US M911 C-HET & M747 SEMI-TRAILER - 2005

Description

The Oshkosh M911 tank transporter emerged as a supplement for the previous M746 tractor truck, which proved to be expensive to maintain and operate. In 1976 the US Army issued a requirement for a new tank transporter. The US Army required the new vehicle to have proven commercial background and to have low maintenance costs. In result production contract of 747 vehicles went to Oshkosh Corporation. The new tank transporter was designated as the M911. Production commenced in 1977. Some of these vehicles are still in service. The M911 is based on the F2365 commercial truck. Usually this vehicle was used in conjunction with towed M747 semi-trailer, which has a payload capacity of 60 t. The main mission of the M911 was to transport main battle tanks, tracked and wheeled armored vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, construction equipment and other heavy loads. The cab of this tractor truck accommodates driver and two passengers. An unusual feature of the M911 is that the front axle of the rear three is an air-suspended pusher axle only and can be raised when not required. When lowered it decreases the fifth wheel load on the other two axles. Tanks are loaded onto the semi-trailer using two 20 t capacity winches located behind the cab. The M911 is powered by Detroit Diesel 8V92TA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 450 hp. The same engine was later widely used on other Oshkosh heavy trucks. Engine is coupled with Allison automatic transmission. Vehicle has an 8x6 drive configuration. The tractor truck can operate in climatic conditions ranging from -50°C to +50°C. This powerful vehicle could be airlifted by a C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy military cargo aircraft. After completion of the US Army order an anticipated option for a further 445 units was not exercised. The M911 was marketed internationally as the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET). The only export operator was Thailand with 12 units. With the introduction of M1A1 Abrams main battle tank into service with the US Army, the M911 was unable to carry the load. Vehicles demonstrated poor durability with loads in excess of 60 t during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Its replacement emerged as the Oshkosh M1070. (Scale : 1/35e)