JCB Develops High-Mobility Range for Military
20 June 2006 11:02
Through innovation and extensive experience in the sector, JCB develops and designs machines specifically to meet the demanding requirements of military operations.
Over more than two decades, JCB has supplied 45 different military organisations across the world with more than 3,500 JCB machines.
JCB first became a supplier to the military in 1984 when the company sold around 1,000 410M wheeled loading shovels to the Army and RAF. More than 20 years later, around 700 of those machines are still in use.
JCB Managing Director and CEO, John Patterson said: 'Since that time, JCB's relationship with the military has gone from strength to strength and to date we have supplied 45 different defence organsations around the world with over 3,000 machines.However, there is a growing demand for the type of machine that JCB alone has a lot of specialist knowledge and experience of high speed, high mobility support machines'
To meet this demand, JCB has developed three specific machines: the High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMME); the High Mobility Rough Terrain Forklift (HMRTF) and the High Mobility Fastrac (HMF).
The High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE)
The Fastrac tractor, launched in 1989, was the first agricultural tractor to have a full suspension chassis and ABS anti-lock brakes that could cope with rough terrain and travel on roads at speeds of up to 50mph.
Using this proven technology, JCB designed and developed the HMME to the specification of the US Army's Tank, Automotive and Armament Command procurement organisation (TACOM), who wanted a machine capable of road speeds of up to 55mph (80kph), coupled with the versatility of a backhoe loader, four wheel drive and four wheel steer.
Following the development of the machine, JCB was last year awarded a contract, expected to be worth up to $140 million, to supply the US Army with this high-speed backhoe loader for military engineering tasks.The award of the contract followed a three-year programme of design, development and testing to produce a military machine to meet stringent performance criteria.
This week the first six production machines were delivered from JCB's USA plant in Savannah, Georgia, for validation tests. Full production will commence in 2007 and deliveries are scheduled to continue until 2012.
The HMEE combines the capabilities of the world-renowned JCB backhoe loader and the innovative high-speed JCB Fastrac agricultural tractor. The objective of the HMEE concept is to have a machine capable of being part of a high speed military convoy without the need for transportation by a truck and low-loader trailer.
The 12t HMEE boasts a 6.7L diesel engine, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer. It can lift more than 2,000kg and dig to a depth of almost 4m. It is designed to be air-transportable by Hercules C-130 aircraft.
JCB High Mobility Rough Terrain Forklift (HMRTF)
The only dedicated telescopic handler capable of convoy speed, the High Mobility Rough Terrain Forklift (HMRTF) has been developed specifically for military use to British Army specifications. The HMRTF provides excellent cross-country capability at high speed and achieves an impressive 50mph (80kph) on the road.
Ideal for moving logistical supplies rapidly and safely, the HMRTF has a lift capacity of 2,300kg up to a height of 5.3m. Its low-profile design enables it to corner and manoeuvre smoothly and swiftly on all terrains. Its three operating modes and the JCB Quickhitch system - which enables rapid interchange between attachments - combine to give maximum versatility.
This machine features a 6-speed, fully automatic and programmable gearbox, selectable two or four wheel drive, power assisted front-wheel steering, hydraulic rear-wheel steering and tailor-made ABS, all fitted as standard.
Unlike conventional unsprung telescopic handlers, the HMRTF boasts all-round suspension with three operating modes: in travel mode, the machine is fully suspended for on and off-roading; in work raised mode, the front suspension is raised and locked for load handling and in work lowered mode, the suspension is lowered and locked for accessing standard ISO containers, where the 0.62m front centre side-shift fork frame allows you to place or recover loads from either side.
The machine is easily transportable without preparation in a C-130 Hercules, can be underslung under a Chinook and moved in a 20ft ISO container.
JCB High Mobility Fastrac (HMF)
The revolutionary JCB High Mobility Fastrac (HMF) is a full suspension, highly capable tractor unit. Capable of safe travel at high speeds both on and off-road, it can achieve road speeds of over 50mph (80kph) and yet still be as effective as a conventional tractor in the field.
The RAF uses the HMF to tow Harriers and other aircraft from hides for operations. It can also be used for high-speed snow clearance of runways, store yards and depots; salt spreading and de-icing; and, thanks to the special 'easy-ride' suspension system, for towing sensitive loads such as bombs and munitions.
Using its power take-offs the HMF is able to operate a variety of systems from backhoes to pumps for fuel or water. Its 4t rear deck capacity enables a wide range of kit to be carried. The HMF is able to tow trailers up to a legal limit of 25t GTW in the UK with ease.
Every HMF model can haul up to 24t gross train weight at 50kph, significantly faster and safer than any competitive machine. There is ABS braking, so these machines can stop safely with no risk of jack-knifing. A two-man, low-profile cab offers excellent all-round visibility and ancillary equipment can be front, rear-deck or rear mounted.
For more information on this company:
JCB - Military Construction Vehicles and Equipment
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