Oshkosh M1070 HET

   With the introduction of the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank into service, the US Army's existing tank transporters were unable to carry the load. A contract was therefore awarded to the Oshkosh Truck Corporation to develop and manufacture a new heavy duty tank transporter which emerged as the M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter; an order for an initial 522 units was originally placed and production commenced during July 1992. Up to date 1 179 tractors and trailers were built. The M1070 replaced the M911 heavy equipment transporter in service with the US Army.

   The M1070 HET is a powerful tractor truck with an 8x8 drive configuration and advanced features such as an electronic engine control system to ensure maximum efficiency at all times, and an 'air ride' rear suspension to ensure all axles remain in contact with the ground at all times while smoothing out the worst round terrain shocks to the chassis frame. To assist traction further, across rough terrain, another standard feature is a central tyre inflation system (CTIS). Unlike the previous transporters the M1070 is designed to carry both the tank and its crew.

   The engine remains the same as on the earlier M911 but is uprated to deliver 500 hp and coupled to an automatic transmission. Another novel feature is the power-assisted steering system which synchronizes the wheel movements on the front and rear axles to improve maneuverability in narrow confines.

   The 25 ton loading winches are fitted as standard together with an auxiliary winch to handle cables and for general utility purposes. One improvement over earlier US Army tank transporters is that the cab has more space, for the crew including main battle tank crew. The usual tank-carrying semi-trailer used with the M1070 HET is the M1000. Despite its bulk the M1070 heavy equipment transporter can be airlifted in an aircraft, although they have to be as large as a C-17 or C-5 to accommodate the tractor truck.

   The M1070 also transports fighting and recovery vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, construction equipment, and other heavy loads.

Variants

   M1070A1 (HET A1) is an improved version. Some improvements over the previous model include anti-lock brakes, traction control and an integral armored cab. Also it has a more powerful engine and upgraded electrical systems. All major driveline components have been revised. The US Army ordered more than 1 400 of the M1070A1 prime movers. These will replace the original M1070 heavy equipment transporters, that are now over 20 years old. Deliveries commenced in 2012;

   Oshkosh 1070F heavy equipment transporter is in service with the British Army. It is a much revised version of the M1070. It is fitted with more powerful engine, new cab and has revised driveline components.