Type 6x4 semi-tractor Length 22 ft 11 in (6.99 m) | Place of origin United States | |
 | ||
Designer Crane Carrier (M915)
Freightliner (M915A2) Manufacturer AM General (M915, M915A1)
Freightliner (M915A2 and later) Weight 18,680 lb (8,470 kg) (empty) | ||
The M915 is a tractor unit used for line haul missions by the United States Army. Designed for use on improved roads it does not have a driven front axle.
Contents
History
The M915 is the namesake and basis of a tactical truck series, although it is not tactical itself. It is a commercial type conventional 6x4 semi-tractor designed for use on improved roads. A powered front axle and other tactical equipment are not needed, allowing a lighter and simpler truck. It does share the engine, transmission, cab, and some components of the series.
The M915 and M915A1 were a Crane Carrier Company design built by AM General between 1978 and 1982. The 1990 -A2 upgrade was actually a completely different truck, a Freightliner Trucks design with a different engine and transmission. Older models were upgraded to -A4 standard with a new cab and frame that used the original truck's components. Starting in 2009 M915A3s were upgraded to the armored -A5 standard.
Engine and driveline
The M915 has a 855 cu in (14.0 L) Cummins NTC 400 developing 400 hp (300 kW) at 2100rpm and 1,150 lbf·ft (1,559 N·m) of torque at 1500rpm. The M915A2 had a 775 cu in (12.7 L) Detroit Diesel DDEC II developing 400 hp (300 kW) at 2100rpm and 1,400 lbf·ft (1,898 N·m) of torque at 1200rpm. Both are turbocharged inline 6 cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine, the DDEC II is also intercooled.
The M915 has a Caterpillar 16 speed semi-automatic transmission, the M915A2 a Allison HT-470 4-speed automatic.
Chassis
A conventional ladder frame has a front steering axle with a 12,000 lb (5,400 kg) weight rating and tandem rear axles with a 40,000 lb (18,000 kg) weight rating. The truck can have a maximum weight of 52,000 lb (24,000 kg), including a 30,000 lb (14,000 kg) load. The total weight rating of the truck and trailer is 105,000 lb (48,000 kg).
A Holland commercial type sliding fifth wheel could carry 30,000 lb (14,000 kg). It towed the M871 22 1⁄2-ton (20,400kg) 2 axle flatbed, the M872 34-ton (30,800kg) 3 axle flatbed, and the M1067.