The Oshkosh M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) is a powerful and versatile U.S. Army tank transporter tractor unit. Its primary purpose within the military is the transportation of heavy equipment, such as the M1 Abrams tank. Produced in various configurations including A0, A1, and M1300, the M1070 is designed to ensure efficient and effective handling of large and heavy loads.
Equipped with an 8×8 drive configuration, the M1070 HET has advanced features that include an electronic engine control system, which optimizes performance in diverse conditions. Additionally, its ‘air ride’ rear suspension guarantees that all axles remain in contact with the ground, thus providing stability, even on rough terrain. This tractor truck is powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V92, a turbocharged 500 horsepower engine, enabling it to easily tackle challenging terrains and transport heavy loads.
With front and rear-axle steering, and 16.00R20 Michelin XZL tires, the Oshkosh M1070 HET is designed for adaptability in various terrain conditions. The Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) allows for easy adjustments and ensures the vehicle maintains optimal traction, making it an essential asset to military transportation operations.
Design and Specification
Engine and Power
The Oshkosh M1070 HET is equipped with a powerful engine to meet its heavy hauling requirements. The original M1070 model is powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V-92TA 12.06-liter diesel engine, generating 500 hp at 2100 rpm and 1993 Nm torque at 1200 rpm. On the other hand, the M1070A1 model comes with a Caterpillar C-18 six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 700 hp.
Transmission
Both the original M1070 and M1070A1 models utilize an advanced transmission system for efficient performance. The M1070 is fitted with an Allison CLT-754 five-speed automatic transmission, while the M1070A1 has an updated version of the same transmission system. Additionally, both models feature an Oshkosh 55000 two-speed transfer case for added versatility and power distribution.
Chassis and Suspension
The Oshkosh M1070 HET possesses a robust chassis designed for durability and reliability. Its 8×8 drive configuration ensures enhanced traction and stability during heavy equipment transportation. The vehicle also benefits from an air ride rear suspension system, enabling all axles to maintain contact with the ground at all times, even on rough terrain. This advanced suspension system not only improves the vehicle’s overall stability but also provides smoother rides and better shock absorption.
The M1070 HET is equipped with a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and 16.00R20 Michelin XZL tires, ensuring optimal performance in various driving conditions. The CTIS allows for easy inflation and deflation of tires depending on the terrain or mission requirements, further enhancing the vehicle’s adaptability and performance.
Capability and Performance
Off-Road Mobility
The Oshkosh M1070 HET is designed to perform in various challenging conditions, thanks to its 8×8 drive configuration and advanced features. One such feature is the ‘air ride’ rear suspension system, which ensures all axles maintain contact with the ground while offering a smoother ride experience on rough terrain.
Towing Capacity
As a heavy equipment transporter, the M1070 is capable of hauling large loads with great efficiency. When paired with the M1000 trailer, the combined load classification reaches an MLC (Military Load Class) of 30. This allows the HET to transport heavy military vehicles such as the M1 tank, with a total load capacity of up to 95 MLC (M1070 HET Tractor, M1000 Trailer, and M1 Tank combined).
M1070 Top Speed
Powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V-92TA 12.06-liter engine in the original M1070 or a 700 hp Caterpillar C-18 engine in the upgraded M1070A1, the HET is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 50 miles per hour on hard-surfaced roads. The powerful engine is paired with an Allison CLT-754 five-speed automatic transmission in the M1070 or a single-speed transfer case in the M1070A1, which eliminates the need to stop and shift for operation on grades, making it more efficient and easier to maintain top speed on various terrains.
Operational History
Military Application
The Oshkosh M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) has played a crucial role in military logistics, primarily for the United States Army, since its entry into service in the early 1990s. It has been instrumental in the transportation of heavy military vehicles, including tanks and armored personnel carriers.
With an 8×8 drive configuration and advanced features such as electronic engine control and an air ride rear suspension, the M1070 ensures maximum efficiency and stability in various terrains. The original M1070 is powered by a Detroit Diesel engine, while the M1070A1 model features a more powerful Caterpillar C-18 diesel engine.
Throughout its service, the Oshkosh M1070 HET has participated in various military operations, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, where its ability to transport heavy equipment has been vital for the success of missions.
Civilian Use
Aside from its military applications, the Oshkosh M1070 HET has found a place in the civilian sector, primarily in heavy haulage and construction industries. Its powerful engines and 8×8 drive configuration make it suitable for transporting oversized loads across vast distances and in challenging environments.
In the civilian context, the M1070 HET commonly transports heavy equipment such as construction vehicles, large industrial components, and even prefabricated structures. Its versatility and adaptability have been highly valued by heavy haulage companies and contractors in various countries.
Overall, the Oshkosh M1070 HET has demonstrated a long and successful track record in both military and civilian applications, providing efficient and reliable heavy transport solutions for a wide range of situations.
M1070 NSN 2320-01-318-9902
The National Stock Number of the M1070 HET is 2320013189902
Basic Issue Items of the M1070 HET
The M1070 HET comes with certain basic issue items (BIIs) that ensure the vehicle’s optimal performance and the crew’s safety. Some of these items include:
- 16.00R20 Michelin XZL Tires
- Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS)
- Electronic Engine Control System
- Air Ride Rear Suspension
The 16.00R20 Michelin XZL Tires are durable and designed for all types of terrains causing minimum wear and tear. The Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) allows for easy adjustment of tire pressure, ensuring the best possible traction in different terrain conditions.
The Electronic Engine Control System monitors the engine’s performance and adjusts it accordingly to achieve maximum efficiency. It also protects the engine from potential damages due to sudden pressure changes or other factors.
The Air Ride Rear Suspension ensures a smooth ride even on rough terrains. This suspension system keeps all axles in contact with the ground at all times, avoiding excessive stress or damage to the vehicle’s structure.
Variants and Upgrades
The Oshkosh M1070 HET has seen several improvements over the years, with the most notable being the M1070A1 variant. The M1070A1 (HET A1) was introduced to address some limitations present in the original M1070 HET, resulting in a more powerful, reliable, and safer transport vehicle.
Key upgrades in the M1070A1 include:
- An increase in engine power: The original M1070 is powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V-92TA diesel engine with 500 hp, while the upgraded M1070A1 features a Caterpillar C-18 six-cylinder diesel engine with 700 hp.
- Improved electrical systems and driveline components to enhance performance and reliability.
- Integration of anti-lock brakes and traction control for better handling and safety.
- An armored cab to provide better protection for the vehicle’s crew.
These upgrades not only improve the overall performance and capabilities of the M1070 HET but also increase its payload capacity. The Global HET A1 is another notable 6×6 configuration of the heavy equipment transport vehicle, offering the same level of versatility, durability, power, and performance as the 8×8 M1070A1 HET, but with a slightly lower payload capacity of 72 tons (65,317 kg).
These enhancements to the Oshkosh M1070 HET transport vehicles underscore their importance in military logistics and demonstrate their continued evolution to better serve the needs of modern armed forces.
International Operators
The Oshkosh M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) is not only used by the U.S. Army but also by various international operators. In this section, we will discuss some of the countries who have deployed this incredible vehicle for the transportation of their heavy equipment.
Several foreign military forces have recognized the value of the M1070 HET for its capacity to transport and support their heavy equipment fleet. Some of the international operators of the M1070 HET include:
- United Kingdom – The British Army uses these transporters as part of their logistics system, providing reliable mobility for their heavy armor.
- Australia – The Australian Defence Force also relies on the M1070 HET to move their military vehicles and equipment throughout the country and during international operations.
- United Arab Emirates – The UAE Armed Forces have a fleet of M1070 HETs for the transport of their heavy military equipment.
- The Netherlands – The Dutch Army employs the M1070 HET to maintain effective mobility of their armored vehicles and other large equipment.
In addition to these countries, several other nations have expressed interest in procuring the M1070 HET to enhance their heavy equipment transportation capabilities. The Oshkosh M1070 HET represents a global standard in robust and efficient heavy equipment transport, making it a valuable choice for militaries across the world.
Conclusion
The Oshkosh M1070 HET is a powerful and versatile heavy equipment transporter designed to meet the demanding requirements of the U.S. Army. With its 8×8 drive configuration and advanced features such as electronic engine control and air ride rear suspension, the M1070 HET ensures maximum efficiency and performance under all conditions.
Developed in several configurations, including A0, A1, and M1300, the M1070 HET has proven its ability to transport heavy loads such as the M1 Abrams tank. Its Detroit Diesel 8V92 turbocharged 500 HP engine and central tire inflation system (CTIS) enable this impressive vehicle to traverse various types of terrain and maintain optimal traction.
Throughout its service life, the Oshkosh M1070 has undergone continuous improvements, including the development of the M1070A1 model with a more powerful engine and a 7-speed gearbox. These enhancements have made the M1070 an indispensable asset for heavy equipment transportation in both military and civilian applications.