The Oshkosh LVSR MKR15 is a wrecker variant of the LVSR heavy high mobility truck. In 2011 US Marine Corps ordered nearly 70 of these heavy wreckers. First production vehicles were delivered in 2012. It replaces the Oshkosh Mk.48/15.
The MKR15 performs heavy wrecker and recovery missions. Its main role is to support the USMC fleet of LVSR 10×10 high mobility trucks. However this vehicle is also capable of supporting other wheeled or tracked logistic and combat vehicles. It recovers damaged, immobilized, swamped, stuck, or overturned vehicles. Also the MKR15 provide maintenance service and tow them to nearest shelters, assembly points or maintenance units.
This heavy wrecker supports vehicle recovery in a wide range of terrain. It has good cross-country mobility due to its powerful engine and 10×10 configuration. It can go over sand, mud, water and snow.
Vehicle is fitted with a pair of aft-deploying recovery winches. These have a combined pull rating of 35 t. Winches have a 98 m of cable each. Vehicle is fitted with a hydraulically operated ground anchor, that stabilizes the vehicle during winching operations.
On hard surface roads this heavy wrecker can tow vehicles with a maximum weight of up to 50 t. Vehicle is fitted with rigid or non-rigid hitches. Damaged or uncontrolled vehicles are towed in suspended semi-lifted position. It is able to lift and tow vehicles with a maximum weight of 43 t. This wrecker can also tow trailers with a gross weight of 24 t.
The MKR15 is also fitted with a material handling crane. It has an 8.16 t capacity at 3.4 m. At a maximum reach of 6.1 m lifting capacity is reduced to 4.5 t. There is also a 4.5 t cargo deck for transportation of various bulk cargo with tiedown points.
This heavy wrecker vehicle is operated by a crew of two. The cab is fitted with an integrated armor protection and energy-absorbing seats. It provides protection from small αямѕ ƒιяє and мιиє вℓαѕтs. Add-on armor kit can be fitted for a higher level of protection. It seems that vehicle can be αямє∂ with a roof-mounted machine gun or automatic ɢяєиα∂є launcher for self-defense.
This wrecker shares a number of automotive components with the Oshkosh MTVR heavy utility truck, that is also used by US Marine Corps. It is powered by Caterpillar C15 15.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, developing 600 hp. This engine is standard across the LVSR range. Engine is located behind and under the cab. Such layout allowed to reduce height of the vehicle. Also such design protects damage of the radiator or blockage with mud. It is mated to Allison 7-speed automatic transmission. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. In order to reduce turning radius this truck has a four-axle steering on 1, 2, 4 and 5 axle. There is a front-mounted 9 t capacity self-recovery winch. Without preparation the MKR15 fords water obstacles up to 1.52 m deep.
Vehicle can be airlifted by C-17 Globemaster III or C-5A Galaxy aircraft. Height of the vehicle can be reduced by 50 cm for easier transportation. With additional preparation it can be airlifted by the C-141 Starlifter.
Recently Oshkosh also developed a more powerful MMRS heavy recovery vehicle. It is broadly similar to the MKR15 wrecker, but also has a powerful recovery вσσм. It was designed to recover MRAP vehicles, as well as other heavy wheeled or tracked military vehicles. The MMRS can recover and tow vehicles with a maximum weight of about 45 t.
