Oshkosh Armored LVSR Comes in Three Flavors: Cargo, Tractor, and The Wrecker

It fits into Oshkosh's renewed line of Heavy Tactical Vehicles designed for the modern battlefields, together with others such as the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A4, the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET), the Palletized Load System (PLS), and the Wheeled Tanker. All these five powerful and rugged vehicles come in several customizable variants, intending to provide the best configuration possible for every mission at hand.

That is the main reason why the US Army has recently commissioned a number of 353 new and recapitalized Heavy Tactical Vehicles to be delivered by Oshkosh over the next three years.

The base platform of the mighty Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) screams power and capability. This machinery is driven by a massive 15.2-liter Caterpillar C15 six-cylinder in-line turbocharged, water-cooled four-stroke diesel, developing 600 hp. It is coupled to a seven-speed Allison automatic gearbox aided by an Oshkosh-designed single-speed transfer case.

In the case of the LVSR, the numbers say it all. First of all, it weighs about 54,000 lbs (24,000 kg), measures approximately 11 meters (36 feet) long, and can be driven with a top speed of 65 mph (105 kph). Considering its fuel capacity of 628 liters (166 gallons), it can cover a range of around 483 km (300 miles) in a single outing. As far as the military personnel it can carry, a crew of two soldiers can sit comfortably inside the cabin, which has a third space for an optional gunner if the situation requires it.

Equally impressive is the TAK-4 independent suspension system, specially designed to cover off-road trails at high speeds, haul heavy loads efficiently and safely, disregarding the terrain conditions. The TAK-4 suspension system consists of multiple spring options, helping the vehicle achieve a commendable maximum independent wheel travel of 16 inches (40.6 cm).

Another worth-mentioning trait of the Oshkosh LVSR is its payload capabilities - it can get near 22.5 tons while traveling on asphalt or up to 16.5 tons on off-road courses. Furthermore, the LVSR and all the other Oshkosh heavy tactical vehicles come with a well-integrated factory-installed armor that offers great protection for the military personnel operating the vehicle.

The LVSR comes in three variants, each specially designed for different purposes: the Wrecker, the Tractor, and the Cargo transporter.

The Wrecker serves as a recovery vehicle. It can reach totaled machinery regardless of the terrain they are mired in: thick mud, heavy snow, moving waters, or powdery sand. It benefits from the Command Zone integrated control and diagnostics system and can retrieve and tow heavy-duty wheelers such as the HMMWV series, FMTV series, or 5-ton M809.

It has a maximum flat towing capability of 110,000 lbs. (49,895 kg), and in the case of lift and tow situations, it can manage weights up to 96,000 lbs. (43,545 kg). Furthermore, its all-terrain crossing capabilities are enhanced by the auxiliary mechanisms that the Wrecker possesses.

For example, when the passage gets tricky, it can benefit from its high-force winches, the front one being rated for a maximum of 20,000 lbs. (9,072 kg) of straight-pulling power, while the rear assembly reaches 78,000 lbs. (35,380 kg) of maximum force. Moreover, the LVSR Wrecker is fitted with a centrally mounted crane for optimal efficiency during recovery missions.

The Tractor configuration of the Logistics Vehicle System Replacement is best suited for hauling heavy loads across extreme terrain. It supports a 25.3-ton (22,952 kg) vertical loading system and can attach to semi-trailers, heavy engineer equipment, and combat vehicles. This machine also relies heavily on the equipped winch attachments. The first one is a 60,000 lbs. (27,216 kg) maximum pulling capability self-recovery unit, and the second one is fitted right onto the trailer being hauled.

The Cargo variant of the heavy tactical vehicle stands out with its integrated load handling system (LHS), which aids with the process of loading and unloading the flat racks from the trailers. It can safely transport ammunition, ISO containers up to 20 feet (6.1 m), tactical bridging and support equipment, and, not least, fuel containers. The integrated LHS helps the vehicle load and unload cargo of a maximum of 22.5 tons (20,412 kg) with assistance from the on-vehicle stored adapters and lifting hardware, readily available for efficient handling.

A great representative of Oshkosh's line of Heavy Tactical Vehicles, the LVSR is a solid addition to any military or commercial fleet of rugged, all-terrain, armored monster machines. Used right, they can turn the odds in their favor in any hazardous situations and ensure their crew and cargo safety.