PDA

View Full Version : New seven ton bigger, better



thedrifter
10-16-03, 06:13 AM
New seven ton bigger, better
Submitted by: MCAS Iwakuni
Story Identification Number: 200310140631
Story by Cpl. Robert Wynkoop



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 motor transportation Marines received a new piece of gear in their inventory recently.

The Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), affectionately known as the "seven-ton truck", is replacing its aging predecessor the five-ton.

MWSS-171 received 19 of these heavy-duty trucks that stand more than 11-feet high.

This state-of-the-art people mover comes equipped with new gadgetry that appeals to both mechanics and drivers alike, according to Lance Cpl. Calvin Hatfield, MWSS-171, motor transportation mechanic.

"It's definitely going to be more dependable," said Hatfield, a Milton, W.Va., native.

As a mechanic, life with the MTVR will get a little easier thanks to computerized diagnostics that comes stock on the truck.

"With the five-ton you were always playing a guessing game. You had to trouble shoot to find the problems. The seven-ton is going to tell you exactly what?s wrong with it," he said.

The Oshkosh Truck Corporation built the vehicle. Using a C12 Caterpillar diesel engine, the seven-ton boasts 425 horsepower under the hood.

That horsepower was put into action, said Pfc. Xavier Cole, MWSS-171, vehicle operator, as he described one of the many tests the Marines put a new vehicle through. America?s Squadron took the trucks for a spin on the flight line before dawn last week.

"We had to get the truck up to speed to make sure all seven gears worked correctly," the Laurel, Miss., native, Cole explained. ?I got mine up to about 62 (mph), it was flying."

Although exciting, Cole said the truck performed well. "It got to speed on a very smooth pace. It doesn't jerk or anything."

Inside the cab, Cole said the truck has some comforts not found in many military vehicles. A cushioned seat sits behind a push-button dash that allows drivers to shift without using a clutch.

Another in-cab luxury is the innovative central tire inflation system (CTIS). Tire pressure can be adjusted at anytime from inside the cab, he said.

Hatfield explained even if the seven-ton gets a flat, the truck will still move.

"Every fifteen minutes the CTIS checks the tire pressure. If it finds a leak, it will automatically air it up every 15 seconds," Hatfield said.

With all the advancements in the truck, there is much to be said, however, Cole put it best, "It's a real good truck."

The seven-ton comes in two models: a short-bed model called the MK-23 and an extended bed version dubbed the MK-28, which comes equipped with a heavy-duty winch.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003101402136/$file/7tonlow.jpg

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 received 19 medium tactical vehicle replacements, otherwise known as seven ton trucks, recently. The trucks went through rigorous testing before becoming part of the motor transportation fleet.
Photo by: Cpl. Robert W. Wynkoop


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/0081594DACE1093085256DBF00169200?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: