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Palletized Load System (PLS) |
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 Mission
Perform line haul, local haul, unit resupply, and other
missions in the tactical environment to support modernized and
highly mobile combat units. Rapid movement of combat
configured loads of ammunition and all classes of supply,
shelters and containers.
Entered Army Service: 1993
Description and Specifications
The Palletized Load System (PLS) consists of a prime mover
truck with an integral self-loading and unloading capability,
a payload trailer (M1076), and demountable cargo beds,
referred to as flatracks. The PLS prime mover truck carries
its payloads on its demountable flatrack cargo beds, or inside
8 x 8 x 20 ft International Standards Organization (ISO)
containers, or shelters. The PLS prime mover truck comes in
two mission-oriented configurations: the M1074 and the M1075.
The M1074 is equipped with a variable reach Material Handling
Crane (MHC) to support forward-deployed Artillery units. The
M1075, without MHC, is used in conjunction with the M1076
trailer in support of transportation line haul missions. The
M1076 trailer, capable of carrying payloads up to 16.5 tons,
is equipped with a flatrack that is interchangeable between
truck and trailer. The prime mover truck and trailer form a
self-contained system that loads and unloads its cargo without
the need for forklifts or other material handling equipment.
Without leaving the cab, the driver can load or unload the
truck in less than one minute, and both truck and trailer in
less than five minutes.
Two additional pieces of equipment enhance PLS flexibility.
The M3 containerized roll-in/out platform (CROP) is an A-frame
type flatrack which fits inside a 20-ft ISO container. A
container handling unit (CHU) enables PLS to pick up and
transport ISO containers without using a flatrack. Flatracks
and CROP are interchangeable between PLS and the HEMTT-LHS.
The PLS prime mover features a central tire inflation system
that significantly improves off-road mobility. Current NATO
agreements require PLS to maintain interoperability with
comparable British, German and French systems through the use
of a common flatrack.
PLS is a major enabler of the Army's drive to achieve a
distribution based logistics system. The PLS-Enhanced (PLS-E)
program procures the Movement Tracking System, which provides
a multitude of tactical wheeled vehicles with Global
Positioning System capability and two-way digital messaging.
The MTS enables the commander to track logistics assets over
the range of the battle space. The two-way messaging allows
redirection of logistics assets as needs develop.
Manufacturer
Truck and CHU (Oshkosh Truck - Oshkosh, WI)
Trailer and Flatrack (Oshkosh Truck - Bradenton, FL)
CROP (Summa Technologies - Huntsville, Al; Hyundai
Precision America - San Diego, CA) |
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Palletized Load System
