Utility Trucks - Delivering The Extra Mile

Cargo haulage has throughout the years relied very much on the hardy utility truck. Despite the fact that they are mainly designed for commercial cargo transport, these trucks too have been developed with soldiers’ transportation in mind, resulting in inter-changeable configurations that allow these workhorses to execute multiple duties while at the same time ensuring armed forces’ sustainability in hostile settings.Capable of hauling supplies for hundreds of kilometres, these trucks also have the ability to endure journeys in impermissible environments. In order to operate in risky conditions, all manufacturers have provided these trucks with sufficient measures such as reinforced armoury and gunnery for protection against exterior threats. These trucks are armoured not only to protect the supplies being delivered, but also the most valued asset of any armed forces - the soldiers themselves.

Through evolution and revolution, since the great battle of World War II till the days of Operation Freedom in Iraq, from the inhospitable Afghanistan desert to the jungles of the South East Asia, utility trucks have been a major element in the formation of dominant armed forces. ASPAC Defence delivers some outlook and updates on a number of military utility trucks currently active and in service all around the world.

Thales Bushmaster

The Australian Army has originally selected the Bushmaster by Thales Australia after a series of trials in 1998. The development programme was initiated as an effort to fulfil the requirements of the Bushranger, a Thales Australia flagship project that has been progressing since the last two decades. Throughout the period, Thales Australia has come up with multiple variants of their Bushmaster product, ranging from ambulance, troop carrier, IED interrogator, command post as well as for utility purposes.

The Bushmaster Utility Single Cab is a member of the 4x4 Bushmaster series offered by Thales Australia specifically meant for logistic purposes. Weighing 11.5 tonnes, the truck was designed for logistic operations in very hostile environments. It has a generously high payload, able to fit and transport up to 5.7 tonnes of supply thanks to the large cargo space provided.

The Utility Single Cab variant of the Bushmaster is equipped with the Cummins ISBe 300 diesel engine, producing 300hp and up to 1100Nm of torque, powerful enough for all-terrain operations. Additionally, the truck is fitted out with a fuel tank with a 300-litre capacity, providing enough fuel for a maximum range of 800km. In a situation where the truck is fully loaded, it can at its best, cruise at a maximum speed of 100km/h, allowing for a speedy supplies delivery during operations.

The Bushmaster series, having been operational for the past 15 years, has served effectively in various battles and operations, including in East Timor, Afghanistan as well as in Iraq. The Bushmaster is currently serving a number of armed forces, namely the Royal Australian Army, the Royal Netherlands Army as well as the Royal British Army.

Oshkosh MTVR Short Bed Cargo

Ohskosh Defense is an American manufacturer of wheeled tactical vehicles and through their 90 years of experience has come up with numerous products, which have been serving many armed forces, mainly the US Army. Oshkosh Defense has established the Medium Vehicle Tactical Replacement (MTVR) line, a series of 4x4 and 6x6 trucks under the MTVR category that consists of trucks built to perform different roles. These trucks include MK23 and MK25 Standard Cargo Truck, MK27 and MK28 Extended Cargo Truck, MK29 and MK30 Dump Truck, MK37 HIMARS Re-supply Vehicle, MK31 Tractor as well as a few other variants. In the logistic support category, Oshkosh has introduced the MTVR 4x4 Short Bed Cargo, a utility truck designed for all-terrain cargo transportation aimed to fulfil the demands of reliable workhorses by armed forces operations worldwide.

Caterpillar was awarded with engine supply procurement and they equipped the MTVR with the C9 diesel engine, generating 400hp and a maximum torque of 1206Nm. The truck, weighing approximately 9.8 tonnes, is able to cruise at up to 105km/h on normal roads. Oshkosh has provided the truck with a reasonably large cargo area, able to accommodate and transport supplies of up to 9.4 tonnes.

Presently operational with the US Marine Corps as well as the US Navy, MTVR Short Bed Cargo has proven its capability in various missions, thanks to the effective package offered by Oshkosh Defense. Powered by the Caterpillar C9 engine, plus a large 295-litre fuel capacity, the truck has a maximum range of 493 km, suitable for medium range tactical missions.

Mercedes Unimog U4000

The Unimog series from Mercedes Benz have been around since 1940s, designed and manufactured for commercial as well as military purposes. Easily noticeable by its high build up, the Unimog is a 4x4 multi-purpose utility truck with an advanced frame and suspension integration thus the high ground clearance. For military purposes, Mercedes has introduced the U4000 model, a 32-speed truck readily available to endeavour journeys, delivering supplies in almost any kind of environment.

Weighing four tonnes, at the heart of the truck is the 177hp OM904 diesel engine, producing 675Nm of torque and a maximum speed of 102km/h, which suits the truck’s light configuration. The truck is equipped with a fuel tank of 145-litre capacity, providing enough fuel supply for a journey of 760km.

Despite the fact that the Unimog U4000 is an all-terrain utility vehicle, the high build up configuration has resulted in the payload capacity limitation at only 4.5 tonnes. This limitation was set to ensure the vehicle capability to venture into very rough terrain normally avoided by other trucks. Therefore it is no surprise that these trucks can be found in jungles, deserts and mountains, performing diverse roles including fire fighting, scientific expedition as well as other critical military roles.

Renault Sherpa 5

Made available in 2004, the Sherpa 5 truck by Renault is currently active with various armed forces all over the world. Available in 4x4 and 6x6 configuration, Renault has retrofitted the truck with the MD-7 diesel powered engine, which is capable of producing 1050Nm of torque as well as 290hp. Compared to its competitors, the Sherpa 5 has a considerable high torque. This, according to Renault is to enable the truck to endeavour into harsh settings, which normally do not permit sufficient mobility.

Equipped with a 215-litre fuel tank, the truck can travel to a destination as far as 800km, with a maximum speed of 90km/h. With a weight approximately 7.3 tonnes, the truck has a payload of 6.7 tonnes, capable of delivering multiple types of supplies including armaments as well as soldiers. The truck too, was designed with inter-changeable configurations that allow it to perform multiple roles. Meanwhile, Renault has come up with crew protection measures including armoured doors, floor, roof and windscreen.

KIA KM250

The KM250 truck by KIA Motors is essentially an updated version of the famous US-made M35A2 truck. While retaining the classic American look of long bonnet, soft-topped cab and a large carrying area, KIA has integrated the truck with several modern features. Powered by the 180hp KK-7.4 diesel engine, the truck is capable of cruising at 95km/h with torque generation recorded to as much as 490Nm.

Weighing 6.1 tonnes, the truck, designed with 6x6 configuration, is equipped with a fuel tank, with a capacity of 200 litres of fuel. Though the KM250 is a relatively small scale in the logistic truck category, it is capable of transporting supplies weighing up to 4.5 tonnes on hard surface while for off-road transportation, the truck is able to transport 2.3 tonnes of supplies, delivering heavy loads including food supplies, armaments as well as fully equipped soldiers. In troop transport configuration, the truck can carry as many as 20, plus the crew of two.

Despite the fact that the truck produces quite a low torque, the 200-litre tank capacity replaces the payload limitation by enabling the vehicle to reach a destination as far as 955km. Currently in service with the Republic of Korea Army and the Philippine Army, the KM250 truck is also available in several variants including the KM250 itself as a cargo truck, KM251 (cargo truck with extended wheelbase), KM255 (fuel tanker), KM256 (water tanker), KM258 (shop van) as well as the KM259 model (decontamination truck).

TATA LPTA 1623

As the biggest vehicle manufacturer in India, Tata Motors has been producing almost all kinds of vehicle, be it for commercial or military purposes. Having been mass-producing vehicles ranging from cars, busses and trucks, Tata has also fulfilled India’s military demands by supplying numerous kinds of land vehicles focusing on logistics support. Tata has produced various logistic trucks and one of the latest in their productions is the 4x4 LPTA 1623 model.

Like any other trucks, the LPTA 1623 was developed with the consideration of fulfilling the needs of the armed forces. Despite the fact that the truck was mainly applicable for military use, it is also capable of executing variety of operations including fire fighting, emergency as well as acting as recovery vehicles.

Weighing approximately 7.5 tonnes, at the heart of the truck is a CUMMINS ISBe 6.7 diesel engine, which is able to produce 230hp and up to 900Nm of torque. The capability of generating such high torque is important in enabling the truck to perform tasks in very difficult environments.

The truck is integrated with a 300-litre fuel tank thus the supply of enough fuel for a journey of more than 500km. Built with a reasonably large cargo area, the truck is able to carry payloads weighing 5 tonnes, with a top speed of 90km/h, thanks to the powerful engine and high capacity fuel tank retrofitted onto the truck.

Last year, Tata has announced the cooperation agreement on the development of their trucks with Deftech, a Malaysian firm in promoting its trucks for the Malaysian Armed Forces. In April last year, Tata Motors and Deftech have agreed to develop two of Tata’s trucks, the LPTA 1623 and the LPTA 715.

Renault Sherpa 10

Apart from the Sherpa 5 truck, Renault has also introduced its big brother, built to handle heavier loads, the Sherpa 10. Fitted with a protective cab against ballistic and mine threats, the truck is currently in service with the French Army, mainly assigned on ammunition supply roles as well as acting as a self-propelled howitzer platform.

Weighing slightly more than the Sherpa 5, at 7.8 tonnes, the truck is available in4x4 and 6x6 configuration with a payload of up to 12 tonnes. Other than the ammunition supply and howitzer platform role, the truck is also able to transport 18 fully equipped soldiers thanks to the large carrier bay. In addition to that, Renault has also equipped the truck with an MD-7 diesel engine, similar to the one equipped onto the Sherpa 5, but with a higher horsepower as well as torque.

The engine, producing340hp as well as 1306Nm of torque, is easily available and ready for all-terrain supply delivery missions. Fully loaded, cruising on a hard surface, the truck has a maximum speed of 90km/h. Fitted with a 310-litre fuel tank, the truck is able to execute long distance operations measuring to 1000km.

Mercedes Zetros

Introduced in 2008, the Zetros is a truck offered by the Mercedes Benz Military as an upscale version of the Unimog series. Offered in 4x4 and 6x6 configuration, the Zetros truck is made available for heavier military logistic operations with a performance comparable to the Unimog series.

Weighing 6.5 tonnes, the truck was designed with a large cargo area, which can accommodate supplies ranging from four to six tonnes. To power the truck, Mercedes has decided to equip the vehicle with an OM926 LA diesel engine capable of producing 326hp and generating up to 1300Nm of torque. Fitted with a 300-litre capacity fuel tank, the truck is capable of travelling more than 500km, with a top speed of 89km/h.

As a safety measure, the truck is built with an optional armoured cab, providing resistance against ballistic and mine threats. Since the truck is built with a balanced load distribution thanks to the cab behind engine design, a swift handling is made possible and this, in a bigger picture also allows the truck to go through armoury upgrades without compromising its off-road characteristics and capabilities.

Oshkosh FMTV Cargo

Available in 4x4 and 6x6 configuration, the Oshkosh FMTV, which stands for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles is widely utilised within the US Army, performing multiple high-risk tactical as well as logistic missions. Despite the fact that a medium sized truck has very limited logistic capabilities, the ability to venture into rough terrains, combined with its payload capacity has made it the vehicle of choice by most armed forces.

The FMTV Cargo truck weighs approximately 10.3 tonnes. Powered by a Caterpillar C7 diesel engine, Oshkosh has also integrated the truck with a 212-litre capacity fuel tank. The engine, capable of producing 705Nm of torque and 425hp, is also able to support a fully loaded truck for a journey as far as 483km, fully utilising the fuel capacity provided onto the truck. In addition to that, the truck can also cruise at a maximum speed of 89km/h thanks to the efficient engine fitted onto the vehicle.

The FMTV family of trucks, other than the cargo version, is also available in multiple variants including the 5-tonne Tractor, 8.8-tonne Loading Handling System truck, 10-tonne Dump truck as well as the 5-tonne Wrecker. In 2011, the US Army heralded a procurement initiative with the order of 7000 units of the FMTV trucks making the total order of 26000 units.

Mowag Duro

With 4000 units currently in service today, the Duro truck by Mowag was developed to deliver the demands of armed forces worldwide. Provided with TORSEN self-locking differential, the truck provides operators with great mobility for on-road and off-road mission execution. The truck is able in 4x4 and 6x6 configuration, allowing decision-makers to opt for a suitable truck to suit their armed forces’ demand.

Weighing 4.8 tonnes, the Duro truck is equipped with a 242hp Cummins ISB 6.7 diesel powered engine, which is able to generate up to 925Nm of torque. Along with a 180-litre capacity fuel tank, the truck can deliver supplies to a destination as far as 650km with a top speed average of 100km/h. Thanks to the large cargo area provided, the truck, for hard surface operation is capable of transporting supplies weighing approximately 4.2 tonnes.

Apart from being a logistic truck, the Duro since its introduction has served in many operations, playing multiple roles including troop transporters, ambulance, mobile C3 stations, weapon tractors as well as acting as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) vehicle.

Tatra T810

A Czech Republic company, Tatra has a very long history of the supply of military trucks for many armed forces. In order to fulfil the Czech Army demand of replacing their aging Praga truck fleet, Tatra has came up with the T810 model, with a conventional frame unlike many other Tatra’s truck which normally designed with non-ordinary physical outlook.

Designed in 6x6 configuration, the truck is at its heart powered by a Renault Dxi7 diesel engine, which produces 237hp and a maximum torque of 1000Nm. The engine, at its highest power capacity is able to generate enough power to enable the 8.5-tonne truck to cruise at a top speed of 106km/h. Furthermore, fitted with a 220-litre capacity fuel tank, the truck is capable of executing operations to a range as far as 800km with a payload of 4.5 tonnes.

In order to enhance military operations capabilities, Tatra has also equipped the T810 truck with a number of features including optional armoury against ballistic and mine threats as well as a modified roof for gun carriage system.

MAN TG Series

As a German corporation known for producing commercial vehicles including trucks and busses, MAN too involves in the demanding defence industry. Supplying numerous types of military vehicles, they are mostly acknowledged with the production of high quality and high reliability military trucks. Looking a few years back, they came up with the TG series trucks comprising of several models including the TGL, TGM as well as the TGS model.

The TGL series truck was designed to fulfil the demand of light-medium military trucks category. Available only in 4x2 configuration, MAN offers the truck in two variants, the 7.5-tonne for 8-tonne category and 10-tonne for the 12-tonne category. On the 7.5-tonne variant, the truck is equipped with a 150hp Common Rail engine, which is able to generate as much as 700Nm of torque and a top speed of greater than 100km/h. Fitted with a fuel tank with 150-litre capacity, the truck is able to deliver supplies within a range of more than 500km.

Meanwhile, the TGM series offers a wider option for armed forces alike, with the introduction of 13-tonne, 15-tonne, 18-tonne, 22-tonne and lastly the 26-tonne trucks. Available in 4x4, 6x2 and 6x4 configuration, the TGM series provides operators with a superior capability in the transportation of heavier cargo. The TGM series of trucks are equipped with engines with higher power, ranging from 250hp to 340hp, with bigger fuel tank as well as greater range as compared to the TGL series.