Background: The Marine Corps fielded the heavy tactical vehicle system during the mid 1980s. The Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) is a modular system consisting of a MK48 front power unit and, originally, four interchangeable rear body units (RBU). The front power unit and rear body units are joined by a hydraulically powered articulated joint that assists in steering the vehicle and allows a degree of independent movement between the front and rear units for more mobility. The articulated joint transfers automotive power to the RBU axles and hydraulic power for any hydraulically operated equipment. The completed units are 8x8 systems with two front steering axles. The LVS has an off road payload of 12.5 tons and an on road payload of 22.5 tons. There are approximately 1800 front power units and 2200 rear body units in the Marine Corps inventory.
MK48, Front Power Unit - The MK48 Front Power Unit is an enclosed cab, diesel powered, automatic transmission, 4x4 vehicle that provides all automotive and hydraulic power for the LVS combinations.
MK14, Container Transporter Rear Body Unit - The MK14 Container Transporter Rear Body Unit is a flatbed trailer for transporting bulk cargo and standardized cargo containers. It is equipped with ISO lock points for securing 20 foot standard containers, the Marine Corps Field Logistics System (FLS) bulk liquid tanks and pump units (SIXCONS), and standard Marine Corps Expeditionary Shelter System (MCESS). The MK14 can also be equipped with a tow bar adapter kit that allows it to be tandem towed as an un-powered trailer behind a MK48/MK14 combination. The tandem tow is limited to the 12.5 ton off road payload.
MK15, Recovery / Wrecker Rear Body Unit - The MK15 Recovery/Wrecker Rear Body Unit provides a lift and tow capability and to recover disabled vehicles. The MK15 is a fully equipped wrecker designed to recover, lift and tow vehicles. Lifting is accomplished by an A-frame (32,000 lbs rating) attached to the rear of the MK15. A heavy duty rear winch (60,000 lbs rating) enables the wrecker to free mired vehicles. The wrecker is equipped with a material handling crane (9,000 lbs at 15 ft rating) used for changing power packs, and loading equipment and bulky cargo. An auxiliary hydraulic circuit on the vehicle provides power for tools and can also be used to supply another trailer (MK15, MK16, MK17, or MK18) with hydraulic power.
MK16, 5th Wheel Semi-trailer Adapter Rear Body Unit - The MK16 5th Wheel Semi-trailer Adapter Rear Body Unit is designed to move semi-trailers with loads up to 70 tons. A winch (60,000 lbs rating) mounted in front of the fifth wheel is capable of pulling a load onto a semi-trailer without using the load's own power. The MK16 has a 36-inch fifth wheel and a 3.5 inch kingpin.
MK17, Dropside Cargo Rear Body Unit - The MK17 Dropside Cargo Rear Body Unit with Material Handling Crane is a dropside bulk cargo vehicle with an integral hydraulically operated crane to provide a self loading capability. The side panels of the cargo bed can be dropped down or removed for cargo loading/unloading. The side panels also provide seating for troops. A material handling crane (9,000 lbs at 15 ft rating) at the rear of the vehicle is used to load/unload equipment and cargo. The MK48/MK17 can also tow and position the M198 Howitzer.
MK18, Self-loading Container and Ribbon Bridge Transporter - Since the initial fielding, 325 MK14s have been converted to the MK18 Self-loading Container and Ribbon Bridge Transporter. The MK18 is capable of self loading and off-loading fully loaded 20 foot standard containers and the ribbon bridge interior and ramp bays and standard bridge boat. An additional 164 MK14s will be converted during 1996 and 1997 to the MK18A1 configuration. The MK18A1 differs from the MK18 in the loading and off-loading mechanism.
Vehicle Specifications
Manufacturer: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
Dimensions:
Length: MK48 - 238.5"; With MK14 - 456"; With MK15 - 444"; With MK16 - 398"; With MK17 - 456"
Width: 96" - All
Height: 102" - All
Curb Weight: 24,500 lb.; With MK14 - 40,300 lb.; With MK15 - 50,550 lb.; With MK16 - 40,550 lb.; With MK17 - 47,200 lb.
Payload Capacity - On Road: With MK14 - 45,000 lb.; With MK15 - 20,000 lb.; With MK16 - 46,000 lb.; With MK17 - 39,000 lb.
Payload Capacity - Off Road: With MK14 - 25,000 lb.; With MK15 - 20,000 lb.; With MK17 - 20,000 lb.
Ground Clearance: 23" - All
Configuration: 4x4; With Trailers 8x8
Turning Radius: With MK14 / MK15 / MK17 - 38.5'; With MK16 - 32.5'Performance:
Maximum Speed: 57 mph
Range: 300 mi.
Maximum Grade: 60%
Approach Angle: 45 deg. - All
Departure Angle: MK48 / MK14 - 45 deg.; MK48 / MK15 / MK16 - 48 deg.; MK48 / MK17 - 40 deg.
Side Slope: 30%
Fording: 60"Equipment Specifications:
Cab: 2 Man
Seats: Suspension, Adjustable Fore/Aft
Seat Belts: Shoulder and Lap
Engine: Manufacturer: Detroit Diesel, 8V92TA, Turbocharged, Liquid Cooled
Rating: 445 hp
Governor: Limiting Speed
Fuel: Diesel
Fuel Capacity: 150 gal., 2 - 75 gal. Tanks
Oil: 22 qt., 24 qt. With Filters
Starter: Manufacturer: Delco Remy 1990272
Cooling: General Radiator, Inc. - Heavy Duty Horizonal Core - Fin and Tube Type
Fan: 40", 8 Blade, Hydraulically Driven With Fan Motor
Transmission: Manufacturer: Allison
Model: HT 740D
Type: Automatic
Speeds: 4 Forward/ 1 Reverse
Oil Capacity : 31 qt.
Transfer Case: Manufacturer: Oshkosh Truck Corporation, DA100
Speeds: 2 Speed
Oil Capacity: 10 qt.
Steering: Manufacturer: Ackerman
Type: Hydraulic Power Assist
Pump: Tandem Hydraulic Pump, Engine Driven
Oil Cooler Type: Fin and Tube
Electrical System:
Alternator: Manufacturer: Leece Neville - Model: 3428JC Direct Drive
Capacity: 65 Amp @ 28 vdc, Negative Ground
Voltage Regulator: Integral
Batteries: 4 ea.
Axles: MK48 - 2 ea.; Trailers - 2 ea.
Manufacturer: Eaton
Models - MK48: Front - DS381P; Rear - RS-381
Models - Trailers: Front - DS580P; Rear - RS580
Carrier: Single Reduction Tandem - All
Oil Capacity: Axles - 1, 2, 4 - 33 pt.; Axle - 3 - 40 pt.Suspension:
Manufacturer: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
MK48:
Type: 3 leaf - 4" Taper Leaf Spring With Steel Saddle and 6 Torque Rods
Load Rating: 32,000 lb.
Shock Absorbers: Manufactuer: Gabriel, Heavy Duty
Quantity: 4 ea., Front Tandem Only
Trailers:
Type: 3 leaf - 5" Taper Leaf Spring With Steel Saddle and 6 Torque Rods
Load Rating: 58,000 lb.
Wheels: Type: Disc, 10.00x21 With Plates and Drivers
Quantity: 8 ea. With Trailers, 1 Spare
Tires: Goodyear Tubeless Radial
Size: 16R21
Tread Design: AT2A
Load Range: M
Winch/Material Handling Equipment:
MK48 / MK15 & MK48 / MK17 Crane: Manufactuer: Wajaz
Type: Hydraulic/Articulated
Rating: 9,000 lb. @ 15' Boom Extension
MK48 / MK15 & MK48 / MK16 Winch: Manufacturer: DP Manufacturer
Type: 2 Speed, Hydraulic
Rating: 60,000 lb.
MK48 / MK15 A-frame: Manufacturer: Wajax
Type: Hydraulic
Rating: 32,000 lb.
