When it comes to vehicles used by the U.S. military, the HMMWV (Humvee) and other front-line trucks are perhaps the most recognizable, but one of the workhorses used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy is the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) built by Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corporation. The “replacement” in the MTVR’s name comes from the fact that this truck replaced the AM General M939 and it is essentially a successor to the classic Deuce and a Half M35 that dates back to the ‘40s.

The MTVR is designed to be a highly durable and highly versatile all-terrain transport vehicle responsible for moving personnel, equipment and supplies to provide critical support, ensuring that military members can do their job whether they are at the front lines or behind the scenes. The main role of the MTVR is as a transport vehicle that is able to go anywhere at any time. In any of its various configurations, the MTVR can haul whatever the Marine Corps and Navy needs it to, and it is also the primary hauler for the 155mm howitzer artillery cannon.

Continue reading to learn more about the Oshkosh Corporation Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement.

Capabilities

Not only is the MTVR required to go over and through any terrain, it also must be able to operate in just about any weather imaginable. As such, the MTVR was designed to operate in weather conditions ranging from -50 degrees Fahrenheit to 125 degrees Fahrenheit, ford through up to five feet of water, climb a 60 degree grade and, even though it looks extremely top heavy, traverse a 30 degree side grade.

Most variations of the MTVR have a payload of 15 tons on the paved roads and an off-road payload of seven tons, but there is a specialized 8x8 load-handling model that can manage up to 16.5 tons. There’s an available armoring package that provides 360 degrees of protection, and despite its size, the MTVR can be airlifted by the C-130 airplane or CH-53 helicopter. Like many military vehicles, the MTVR is no speed demon, as its top speed limited to 65 mph.

Variations

According to Oshkosh, there are nine variations of the MTVR. Most are three-axle 6x6 models, including a cargo truck, dump truck, tow truck and a tractor trailer-like truck, but there’s also a two-axle 4x4 cargo truck as well as a four-axle 8x8 model. The 8x8 comes with a load-handling system capable of not only delivering supplies and equipment but unloading the gear once it reaches its intended destination without the need for additional equipment.

Drivetrain

Depending on its configuration, the MTVR is powered by either the Caterpillar C9 or Caterpillar C13 turbocharged diesel engines. Most versions are equipped with the C13, which is a 12.8-liter inline-six rated at 440 horsepower, and this engine is also used in non-military applications such as dump trucks, cement mixers and tractor trailers with outputs ranging from 305 to 525 horsepower and 1,150 to 1,750 pound-feet of torque. Some versions of the MTVR use the smaller C9 inline-six with its 8.8-liter displacement and 400-horsepower output, and this engine – like the C13 – can also be found in civilian vehicles including mass transit buses, fire trucks and motorhomes. All trucks use an Allison seven-speed automatic transmission and a single-speed transfer case.

Conclusion

The versatility of the MTVR, along with its all-terrain capabilities, makes it an integral vehicle in the U.S. military’s fleet, providing a tactical advantage when it comes to supply transport. Needless to say, the MTVR probably isn’t the type of vehicle that you’ll ever see on the front lines of battle, but with its proven ability to go anywhere, the MTVR ensures that no matter where it is needed, it is able to complete the mission.