New generation of 'Dragon Wagon' roars into Afghanistan

Photo By Cpl. Michael Curvin | Cpl. Albert A. Felicio, a logistical vehicle system operator with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan, climbs on the front load assembly of the new logistics vehicle during a driver's course held here recently. The vehicle features a new chassis providing independent suspension on every wheel, which improves the overall ride and maneuverability of the vehicle.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

10.01.2009

Story by Cpl. Michael Curvin 

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Using less fuel, travelling longer distances and offering a smoother ride for passengers and cargo, the new logistics vehicle has arrived in Afghanistan.

The new vehicle, officially titled the logistics vehicle replacement system, brings increased load capacity and greater load bearing flexibility to convoy operations. The LVSR will meet the Corps' requirement for a heavy tactical logistics distribution system capable of transporting bulk liquids, ammunition, storage containers and bulk cargo.

Logistics commands gain an overall load capacity increase of approximately 800 pounds with the new vehicle, which is capable of carrying approximately 33,000 pounds on unimproved surfaces and up to 45,000 pounds on the highway.

"It can carry flat racks, containers, boats, bridges and any kind of cargo you can put on a flat rack," said Sgt. Nathaniel J. Turner, a motor transportation operator with Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan. "It can pull more and it's a lot better for combat, especially when you get a flat tire."

The central tire inflation system alerts the crew if tires are punctured. Minor wheel damage no longer poses a problem to drivers because the inflation unit will keep shooting air into the tire until the crew arrives at their destination, according to Turner.
In the past, carrying standard containers, flat racks or any specialized gear required three different vehicles. The new logistics vehicle affords commands all these capabilities in one truck.

The new truck can stretch a 160-gallon tank of gas almost 50 percent farther than its predecessor and can travel up to 300 miles on one tank of gas.

"They went from an eight-cylinder, turbo-charged, two-stroke motor to a 6-cylinder, inline, four-stroke motor," Turner said.

The truck's independent suspension makes for a better ride for the crew and for the cargo. Each wheel sustains impact without affecting the others, improving the maneuverability of the truck especially on rugged terrain.

"It's a completely new chassis," said Maj. Timothy M. Cooley, MEB-Afghanistan's maintenance management officer and ordnance officer. "The independent suspension makes all the difference in the world."

Engineers designed the new vehicle to meet the needs of combat operations while keeping in mind the necessity for expedient upkeep and repairs. The operators will perform upkeep and minor repairs on the new trucks as the first line of defense against mechanical malfunctions.

"This can be really amplified specifically with the LVSR because for years the Marine Corps has been underway with logistics modernization effort," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Ramsey, MEB-Afghanistan's motor transportation officer, adding that maintenance on the new vehicle had been streamlined from five echelons to three.
By the year's end, Marines operating in Helmand province will see more than 100 of the newest "Dragon Wagons" barreling across the Afghan desert.

• Date Taken: 10.01.2009
• Date Posted: 10.01.2009 02:48
• Story ID: 39521
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF