So I certainly have to start out my Military segment with a vehicle very close to me. The M1074 PLS Heavy Tactical vehicle. I started out my Army time as a PLS operator and continued through a tour of Operation Iraqi Freedom operating in a line haul unit providing convoy escort patrols with a company of PLS trucks. I'm not sure if I could ever be more comfortable in a vehicle than in one of these behemoths. With a (in my variant) 500 Hp Caterpillar V8, it is certainly no slouch. Though hauling around an un armored weight of around 50,000 lbs, she's no speed demon either. Given its competition, it's certainly the muscle truck of the group. Quick, agile and can haul an incredible amount and takes a very short amount of time to do so. Well, I say agile. Agile for a its size. Utilizing a flat rack and hydraulic load arm, combat effective was the name of the game. Even in non combat scenarios, the overall ease of using a shipping container on these easy to load flat rack systems made for easy loading and off loading in a very short amount of time. Trailering system traversed within an inch of the initial track made by the leading vehicle. Tough as nails and with 10 nearly 500lb wheel and tire sets, it took a lot to take one down. All wheel drive and a pair of rear steering wheels to assist in turning radius and trailering make for getting in and out of trouble just a day in the park. Driving these cab over beasts is a felling of pure delight. Though jarring and completely a guessing game at times, can be completely rewarding. Much like Group B rally cars, these trucks can tear through just about any terrain, and many times, if the terrain needs to be literally torn through, plant life be warned. If there isn't a path, there is about to be one made. Out of some dumb luck, the multi-wheeled set up is very helpful during combat operations and light IED attacks. With a few wheels and tires gone, it's no problem just to keep powering through for a ways and in some situations, all the way into the next checkpoint or FOB.
While it may cost about $300,000 to create, it certainly had none of the finesse of any Ferrari F40, but it certainly has its own magic. From personal experience, it certainly has a magic ability in combat and non combat situations alike. Just like any great automobile, it certainly has a set of quirks all its own. No HMMWV or 5 ton could ever match the amount of overall awesome that is the combat essential M1074, 1075 and 1076 (Flat rack). Check out the Oshkosh site for even more on this heap here.
