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Canadian Forces — Armoured Heavy Support Vehicle System Cargo |
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Note: At the end of
the CF combat mission in Afghanistan, all Armoured Heavy Support Vehicle Systems will go into storage in Canada.
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AHSVS – 'Optimus Prime' Dealing with the Decepticons
The Armoured Heavy Support Vehicle System trucks were
a Urgent Operational Request for the CF's Afghan mission. The 82
AHSVS are meant to relieve the overworked HLVW fleet while adding new capabilities. For cargo carrying, the
AHSVS has two main variants – the standard cargo truck with palletized loading systems ( PLS,
including 10 tankers for Petroleum, Oils, Lubricants and 5 potable water trucks), and 25 flat-bed
trucks equipped with extensible, hydraulic crane for material handling – including M777 155m shells.
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The cargo-carrying AHSVS trucks can also tow 'pup' trailers. The trailers, in turn, may be loaded
with an ISO container (as shown, left) or loose freight (including light vehicles – the trailers can be
seen transporting John Deere M-Gator ATVs, for example). Unloading will be sped up by
PLS-handled ISO containers reducing vulnerability of crew on the ground.
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| Protection: |
Cab: Stanag 4569 level 1, mines: level 3b |
Powerplant:
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15.93 L, 330 kW (503 hp) Mercedes Benz
OM 502LA V-8 twin-turbo diesel engine |
| Trans.: |
Mercedes Telligent AutoTrans
automatic |
Performance:
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road speed: 88 km/h, gradient: 70%, horz.
incline: 30%, ford: 0.76m (1.2m prepared) |
| Dimensions: |
L x 8.4m, W x 2.9m, H x 4.02m (cab top) |
| Weight: |
(unloaded) 23,000 kg |
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Crew vulnerability on the road is greatly reduced by the armoured cab especially developed for the
Mercedes-Benz Arctos chassis by LMT of Pretoria, South Africa. The cab's flat bottom relies on
layered panels absorbing shock rather than deflecting blast. This allows a lower truck height – although
an AHSVS is still a substantial 4 metres to the top of its roof. Heavy armoured doors must be opened and closed
electrically. To avoid leaving the cab whenever possible, drivers check on oil, tires, etc. remotely. The AHSVS
has already demonstrated its worth against
a vehicle-borne IED – that blast being hardly noticed
by the CF driver.
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