Oshkosh M911 C-HET
Overview
M911 CHET
Former US military M911 CHET in civilian use.
Source: www.vannattabros.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
Description
Introduction
The M911 CHET is a Cold War era heavy equipment transporter of US origin. It was acquired in the mid 1970's as a more capable and lower cost alternative to the M746 HET that had been developed only years earlier. The name CHET stands for Commercial Heavy Equipment Transporter. The design was bought of the shelf in order to keep the costs as low as possible and to start production as soon as possible.
Layout
The M911 is based on the commercial Oshkosh F2365 truck. This model was modified in a number of areas. Two winches were added behind the cab. The US Army models feature a lift-up non driven fourth axle located in front of the two rear axles. The M911 is a soft skin vehicle and does not feature any armor or other protective measures.
Cargo capacity
The M911 was to be used with the M747 trailer. That trailer was developed in the HET-70 program alongside the M746 tractor truck that the M911 supplements. This combination allows for 60 t loads. Heavier loads such as the M1 Abrams cannot be transported. In foreign service other trailers are used with the M911. Most of those are capable of 50 or 60 t loads.
Mobility
The M911 had better mobility than the M746 it was designed to supplement. The huge Detroit Diesel 450 hp diesel engine allows for speeds of 70 km/h on roads. The speed on dirt roads and offroad is much lower. When used in difficult offroad conditions or with loads exceeding 60 t the reliability of the M911 proved to be limited.
Users
The M911 was acquired in quantity by the US Army and Saudi Arabia. Many dozens have been exported to various US allies. In US service the M911 was replaced by the M1070 HETS in the early 1990's. The M1070 is capable of hauling heavier loads and has a better offroad performance. The M911 remain in use in various nations around the world.
Details
Media
M911 CHET
Greek M911 CHET transporting M577 command post vehicle.
Source: www.network54.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M911 CHET
Right side view of suplus M911 CHET tractor.
Source: www.silverstatespecialties.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M911 CHET
Forward view of distinctive large nose of M911 CHET tractor.
Source: www.silverstatespecialties.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M911 CHET
Rear view showing the two 20 t winches located behind the cabin.
Source: www.silverstatespecialties.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M911 CHET
Left side view of surplus M911 CHET tractor showing 5th sheel.
Source: www.silverstatespecialties.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M911 CHET
US M911 CHET with retractable second axle with undriven wheels.
Source: Mark B Simiele
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
M746 HET
The M911 was acquired as a more capable and less costly alternative to the M746 HET. In US military service the M911 C-HET uses the M747 trailer originally developed for use with the M746 tractor truck.
Oshkosh M1070 HET
The M911 C-HET has been replaced in US military service by the newer and more capacle M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter.