Oshkosh PLS (Palletized Load System) and LVSR (Marine Corps Logistic Vehicle System Replacement) are U.S. Army and USMC standardized cargo transportation systems (all standardized NATO classes) based on 5-axle modification of the 10×10 HEMTT truck with a multilift loading and unloading device. They are designed to support highly mobile modern combat groups, including those with heavy weapons.
Technical features Oshkosh PLS:
All-wheel drive and its own loading and unloading equipment
Curb weight: 24,040 kg (includes Flatrack)
Gross vehicle weight (39,009 kg)
Gross weight with loaded trailer 61,462 kg
Truck (payload capacity): 16.5 amt (14,969 kg)
Trailer (payload): 16.5 am.tons (14,969 kg)
Truck, length: 431 inches (10.9 m)
Trailer, length: 327.4 inches (8.32 m) (including Flatrack trailer)
Truck, width: 96 inches (2.4 m)
Trailer, width: 95.7 inches (2.43 m)
Truck, height: 128 inches (3.3 m)
Flatrack, dimensions: 8 × 20 feet (2.4 × 6.1 m)
Fuel tank capacity: 155 gallons (628 liters)
Diesel engine: 500 hp (370 kW), Detroit Diesel V8 (8V92)
Transmission: Allison 6-speed automatic (5 forward, 1 reverse)
Transfer case: Oshkosh, two-speed with lockable planetary differential
Winch: 9,072 kg pulling force
Wadeable: 48 inches (1.2 m)
Air transport capability: C-5A, C-17 airplanes
Cabin: 2 persons
Maximum speed: 62 mph (100 km/h)
Wheel configuration: 10 × 10 (5 axles), four-wheel drive
Axles: AxleTech axles with differential lock and planetary wheel reduction gears
Crane load capacity: 5,400 lbs (2,450 kg)
Central tire pressure control: 4 preset modes – HWY, CC, MSS, EMERG
In 1989, the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command awarded PLS prototype contracts to Oshkosh Truck Corporation, PACCAR, and General Motors. Oshkosh PLS offered an unusual 5-axle configuration with two first and last steerable axles to meet the requirements for off-road capability, maneuverability, and axle load. Based on the results of testing that began in September 1989, Oshkosh Truck Corporation was awarded a five-year contract for the PLS in September 1990, rolling out mass production in 1992.
Since October 2008, the PLS A1 version – with anti-lock brakes, improved electrical system, new, more spacious cab (common to all FHTV (Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles), including HEMTT, LVSR and HETS), air-conditioning, gunner’s seat, machine gun mount, machine gun point armor, cab floor and hard-to-reach areas for field armor.
Between June 2015 and May 2018, 4 contracts were signed for the renovation of 4092 PLS A0’s in total to A1 level – with a complete rebuild of all units to “like new” condition, passing the same tests as for new vehicles and a corresponding warranty upgrade.
PLS system includes:
- M1074 with multi-lift – for loading/unloading and transportation of pallets on standardized Flatrack platforms, ISO-containers without loading on Flatrack platforms;
- M1077/M1077A1 – “type A” (without sides); M3/M3A1 – with CROP (Roll-in/Out Platform) rollers for easy loading/unloading and transportation of 20-foot containers; “M1” – ISO-compatible, with 2 hinged sides in front and rear, several pieces are incorporated in “type A”;
- M1076 tri-axle trailer (essentially a dolly) for transporting loads up to 16.5 US tons (15,000 kg) on Flatrack platforms; without leaving the cab, using a multi-lift or manipulator, the driver can load and unload the truck in less than one minute, and the truck and trailer in less than five minutes;
- EMM engineering modules, which are placed on Flatracks and connected to the truck’s power system using the Universal Power Interface Kit (UPIK); include EMM-BD (M4 Bituminous Distributor) bitumen tanks, EMM-CMM (M5 Concrete Mobile Mixer) concrete mixer, and M6 removable dump body (EMM-DB).
