Basic Information

Name

MCRS HEMTT American 8x8 Modular Catastrophic Recovery System (MCRS)

Designation

MCRS

Alternate Designation

MCRS

Equipment Type

Mobile Bridging System

Manufacturer

Oshkosh

Date of Introduction

2001

Description

Modular Catastrophic Recovery System (MCRS) The US Army, with Tru-Hitch Inc., has fielded the Modular Catastrophic Recovery. System (MCRS). This system incorporates the Fifth Wheel Towing and Recovery Device (FWTRD), which engages with the Tilt Deck Recovery Trailer (TDRT). This system provides a full range of recovery capability. The Fifth Wheel Towing and Recovery Device (FWTRD) is equipped with a dedicated 35K winch and boom spade caps to provide a stable platform for recovery winching. The prime mover’s heavy-duty 45K winch can also be utilized with the FWTRD for winch recovery. The Fifth Wheel Towing and Recovery Device (FWTRD) can lift 32,000 lbs and tow up to 150,000 lb. GCW with optimal weight distribution. The Tilt Deck Recovery Trailer (TDRT) is capable of transporting up to 35 tons and offers high ground clearance and yet a low center of gravity. What makes the Tru-Hitch FWTRD unique is that it imposes a downward load on the prime mover at the fifth wheel rather than from behind the prime mover. Thus, the towed weight is evenly distributed on all axles of the prime mover. The operator maintains safe steering and braking of the prime mover and the vehicle in tow. Because the load pivots at the fifth wheel, the turning ability and off-road mobility is significantly better than that of other recovery systems. The FWTRD can be utilized independently of the Tilt Deck Recovery Trailer (TDRT) to lift tow a full complement of wheeled vehicles, including MRAP and STRYKER. For recovery, the FWTRD booms with boom caps are set as spades. The winch cable is fed through a sheave mounted at the top of the FWTRD mast. This high vantage point and highly stable platform maximize the winch's capability. The prime mover’s heavy-duty 45K Winch, the FWTRD 35K, or a combination of both winches, can be utilized for straight pulls. The FWTRD engages in the Tilt Deck Recovery Trailer (TDRT). The axles of the TDRT slide forward, allowing the bed to tilt to the rear for loading. Deck width is expandable from 102” to 114” to accommodate wider vehicles. Disabled vehicles are winched onto the TDRT deck. The TDRT deck is specifically designed for severe service. The load is safely moved with the TDRT axles slid to transport position. Recover, Lift-Tow, Transport. The Modular Catastrophic Recovery System (MCRS) performs the full range of recovery functions.

Ground Specifications

Crew 2

Mobility Type Wheeled (8x8)

Engine 6-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel (515 hp)

NBC Protection Yes

Max Speed 88.0 km/h

Range 483.0 km

Variants

M977 The M977 cargo truck variant is the base member of the HEMTT family. The current model is the M977A4; there was no M977A1. In addition to the basic M977A0/A2/A4 cargo truck, two other variants are available. The M977A0/A2/A4 Electrical Power Plant (EPP) has an extended cargo body (6.041 m (19.82 ft) inside length) and is used to hold and transport generators for the Patriot air-defence missile system. There is no material handling crane on the EPP. The M977A0/A2/A4 Large Repair Parts Transporter (LRPT) and the basic M977 cargo truck are fitted with a light-duty Grove materials handling crane mounted at the rear of the chassis.

M978 The M978 is a 9,500 liter capacity tanker. The current model is the M978A4; there was no M978A1. The M978A0 was produced in both potable water (approximately 18) and fuel servicing truck variants, the A2 and A4 models have only been produced in the fuel servicing truck variant.

M983 Tractor The M983 is a tractor unit for use with the trailer-mounted MIM-104 Patriot missile system. It can also be used with the Interim Stryker Recovery System, or other trailers. An earlier variant fitted with a 30 kW generator and crane mounted behind the cab was used to tow the Pershing II Erector Launcher in CONUS (a M1001 MAN tractor was used in West Germany). The M983A2/A4 Light Equipment Transporter (LET) tractor is mainly used to transport construction and engineer equipment. It has a 45,000 lb (20,000 kg)) 2 speed hydraulic winch mounted behind the cab used to load the trailer. It does not have a self-recovery winch.

M984A1 Wrecker The M984 wrecker is the only HEMTT variant to have been produced in the A1 configuration, and this resulting in the change of recovery crane and retrieval system between A0 and A1 configurations. The current model is the M984A4. Standard equipment includes a 27,240 kg (60,050 lb) capacity two-speed recovery winch, a rear-mounted 11,340 kg capacity vehicle retrieval system, and a 6,350 kg (14,000 lb) at 2.74 m (9.0 ft) capacity Grove materials handling crane. A 9,072 kg (20,000 lb) bare drum capacity self-recovery winch is fitted as standard on the M984.

M985 Cargo The M985 is available in two variants. The current models are A4; there were no A1 models. The M985 cargo variant is similar to the M977 cargo truck but was developed to support the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) with a M989A1 HEMAT trailer. It may also used to transport Patriot missiles. The M985 Guided Missile Transporter (GMT) was developed specifically for use with the Patriot system and it can be distinguished easily from other cargo models by its rear-mounted Hiab 8108/2 materials handling crane

Taiwanese RT-2000 Multiple Rocket Launcher The RT-2000 [Lit; Ray-Ting-2000 or Thunder -2000] rocket launcher mounted on an M977 chassis. In service about 1997. Can mount any one of three launchers: Mk 15 117-mm, 60 rounds; Mk 30, 30 rounds with HE; AP/AM cluster warhead - >18-mile range; Mk 45 12 rounds, > 27-mile range, GPS targeting. See separate record for details.

M1120 HEMTT Load Handling System (LHS) The M1120 Load Handling System (LHS) variant was initially introduced as part of the HEMTT overhaul/rebuild program, during which returned M977 cargo trucks have their cargo bodies and materials handling cranes removed, to be replaced by a Multilift Mark 5 (now designated MPH165-LHS) LHS, as fitted to the Oshkosh PLS truck.

M1977 HEMTT Common Bridge Transporter (CBT) The M1977 HEMTT Common Bridge Transporter (CBT) is a further development of the M1120 LHS, and in common with the M1120 LHS was initially introduced as part of the HEMTT overhaul/rebuild program. It is used for loading, transporting, and unloading Ribbon Bridge components and bridge erection boats.

M1142 The M1142 is a Tactical Fire Fighting Truck (TFFT) capable of extinguishing aircraft, petroleum, brush, and structural fires at isolated military installations. The TFFT is based on a HEMTT M977A2 chassis with the heavier duty M1120 LHS HEMTT variant rear suspension. The TFFT contract was awarded to Pierce Manufacturing with Oshkosh Corporation as a subcontractor to Pierce.

M977 A2 Cargo Truck Basic version.

M977 A2 EPP Electrical power plant.

M977 A2 LRPT Large repair parts transporter.

M978 A2 Fuel servicing transporter truck tanker.

HEMTT M983 A2 LET Light equipment transporter.

HEMTT M983 A2 Patriot missile tractor.

M984 A2 Recovery truck.

M985 A2 Cargo and MRLS resupply.

M985 A2 GMT Guided missile transporter.

M1120 A2 HEMTT-LHS Heavy expanded mobility tactical truck.

M1977 A2 CBT Common bridge transporter.

System

Alternative Designation MCRS

Type Modular Catastrophic Recovery System

Manufacturer Oshkosh Corporation

Configuration 8x8

Family Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT)

Crew 2 ea

Payload Capacity This is a multi-component recovery system in U.S. Army service that consists of a M983A4 light equipment tractor; fifth-wheel towing and recovery device; and tilt deck recovery trailer. It can recover and tow a variety of wheeled vehicles in a number of situations. It is a complement to the Army's M984 and M1089 wreckers. The vehicle was initially developed as a Stryker recovery vehicle. The trailer can hold 35 tons, permitting it to handle many of the Army's mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles as well.

Dimensions

Length 8.90 m

Width 2.44 m

Height 2.57 m

Distance Between Equalizer Pivots 4.60 m

Distance Between Axles, 1st to 2nd 1.52 m

Distance Between Axles, 2nd to 3rd 3.07 m

Distance Between Axles, 3rd to 4th 1.52 m

Weight 14,605 kg

Automotive

Engine Name 1 x Caterpillar (CAT)

Engine Type 6-cylinder inline water-cooled diesel

Engine Power 515 hp

Suspension 8 x 8 (8 wheels driving, 4-wheel steering); Hendrickson leaf spring w/steel saddle, equalizing beams, and 10-in (254-mm) vertical travel on front and rear; RT340 model rear springs on all but M985 (RT380) and M984A1 (RT500)

Maximum Speed 88 km/h

Range 483 km; w/full load at 54 km/h

Fuel Capacity 589 liters

Tire Size 16.00R20

Gradient 60 percent

Side Slope 30 percent

Fording Depth 1.23 m

Payload Capacity 9,979 kg

Protection

Armor A-kit/B-kit; U.S. Army Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS) compliant

Applique Armor Available

Active Protection System INA

NBC Protection Yes

Smoke Equipment No

Image Sources

Notes https://www.dvidshub.net/image/5533702/us-army-europe-aims-fulfill-h8-shortage; https://ro.pinterest.com/pin/575405289889093612/; http://www.truhitch.com/images/MCRS_brochure.pdf;