Wikipedia

Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle

TheCommercial Utility Cargo Vehicle(CUCV;/ˈkʌkviː/KUK-vee),[1]later theLight Service Support Vehicle(LSSV), is a vehicle program instituted to provide theUnited States militarywithlight utility vehiclesbased on a civilian truck chassis.

Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV)
Unloading a LSSV Silverado and trailer,Yokota Air Base,Japan
Overview
Manufacturer
Production1976–present

Some of the manufacturers that have provided vehicles to the U.S. military areChrysler,General Motors(through theirDodgeandChevroletdivisions respectively), andAM General.[2]

CUCV/COTS

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TheCommercial Off The Shelf (COTS)concept, which translated into the CUCV program, was originally intended to augment the purpose-built but expensiveGama Goat6 x 6,1+1⁄4-ton trucks andM151series1⁄4-ton "jeeps" approaching the end of their service life in the mid-1970s.[3]Initially,Dodge D seriestrucks were provided in the late 1970s with several military modifications. In the mid-1980s,Chevrolet C/Ksreplaced the Dodge vehicles in CUCV I and CUCV II guise. GM CUCVs were heavily redesigned in 2000 and their name was changed to Light Service Support Vehicle (LSSV).[2]

CUCVs are intended to perform "background" roles, providing support for frontline forces, such as cargo transport, troop transport, first aid, and communications. CUCVs are not built for direct frontline combat use, as evident by their lack ofbulletproofingand protection from ordnance. Like many of the vehicle parts, thewindshield,cabinglass,and body panels are civilian-grade and offer no protection from firearms or explosives. As a result, some CUCVs were replaced in the 1980s and 1990s by theHMMWVsthey were to augment.[4]

The U.S. military continued to keep CUCVs in active service long after their projected lifespan. CUCVs of all generations are still in U.S. service, though many M880/M890s and CUCVs have passed through military surplus sales into civilian ownership. CUCVs and LSSVs are in use as support vehicles formilitary police,troop transport, range control, facilities, and maintenance.

Dodge M8XX Series

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M880/M890
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Corporation
Production~44,000 units
Model years1976–1977
AssemblyWarren Truck Assembly,Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Body style2-door pickup
Powertrain
EngineChrysler 318 cubic inch engineV8
TransmissionTorqueflite727 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase131 in (3.3 m)
Lengthvaries by model
Width79.5 in (2.02 m)
Height73.85 in (1.876 m)
Curb weightvaries by model

In 1973Chrysler Corporationbegan developing militarized adaptations of their civilian Dodge trucks. In 1976 the M880/M890 series was put into production under a large contract,[5][2]intended to replace previousDodge M37andKaiser Jeep M715trucks and their variants. The M880/890 trucks were adopted as part of a drive by the U.S. military to use COTS vehicles, with appropriate modifications, where such usage was feasible.[5]An armored variant was built byCadillac Gageas theRanger.[6]For almost a decade the Dodges were referred to as "880", "890", or most commonly[according to whom?]called "five-quarters";[citation needed](the term "CUCV" did not appear until the 1980s when GM was contracted to replace the M880/890 trucks).[3][5]

The1+1⁄4ton M880-series was based on theDodge W200,a3⁄4ton capacity 4×4 civilian/commercial truck. The 880/890 had a 2,500 lb cargo rating, enabling it to have a5⁄4-ton load rating. The similar1+1⁄4ton M890-series was based on theDodge D200,a3⁄4ton capacity 4×2 civilian/commercial truck.[5][7]In Canadian service, the base vehicle was the 4-speed standard transmission, Power Wagon model, which was slightly heavier and costlier than the W200.[8]

The M880/M890 had a conventional 12-volt electrical system; a separate 24-volt system was added to certain variants of the trucks to power communications units, but this precluded power steering on those units—the pump location being taken up by the 24-volt generator.[9][unreliable source?]Thegasoline enginewas out of step with the military's move toward diesel engines during this time period.[citation needed]The lack of power steering was a hindrance in off-road, close quarters, and snow-plowing duties (although most civilian and Air Force models had power steering).[citation needed]Around 44,000 M880/M890s were produced during the 1976–1977 model years and were used by the Army and Air Force until the late 1990s.[5]

Powertrain

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All M880/M890s were powered by Chrysler's 5.2 L318-cubic inch gasoline enginewith a two-barrelCarterorHolleycarburetor.These were rated at 150 hp (110 kW) and 230 lb⋅ft (310 N⋅m). Most were equipped with theLoadflite727 3-speed automatic transmission. The 880s used a 2-speedNew Process GearNP203 transfer case. ADana 444.10:1 front axle and floatingDana 604:10.1 rear axle completed the setup. The trucks were equipped with frontdisc brakesand reardrum brakes.They had a military-rated top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).[5]

Variants

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  • M880: Standard 4×4 pickup[9]
  • M881: M880 fitted with additional 100-amp 24-volt generator[9]
  • M882: M881 fitted with additional 60-amp 24-volt generator and communications equipment[9]
  • M883: M881 fitted with slide-in shelter kit[9]
  • M884: M880 fitted with 100-amp 24-volt generator and slide-in shelter kit with tie-downs[9]
  • M885: M880 fitted with slide-in shelter kit with tie-downs[9]
  • M886: M880 ambulance[9]
  • M887: M880 maintenance[9]
  • M888: M880 telephone maintenance[9]
  • M890: Standard 4×2 pickup[9]
  • M891: M890 fitted with additional 60-amp 24-volt generator[9]
  • M892: M890 fitted with additional 60-amp 24-volt generator and communications kit[9]
  • M893: M890 ambulance version[9]

Operators

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Operators

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  • 1976[5]M886
  • M880 variant with non-military modifications
  • M882
  • 1977 M886s

General Motors

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General MotorsandAM Generalhave produced CUCVs since 1984 in three distinct generations: CUCV, CUCV II, and LSSV.[2]

CUCV

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CUCV
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Model years1984–1987
Body and chassis
Body style2-door SUV
4-door SUV
2-door pickup
4-door pickup
Powertrain
Engine6.2 L Detroit DieselV8
Transmission3-speedTH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase131.5 in (3.34 m)
Lengthvaries by model
Width81.2 in (2.06 m)
wider for dual rear wheel models
Height75.4 in (1.92 m)
Curb weightvaries by model

Replacing the M880/M890 series, the CUCV represented General Motors' first major light-truck military vehicle production sinceWorld War II.[12]GM CUCVs were assembled mostly from existing heavy duty light commercial truck parts. The CUCVs came in four basic body styles: pickup, utility, ambulance body and chassis cab.[12][13]The M1008 was the basic cargo truck, the M1010 was the ambulance, and the M1009 was aChevrolet K5 Blazeruprated to3⁄4-ton capacity.[12][13]With the exception of the M1009, the trucks were all rated as 11⁄4ton (commonly called a "five-quarter" ), even though some of them had payloads in excess of that. There were heavier-duty variants, including the M1028, M1028A1, M1028A2 and M1028A3 shelter carriers (the shelter being a mobile command, communications or intelligence operations enclosure).[12][13]The M1031 was the chassis cab. These latter trucks were all rated for heavier 3,600 lb (1,600 kg) or 3,900 lb (1,800 kg) loads, compared to the M1008s 2,900 lb (1,300 kg) load capacity. The M1028A2 (converted M1031 or m1028a1) and m1028A3 (converted M1028) models had dual rear wheels.[13]Many M1028s were upgraded at the company level to M1028A2 and A3 specs—the dual wheel rear end arrangement was a result of the M1028 flipping on its side because of the high center of gravity when carrying equipment shelters.[14]

GM produced some 70,000 CUCVs from 1983 to 1986 (model years were 1984–1987), though most were model year 1984.[12]Chevrolet continued to build CUCVs in low numbers from 1986 to 1996, mainly to accommodate military markets that needed replacements for existing CUCVs.

Powertrain

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All CUCV Is were powered by GM's 6.2 L J-seriesDetroit Diesel V8 enginenon-emissions diesel.[12]These were rated at 155 hp (116 kW) and 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m), which was 5 hp (3.7 kW) more than the emissions diesel engine of the time. They were all equipped with theTH-400 automatic.All but the M1028A1 and M1031 used the NP-208 chain drive transfer case. The M1028A1 and M1031 units had a slip-yoke rear output version of theNP-205,which was specified mainly for its PTO capacity. The CUCV series had a governed top speed of 55 mph (89 km/h).[15]

Axles

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The M1009 Blazer used 10-bolt axles (front and rear) featuring 3.08:1 gears. The rear axle was equipped with anEaton Automatic Differential Lock(ADL) while the front was a standard open differential. The M1008 trucks used openDana 60front axles, with the M1028 and M1031 variations often having a Trac-Lok limited slip. In the rear, the M1008s used the GM 10.5-inch (270 mm)10.5 "Corporate 14 Bolt Differentialwith No-Spin lockers (the commercial trade name for the Detroit Locker). Rear axles on M1028A2 and A3 duallies areDana 70 HD.The axle gear ratios were 4.56:1.[16]

Electrical

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Close-up of the NATO slave receptacle on an M1009

As with other military vehicles, the CUCVs used a 24-volt electrical system.

It was actually a hybrid 12/24-volt system that used 24-volts under the hood for the starter, volt meter, diesel engine glow plug circuit along with the mandatory NATO slave receptacle for jump starting any 24 volt NATO vehicle, and hookups for military radios. The rest of the truck was 12-volt.

It was equipped with two 12 volt batteries and two 12 volt 100 ampalternators.One alternator is isolated from ground and connected in series with the other. These produce 24 volts with a 12 volt center tap much like the 240/120 volt domestic house distribution system. The 12 volts to ground were derived from the center tap.[17][18]

Variants

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  • M1008: Basic General Motors Model K30903 except an NP208 transfer case where as the civilian model came with the NP205. The M1008 was the most numerous of the CUCV truck types. It was often seen with troop seats for eight in the bed. Fitments included abrush bar,front and rear tow hooks, and a pintle hitch. These trucks are rated to tow 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) and were often used to tow the M1013⁄4-ton trailer.[12]
  • M1008A1: M1008 fitted with additional 100-amp 24-volt generator and communications kit.[12]
  • M1009: Utility version of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer. The M1009 is a utility rig built from a Blazer and could be used for command and control, as well as officer transport. Often seen with radio sets installed, however the large square tube stock mounts prevented the rear seat from being lowered. The M1009 was rated for a 1,200 lb (540 kg) payload and a 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) towed load. It used the heaviest duty GM springs available for the chassis and the rear axle was a 10-bolt unit. It rolled on 10.00-15 tires, had 3.08 gears and a rear Eaton automatic differential lock.[4]
  • M1010:Ambulanceversion of the M1008.[12]
  • M1010 [USMC Command]: USMC command post vehicle.[12]
  • M1010 [USMC Ordnance]: USMC ordnance repair truck.[12]
  • M1028: Shelter carrier version of the M1008.[12]
  • M1028A1: Shelter Carrier w/PTOversion of the M1008.[12]
  • M1028A2: Dual rear wheel w/ PTO version of M1028A1.[12]
  • M1028A3: Dual rear wheel w/ NP208 version of M1028A2.[12]
  • M1028FF: Fire fighting version of the GM1008.[12]
  • M1031: Chassis-cab model[12]

Operators

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  • 1984 M1009 CUCV in the snow
  • M1009
  • M1008A1
  • CUCVs loaded in aC-5Areserve aircraft, c. 1990
  • USAF M1008 being loaded into aBelgian Air ForceC-130,1998
  • M1009

CUCV II

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CUCV II
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Model years1987–2000
Body and chassis
Body style4-door SUV
2-door pickup
4-door pickup
PlatformGM GMT400 platform
Powertrain
Engine350 in3(5.7 L) L05V8
454 in3(7.4 L) L29/L21V8
6.5 L Detroit DieselV8
Transmission4-speed700-R4 (4L60)automatic
5-speedmanual
Dimensions
Wheelbasevaries by model
Lengthvaries by model
Width81.2 in (2.06 m)
Height75.4 in (1.92 m)
Curb weightvaries by model

In 1987, GM started building a new generation of CUCV. TheUS Air Forceinitially bought small batches of these units, dubbed the CUCV II.[20]Produced through 2001, CUCV IIs were basic civilianChevrolet C/K,Tahoe,andSuburbanunits sent to another plant for "militarization" on special order. The trucks were originally white in color with gray vinyl interiors.[20]They receivedCARCexterior paint (Forest Green, Desert Sand, or 3-color camouflage), a brush bar, a pintle hitch, towing/loading shackles, extra leaf springs to give them a 5/4 ton rating and a host of other small changes. All CUCV IIs have a 24 volt dual-battery starting system, the rest of the truck is 12 volt.[20]

These light utility vehicles were available with three engines: a Vortec 7.4-liter V8, a 5.7-liter V8, or Detroit Diesel 6.5 L V8. Each engine was coupled with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. All CUCV IIs have full-time all-wheel drive; a front-mounted winch was available as an option.[20]

Variants

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  • Type A: Two-door utility vehicle, with space for a driver and four passengers. Based on the K5 Blazer/Tahoe[20]
  • Type B: Cargo truck, with open utility bed; seats could be fitted for troop transportation. Based on the Silverado[20]
  • Type C: Ambulance, accommodating 4 stretchers or 8 seated casualties[20]
  • Type E: Shelter carrier[20]
  • Type F: Communications shelter carrier[20]
  • Type S: Four-door command car, with space for a driver and five passengers. Based on the Suburban[20]

Operators

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LSSV

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LSSV
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors (2001–2005)
AM General(2005–present)
Model years2001–present
Body and chassis
Body style2-door SUV
4-door SUV
2-door pickup
4-door pickup
PlatformGM GMT880 platform
Powertrain
Engine6.6 LDuramaxV8
Transmission4-speed4L80-Eautomatic
5-speedAllison 1000automatic

When production of the CUCV II ended in 2000, GM redesigned it to coincide with civilian truck offerings. The CUCV nomenclature was changed to Light Service Support Vehicle (LSSV) in 2001. In 2005, LSSV production switched toAM General,a unit ofMacAndrews and Forbes Holdings.The LSSV is a GM-builtChevrolet Silverado 1500,Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD,Chevrolet Tahoe,orChevrolet Suburbanthat is powered by a Duramax 6.6 liter turbo diesel engine. As GM has periodically redesigned its civilian trucks andSport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)from 2001 to the present, LSSVs have also been updated cosmetically.[21]

LSSV Tahoes in Romania

The militarization of standard GM trucks/SUVs to become LSSVs includes exterior changes such asChemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC)paint (Forest Green, Desert Sand, or 3-color Camouflage), blackout lights, military bumpers, a brush guard, a NATO slave receptacle/NATO trailer receptacle, a pintle hook, tow shackles and a 24/12 volt electrical system. The dashboard has additional controls and dataplates. The truck also can be equipped with weapon supports in the cab, cargo tie down hooks, folding troop seats, pioneer tools, winches, and other military accessories.[21]In the Canadian Army these vehicles are nicknamed "Milverado," aportmanteaufor MilitarySilverado,"Milcot" for militarycommercial off-the-shelfand "Love W" short for LUVW.

The Enhanced Mobility Package (EMP) option adds an uprated suspension, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a locking rear differential, beadlock tires, aTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)and other upgrades. About 2,000 LSSV units have been sold to U.S. and international military and law enforcement organizations.[21]

Variants

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Chevrolet LSSV Utility vehicle based on the 2007-13 Silverado, Camp Butler, Okinawa
  • Cargo/Troop Carrier Pickup (2-door, Extended Cab, or 4-door Silverado) — Payload: 3,200 lbs (1454 kg); on-highway max trailer weight: 12,000 lbs (5443 kg)
  • Cargo/Troop Carrier or Command Vehicle, based on 4-door Tahoe — Payload: 1,532 lbs (696 kg); on-highway max trailer weight: 8,700 lbs (3946 kg)
  • Cargo/Troop Carrier or Command Vehicle, based on 4-door Suburban — Payload: 2,840 lbs (1291 kg); on-highway max trailer weight: 10,000 lbs (4536 kg)
  • Ambulance – based on Silverado 2500-HD[21]

Operators

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See also

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References

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  1. ^"Dodge CUCV M880".
  2. ^abcdMilitary Trucks: From the Dodge WC to the GM LSSVby Edward A. Sanchez on Motor Trend, 4 Jul 2013
  3. ^ab"About the CUCV".Olive-Drab.Retrieved20 April2014.
  4. ^abMark, Alexander."The M1009 CUCV - A Manly, Eco-Conscious, Military Rejected Survivalist," Dream Vehicle ".Archived fromthe originalon 28 February 2015.Retrieved20 April2014.
  5. ^abcdefgh"Dodge CUCV M880".Olive-Drab.Retrieved20 April2014.
  6. ^"Cadillac Cage Commando Ranger Véhicule blindé - Light armoured vehicle (Cadillac Gage Commando Ranger Description identification pictures picture photo image US Army light wheeled armoured armored vehicle)".
  7. ^TM 9-2320-266-10 Operator's Manual Truck, Cargo: 1-1/4 Ton, 4x4 M880...(and others)(PDF).US Dept. of the Army. 1982. pp. 1-2 to 1-8.Retrieved22 Sep2019.
  8. ^Turchet, Steve (July 14, 2008)."Dodge M880: A Tactical Military Vehicle (sort of)".Military Trader/Vehicles.RetrievedMay 7,2022.
  9. ^abcdefghijklmnoTurchet, Steve."M880: A Tactical MV (sort of)".Military Trader.Retrieved20 April2014.
  10. ^abcdefghij"Annex C Appendix II".US Army Technical Manual of Foreign Military Sales: Battlefield Damage Assessment and Repair(PDF).Washington, D.C. 18 December 1987. p. 263 (C-3). TM 9-2320-356-BD.{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  11. ^ab"Lebanese Armed Forces Vehicles: The CUCV (Dodge & Chevrolet)".Military In the Middle East.31 March 2012.Retrieved20 April2014.
  12. ^abcdefghijklmnopq"Chevy CUCV M1008 M1009 M10xx Trucks".Olive-Drab.Retrieved20 April2014.
  13. ^abcdTM 9-2320-289-10 Operator's Manual for Truck, Cargo, Tactical, 1-1/4 Ton, 4x4 M1008...(and others)(PDF).US Dept. of the Army. 1992. pp. 1-3 to 1-5, 1-11 to 1-12.2.Retrieved22 Sep2019.
  14. ^"Commercial Cargo Utility Vehicle".Warrior Lodge.Retrieved20 April2014.
  15. ^TM 9-2320-289-10 (1992) pp. 1-13 to 1-16
  16. ^"CUCV Technical Info".Motor Mayhem.Retrieved20 April2014.
  17. ^Wearley, Gary (August 2010). "CUCV Dual Voltage Battery Charging Circuit".Military Vehicles Magazine.pp. 36–39.
  18. ^Wearley, Gary."Charging Current Experiment".
  19. ^http://k15.kn3.net/5A78EB1B0.jpg[bare URL image file]
  20. ^abcdefghijklmnop"CUCV II Light Utility Vehicle".Military Today.Retrieved20 April2014.
  21. ^abcdef"Light Service Support Vehicle (LSSV)".Olive-Drab.Retrieved16 April2014.
  22. ^http:// mapn.ro/fotodb/20051201-2[bare URL]
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