I was surfing the net and ran across this news item.The CLT system is a self loading handling and transport system for ISO Containers and Military Tactical Shelters. When attached to the ends of a container, it lifts them up to ride height using its own on-board diesel engines, so they can be towed by standard military vehicles. The lift height is adjustable at each end to enhance loading up aircraft and ship ramps. CLTs are used by Military Forces in more than 20 countries including the USA.
As part of the JHSV program, CLTs will be used to pick up ISO containers on the supply dock, load them up the vessel ramp and set them in place for transit, and unload them at their final destination.
It could be old news but its new to me...If containers are to be the basis of the mission modules onboard future Navy ships then this is probably the base of that system.
CDK Mobile Systems has a large portfolio of container moving gear that would lend itself to easily swapping out mission modules at any port in the world...even rather primitive facilities.
It seems like another one of Mike Sparks ideas isn't so crazy after all. With the private industry showing the effectiveness of containerized shipping, is it time for the Marine Corps to become fully containerized?
I mean even more so than it is already.
Instead of tents, perhaps containerized command posts with all necessary generators, computers and communications gear inside pre-loaded and ready to be put into action. It would certainly be less man power intensive.
Just a thought.
