M915 (truck)

M915

M915A3
Type 6x4 semi-tractor
Place of origin United States
Production history
Designer Crane Carrier (M915)
Freightliner (M915A2)
Manufacturer AM General (M915, M915A1)
Freightliner (M915A2 and later)
Specifications (M915A2[1])
Weight 18,680 lb (8,470 kg) (empty)
Length 22 ft 11 in (6.99 m)
Width 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m)
Height 9 ft 11 in (3.02 m)
Engine Detroit Diesel DDEC II
400 hp (300 kW)
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Suspension Beam axles on leaf springs
Operational
range
 300 miles (480 km)
Speed 55 mph (89 km/h)

The M915 is a tractor unit used for line haul missions by the United States Army. Designed for use on improved roads it does not have a driven front axle.

History

The M915 is the namesake and basis of a tactical truck series, although it is not tactical itself. It is a commercial type conventional 6x4 semi-tractor designed for use on improved roads. A powered front axle and other tactical equipment are not needed, allowing a lighter and simpler truck. It does share the engine, transmission, cab, and some components of the series.[2]

The M915 and M915A1 were a Crane Carrier Company design built by AM General between 1978 and 1982. The 1990 -A2 upgrade was actually a completely different truck, a Freightliner Trucks design with a different engine and transmission. Older models were upgraded to -A4 standard with a new cab and frame that used the original truck's components. Starting in 2009 M915A3s were upgraded to the armored -A5 standard.

Engine and driveline

The M915 has a 855 cu in (14.0 L) Cummins NTC 400 developing 400 hp (300 kW) at 2100rpm and 1,150 lbf·ft (1,559 N·m) of torque at 1500rpm. The M915A2 had a 775 cu in (12.7 L) Detroit Diesel DDEC II developing 400 hp (300 kW) at 2100rpm and 1,400 lbf·ft (1,898 N·m) of torque at 1200rpm. Both are turbocharged inline 6 cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine, the DDEC II is also intercooled.[3][4]

The M915 has a Caterpillar 16 speed semi-automatic transmission, the M915A2 a Allison HT-470 4-speed automatic.[4][5]

Chassis

A conventional ladder frame has a front steering axle with a 12,000 lb (5,400 kg) weight rating and tandem rear axles with a 40,000 lb (18,000 kg) weight rating. The truck can have a maximum weight of 52,000 lb (24,000 kg), including a 30,000 lb (14,000 kg) load. The total weight rating of the truck and trailer is 105,000 lb (48,000 kg).[6][7]

A Holland commercial type sliding fifth wheel could carry 30,000 lb (14,000 kg).[8] It towed the M871  22 1⁄2-ton (20,400kg) 2 axle flatbed, the M872 34-ton (30,800kg) 3 axle flatbed, and the M1067.[9]

References

  1. ↑ TM 9-2320-363-10 Operator's Manual for Truck, Trator, Line Haul: 52,000 GVWR, 6x4, M915A2 (NSN 2320-01-272-502) (and others). US Dept. of the Army. 1997. pp. 1–5, 1–16 to 1–19, 2–28.
  2. ↑ TM 9-2320-363-10 (1997), p. 1-15.
  3. ↑ TM 9-2320-273-10 Operators Manual Truck Tractor, Line Haul, 50,000 GVWR, 6x4, M915 (and others). US Dept of the Army. 1980. pp. 1–16 and 1–17.
  4. 1 2 TM 9-2320-363-10 (1997), pp. 1-17, 1-18.
  5. ↑ TM 9-2320-273-10 (1980), p. 1-19.
  6. ↑ TM 9-2320-363-10 (1997), p. 1-16.
  7. ↑ TM 9-2320-363-20-1 (1992), p. 1-13.
  8. ↑ TM 9-2320-363-10 (1997), p. 1-22, 2-58 to 2-99.
  9. ↑ TM 43-0001-31 Equipment Data Sheets for TACOM Combat and Tactical Equipment. US Dept. of the Army. 1985. pp. 6–76, 6–80.
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