New Trailer Hauls Capabilities for Marines > US Marine Corps Flagship > News Display
Tori J. Ross
4 min read
Force Design 2030’s latest change to the Marine Corps comes in the form of a teaser trailer and recalls the wise words of WWII US Army General Omar Bradley, “Hobbyists talk about strategy, professionals discuss logistics”.
Marine Corps Systems Command will soon field the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Trailer in support of Force Design’s light fleet modernization efforts.
The JLTV-Trailer is a versatile platform configured to support cargo mobility and general purpose tactical generator missions. The trailer is designed to work with the Closed Combat Weapons Carrier, General Purpose, Heavy Guns Carrier, and Utility JLTV variants on the same mission profile of those vehicles. The JLTV-T’s independent suspension system allows it to support more weight and provides better off-road mobility compared to the existing fleet of existing lightweight tactical trailers. Additionally, the JLTV team at MCSC made adjustments to the trailer using feedback received from the fleet.
New trailer, new features.
“The new trailer offers a significantly increased payload,” said Major Elena Vallely, team leader for JLTV Systems, part of MCSC’s Logistics Combat Element Systems portfolio. “There will be improved circulation, improved durability and improved payload that will provide increased capability in line with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Fleet Light Fleet Modernization.”
Not your typical haul trailer, the JLTV-T comes loaded with features allowing Marines greater flexibility to easily haul gear over long distances and through difficult terrain. Conditions that must be considered in large austere contexts such as littoral operations in contested environments and other concepts outlined in commander’s planning guidance and Force Design 2030 initiatives.
“There will be improved circulation, improved durability and improved payload that will provide increased capability in line with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Fleet Light Fleet Modernization.” Maj. Elena Vallely, Team Leader for JLTV Systems
Commandant of the Marine Corps General David Berger’s 2019 planning guidelines set out plans for the Marine Corps to experiment with changes in organizational structure and tactics, techniques and procedures to combat peer adversaries in a field maritime distributed. The document details the Corps’ use of expeditionary forward base operations and concepts such as LOCE, to support the Joint Force. EABO would use small teams of Marines to deploy to islands—often within an enemy’s weapons engagement zone—allowing both area sensor awareness and firing capabilities. Upgrades and logistical improvements such as the JLTV trailer will allow Marines to perform EABO with greater ease and mobility.
Vallely said all future trucks and trailers will arrive painted green from the factory instead of the tan that has been present for the past two decades.
“The new trucks and new trailers that we will buy and put into service will be environmentally friendly,” she said. “Over the next year, we will see a fleet transition to a green truck with a green trailer configuration.”
The return to a green paint scheme helps move the Desert Warfare vehicle fleet to the more tropical environments where EABO concepts and tactics will most likely be used.
Photo by Samantha Bates
The new Marine Corps JLTV trailer comes with features like rear step assist, air brakes, removable side rails, front 12v electrical hook up and storage compartment. Offering 147 cubic feet of storage space and already painted green from the factory, the JLTV-T propels the fleet of light tactical vehicles into Force Design 2030. Marine expeditionary units and divisions are expected to receive initial trailer shipments simultaneously from fiscal year 2022.
Configured for EABO.
The JLTV-Trailer bed provides users with 147 cubic feet of storage space, said JLTV production manager Christopher Lewis. The front of the trailer has an integrated storage compartment to store the shoulder straps and the removable side rails. The trailer also features an integrated walk assist in the rear, increasing accessibility and allowing Marines of varying heights to easily climb into the rear.
Lewis said the new trailer also features wedge-activated drum air brakes with an anti-lock braking system, as well as a crank in the front area to raise and lower the trailer to connect to the tow hitch. of the truck. The trailer will also have a single axle system with a weight rating of just over 9,000 pounds.
Maintainability and durability are critical factors at EABO. The trailer uses the same type of tires as the JLTVs, making it easier for Marines to source and replace trailer tires when needed. This built-in sustainability feature takes advantage of the organic supply system used in the JLTV family of vehicle operations. Additionally, the front area of the trailer is equipped with a 12-volt electrical connection point, making the trailer compatible with North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies in future operations.
Fielding this summer.
MCSC’s JLTV program team will perform commissioning activities for the entire package and provide limited technical inspections to units receiving the new trailer. When commissioning the trailer, the team will also ensure that the Marines have on-site assistance from the trailer manufacturer’s field service representatives. In addition, the program team will provide Marines with new equipment training for instructors and key personnel, before and during trailer commissioning.
Lewis added: “Setup priorities continue to mature between development and combat integration as well as other stakeholders. We will consider JLTV vehicle in-service timelines when commissioning the trailer to ensure the proper employment of trailer capacity with both the JLTV vehicle and other integrated fleet programs .
According to Vallely, the Marine Corps currently plans to purchase and field up to 4,000 trailers. Fielding is expected to begin this summer for the three active duty Marine infantry divisions and Marine expeditionary units.
