ukraine, Angola,
Egypt, India, Indonesia and Yemen. A large number of these military
trucks were ordered by the US Government for the new Iraqi Army. It
is also in service with Iran and possibly some other countries.
The KrAZ-6322 heavy
truck has a payload capacity of over 10 t. Vehicle can tow a trailer
with a maximum weight of up to 30 t. It can also tow aircrafts with
a maximum weight of up to 75 t on the airfields.
This heavy-duty
military truck is intended for different loads and troop
transportation. Basic design can accept a wide variety of body
types. The standard body is fitted with drop sides and a removable
tarpaulin with bows. Wooden bench seats may be fitted for troop
transportation. Vehicle can carry up to 24 troops. A three-person
cab is standard across the range. It is very similar to that of the
earlier KrAZ-260.
This military truck
was specially designed for off-road application and has considerable
cross-country mobility.
The KrAZ-6322 is
proposed in a number of variants.

Nr.6
MTVR (United
States)
The Medium
Tactical Vehicle Replacement, or MTVR, is a purpose-designed
military truck. The It was developed by Oshkosh. It was first
fielded in 1998 and entered full-scale production in 2005. This
vehicle is used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. It replaces the
M939 6x6
truck and the ageing
M809 6x6
truck, that was produced between 1970 and 1982. The new truck offers
greater mobility, payload and reliability. Over 11 000 MTVR trucks
were delivered. It has been exported to Egypt, Greece, Iraq, the
United Kingdom, and possibly some other countries.
All versions of the
MTVR use the same 6x6 configuration. 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 of the vehicle. The Mk.23 is the standard cargo variant.
This heavy utility
truck can carry a payload of 7 t off-road or up to 15 t when driving
on smoother surfaces, while simultaneously being able to tow an 11 t
load. The MTVR is highly adaptable for any cargo hauling, carrying
or winching. Its wide versatility makes the MTVR an integral part of
the Marine Corps logistical backbone. This vehicle is the prime
mover for the
M777
howitzer, troops, fuel, water and a wide variety of other
equipment.
The MTVR truck can be
fitted with armor protection kit or armed with a 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm
machine gun.
The MTVR trucks are
powered by the Caterpillar C-12 11.9-liter turbocharged diesel
engine, developing 425 hp. Vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive
with an independent suspension system, as well as a central tyre
inflation system. This military truck has good cross-country
performance.

Nr.7
KamAZ-5350 (Russia)
The
KamAZ-5350 is another Russian military truck. It is a follow-on to
the
KamAZ-4310, which was produced since 1980
and was the workhorse of the Soviet military. The KamAZ-5350 is
produced since 2003. This truck is available both for civil and
military customers.
This military truck
has a conventional layout, with a front-mounted engine and a forward
control cab. A baseline version has a general troop/cargo body with
folding-down sides and tailgate. However this truck is also
available with a number of body styles. Also there are versions with
4x4 and 6x6 configurations.
Its payload on
cross-country terrain is limited to 6 t. It can also tow trailers or
artillery pieces with a maximum weight up to 7 t.
Vehicle has a
full-time all-wheel drive and is fitted with a central tyre
inflation system.

Nr.8
HEMTT (United
States)
The HEMTT or
Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck is a family of 8x8 heavy
high-mobility trucks produced by Oshkosh and used by the US
military. The HEMTT entered service with the US Army in 1982 and
replaced the ageing M520 Goer. Over 15 000 of these high mobility
trucks were built. These are also referred as Family of Heavy
Tactical Vehicles or FHTV. These vehicles are rapidly deployable and
are designed to operate in any climatic conditions.
There are a number of
variants of the HEMTT trucks, built on a similar chassis and
equipped to perform different missions. These high mobility trucks
are used by the US military to perform local and line haul, unit
resupply and related tactical missions. The M977 is a baseline cargo
truck, fitted with material handling crane. This particular model
was produced in large numbers.
Cab of the HEMTT may
be fitted with add-on armor kit. It protects the crew from small
arms fire and artillery shell fragments. There is a machine gun
mount on top of the roof.
Vehicle is powered by
the Detroit Diesel 8V92TA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 450
hp. Engine is located behind the cab. Such layout allowed to reduce
overall height of the vehicle. Engine is coupled to an automatic
transmission. This military truck has 8x8 configuration, however it
can be switched to 8x4 on hard surface roads for maximum speed and
range. Vehicle has great cross-country mobility.
There are
upgraded versions, such as HEMTT A3 and HEMTT A4, with significantly
increased capabilities.
The US
Marine Corps used an
Mk.48 LVS or Logistics Vehicle System. This tactical truck is
nicknamed the Dragon Wagon. It is an articulated 8x8 vehicle, which
shares many similarities with the HEMTT. For a number of years it
was a mainstay of the USMC logistical fleet.

Nr.9
LVSR (United
States)
In 2006 the
US Marine Corps selected the Oshkosh LVSR (Logistic Vehicle System
Replacement) heavy tactical trucks to replace the ageing
Oshkosh Mk.48 series, which was launched in 1985 and was the
mainstay of the USMC logistics fleet. This truck is similar in
concept to the US Army
Palletized Load System (PLS). Overall USMC requirement is for
over 2 000 heavy high mobility trucks, including variants. First
production vehicles were delivered in 2009. In the same year these
heavy trucks were deployed in Afghanistan.
The main function for
this heavy utility truck is to transport heavy engineering and
combat equipment, containers and basic supplies, such as ammunition,
fuel and water. This 10x10 vehicle has a payload capacity of about
12 t off-road and 20.4 t on hard surface roads. It can also tow a
trailer or artillery pieces.
The Oshkosh LVSR
trucks are capable of meeting the operational requirements of Marine
Corps expeditionary missions throughout the world. It is fitted with
an integrated armored cab and energy-absorbing seats. Add-on armor
kit can be fitted for a higher level of protection.
The Oshkosh LVSR
shares a number of automotive components with the
Oshkosh MTVR heavy utility truck. It is powered by a Caterpillar
C15 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 600 hp. Engine is located
behind and under the cab. Such layout allowed to reduce height of
the vehicle. Also such design protects damage of the radiator or
blockage with mud. Vehicle has a full time all-wheel drive and is
fitted with a central tyre inflation system. The LVSR has good cross
country mobility over any terrain.

Nr.10
IVECO
M250 (Italy)
The Italian
IVECO company has long tradition for building dedicated military
trucks. The IVECO M250 is a recent series of tactical trucks, that
were designed to operate on all kinds of roads and off-road. The
M250 is a 6x6 version, while there are also
M170
4x4 version and
M320
8x8 version. There is a 66% commonality of components across the
range of these tactical military trucks. These trucks are branded
ASTRA for domestic market while the M250 is its export designation.
It seems that deliveries to the Italian Army commenced in 2003.
These trucks were exported to Belgium, Spain, and possibly some
other countries. The Spanish trucks are badged as IVECO-Pegaso.
These
tactical trucks fulfill logistic roles both for frontline and rear
echelon units. The IVECO M250 series trucks are available with
various wheelbase lengths. Payload capacity also varies depending on
the version. The M250.45WM has a payload capacity of 8 000 kg. It
can also tow trailers or artillery pieces. The baseline version is a
cargo/troop carrier. This military truck is fitted with a standard
drop side cargo body, with bows and tarpaulin cover. Also it can
accept a variety of other bodies. Specialized versions are
available, such as artillery tractor, dump truck, load handling
system and tractor truck which hauls
Centauro fire support vehicles.
The Iveco M250 series
trucks are fitted with a purpose-designed military cabs. The cab has
sleeper berths. It accommodates driver and up to three passengers.
Cabs of the Belgian trucks are protected against landmines. An
add-on armor kit, which features internally-mounted replacement
panels, can be installed. It provides protection against small arms
fire and artillery shell splinters.
Belgian trucks are
powered by Iveco Cursor-13 turbocharged diesel engine, developing
450 hp. Another engine model, developing 400 hp is available. A
number of automotive components are from Iveco EuroTrakker range of
commercial trucks. Vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive and is
fitted with a central tyre inflation system.
The M250 military
trucks can be airlifted by the
C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter after a short preparation.
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