 |
| Cpl. Anthony Jones
guides a light utility vehicle into a CH-53E heavy lift helicopter with
the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit' s aviation combat element, Marine
Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), during an aerial transport
exercise here May 24. Jones, 23, a Stuart, Fla. native, is a mortarman
serving with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element of
the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Claudia M. Palacios |
 |
| Marines with Battalion
Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load a Expeditionary
Fire Support System into a CH-53E heavy lift helicopter from the MEU's
aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268
(Reinforced) during an aerial transport exercise here May 24. This is
the first time the system has been loaded into an aircraft on the West
Coast. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Claudia M. Palacios |
 |
| Lance Cpl. Romero
Almanza from Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit,
removes a roll cage from a light utility vehicle during an aerial
transport exercise here May 24. This is the first time that the
Expeditionary Fire Support System has been loaded into an aircraft on
the West Coast. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Claudia M. Palacios |
so you really think this a good vehicle for the Marines OR just an expedient purchase?
ReplyDeleteHello Solomon,
ReplyDeletethe nice thing about those nice new CH53Ks the Marines will be getting is that they can carry bigger,more useful vehicles internally,something a little like this:
http://www.supacat.com/products/hmt/hmt-400/
GrandLogistics.
hmmm. i don't know if i like the very concept of specially designed light strike vehicles.
ReplyDeletethe UK had it right when they chopped the doors and windows off the landrover and made it work. the US Army rangers did the same thing.
additionally i'm also not sold on the need, necessity and wonder exactly how desirable it is to carry such vehicles internally.
i mean really?
why?
if your landing zone is big enough to allow the offloading of vehicles which will have numerous tie downs for safe air travel, meaning an extended time on the ground...with the added necessity of having additional aircraft carrying personnel to use the vehicle....mixed with the idea that your lz will no longer be clandestine then why not simply use a C-130 to LAPES it in?
i just don't know.
Hello Solomon,
ReplyDeleteyou can carry them internally or externally depending on the situation,they are 7.5 tonnes gross weight (4x4) and fit right inside if you need to carry them internally.
I don't like the mid engine design of the HMT but it has been widely used in places like Afghanistan and it's specs are not far off those of the J.L.T.V..
The Marines have already bought some too,a cancelled project for an air portable tractor for the M777 howitzer called the Light Weight Prime Mover:
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?105722-4-Lightweight-Prime-Mover-(LWPM)-vehicles-to-USMC
With the CH53K and a vehicle like a front engined version of the HMT series you get a 16,000lb grossweight 4x4 and a 24,000 grossweight 6x6 family of vehicles which can do everything light forces need from scouting to delivering fuel,all in a helicopter assault capable format.
It is not just a single role vehicle but a whole family to replace all the air-assault troops vehicles.
GrandLogistics.
Hello Solomon,
ReplyDeletehere are some pictures from Afghanistan,first Royal Marines with the 4x4:
http://ukforcesafghanistan.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/nn10009142782.jpg
And a Royal Air Force 6x6:
http://www.eliteukforces.info/images/gallery/raf-regiment/coyotoe-tsv=hr.jpg
Vehicles in this class can replace everything from a Landrover up to a 3 tonne truck and still be helicopter portable.
GrandLogistics.