The Oshkosh LUSᖇ MKᖇ15 is a wrecker variant of the LUSᖇ heavy high mobility truck. In 2011, US Marine Corps ordered nearly 70 of these heavy wreckers. First production vehicles were delivered in 2012. It replaces the Oshkosh Mk.48/15.
The MKᖇ15 performs heavy wrecker and recovery missions. Its main role is to support the USMC fleet of LUSᖇ 10×10 high mobility trucks. However, this vehicle is also capable of supporting other wheeled or tracked logistic and combat vehicles. It recovers damaged, immobilized, swamped, stuck, or overturned vehicles. Also, the MKᖇ15 provides maintenance service and tow them to nearest shelters, assembly points or maintenance units.
This heavy wrecker supports vehicle recovery in a wide range of terrains. It has good cross-country mobility due to its powerful engine and 10×10 configuration. It can go over sand, mud, water, and snow.
The vehicle is fitted with a pair of aft-deploying recovery winches. These have a combined pulling rating of 35 tons. Winches have 98 meters of cable each. The vehicle is also fitted with a hydraulically operated ground anchor that stabilizes the vehicle during winching operations.
On hard surface roads, this heavy wrecker can tow vehicles with a maximum weight of up to 50 tons. The vehicle is fitted with rigid or non-rigid hitches. Damaged or uncontrolled vehicles are towed in a suspended semi-lifted position. It is able to lift and tow vehicles with a maximum weight of 43 tons. This wrecker can also tow trailers with a gross weight of 24 tons.
The MKᖇ15 is also fitted with a material handling crane. It has an 8.16-ton capacity at 3.4 meters. At a maximum reach of 6.1 meters, the lifting capacity is reduced to 4.5 tons. There is also a 4.5-ton cargo deck for the transport of various bulk cargo with tiedown points.
This heavy wrecker vehicle is operated by a crew of two. The cab is fitted with integrated armor protection and energy-absorbing seats. It provides protection from small arms fire and mine blasts. Additional armor kit can be fitted for a higher level of protection. It seems that the vehicle can be armed with a roof-mounted machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher for self-defense.
This wrecker shares a number of automotive components with the Oshkosh MTUVᖇ heavy utility truck, which is also used by the US Marine Corps. It is powered by a Caterpillar C15 15.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, delivering 600 hp. This engine is standard across the LUSᖇ range. The engine is located behind and under the cab, allowing for a reduced height of the vehicle. This design also protects the radiator from damage or blockage with mud. It is mated to an Allison 7-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is fitted with a central tire inflation system. In order to reduce turning radius, this truck has a four-axle steering on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th axle. There is a front-mounted 9-ton capacity self-recovery winch. Without preparation, the MKᖇ15 can ford water obstacles up to 1.52 meters deep.
The vehicle can be airlifted by C-17 Globemaster III or C-5A Galaxy aircraft. The height of the vehicle can be reduced by 50 cm for easier transportation. With additional preparation, it can also be airlifted by the C-141 Starlifter.
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Recently, Oshkosh also developed a more powerful MMᖇՏ heavy recovery vehicle. It is broadly similar to the MKᖇ15 wrecker but also has a powerful recovery boom. It was designed to recover MRAP vehicles, as well as other heavy wheeled or tracked military vehicles. The MMᖇՏ can recover and tow vehicles with a maximum weight of about 45 tons.
