Lockheed Martin's Tactical Wheeled Vehicle (TWV) program has delivered four Lightweight Prime Mover (LWPM) vehicles to the United States Marine Corps. The LWPM will tow the new M777 lightweight 155-mm artillery howitzer.

The Lightweight Prime Mover combines a proven design with innovative systems solutions to dramatically increase mobility, towing capability and payload. These versatile vehicles will help the U.S. Marine Corps meet the challenges of the modern battlefield.

Lockheed Martin military vehicles address the evolving operational needs of the U.S. military while also meeting requirements for quality, functionality and cost. Lockheed Martin's LM4x4 truck was built on the proven High Mobility Transport design and provides a superior weight-to-payload ratio, enabling the less than 10,000-pound vehicle to easily tow the 10,000-pound M777 howitzer. The LM4x4 is air-transportable inside the C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft. The vehicle also can be externally carried by the CH-53E helicopter and the MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft.

The LWPM rides on a height-adjustable chassis, which allows for unmatched all-terrain capability. Future production vehicles will accept applique armor, significantly improving troop safety and survivability. The vehicle features improved rollover protection, fording and braking capabilities, and a central tire inflation system that automatically adjusts air pressure to terrain and payload needs.

After undergoing a production qualification test at the Nevada Automotive Test Center, the LWPM will undergo an operational field user's evaluation. Under the current contract, the Marine Corps has the option for full-rate production of 120 LWPM vehicles.

Sergyi Way
28.02.2007

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