MLVW

In the early 1980's,
Canada started looking for a suitable replacement for the current
issue M135/M211 "deuce and a half" line of 2.5ton
trucks. The M135 line had been produced in the 1950's and had
reached their end of their life span and could no longer accomplish
the current requirements of the Canadian military. The search
started with the US AM General M35 line of 2.5ton trucks. The
M35 had been selected by the US military to replace their line
of M135/211 trucks, and had been serving the US military for
over 10 years very successfully. The Canadian military liked
the basic design and functionality of the US M35, but was not
happy with several factors. These factors included an impractical
cold weather setup (most trucks had canvas roofs and no heaters),
rear suspension setup, engine/transmission use, and many others.
Once the Canadian military decided to take the basic design
of the US M35, a total of over 1,500 improvements were made
to the old design. This new "improved" 2.5ton truck
was given the designation of MLVW (Medium Logistics Vehicle
Wheeled). Though on the data plate, it is still referred to
as an M35/M36.

Using the basic design
of the US M35, the Canadian military made many changes to truck.
They started by using a 8.2L Detroit Diesel engine with a matching
Allison Automatic MT-643 transmission in place of the US Multifuel
engine and standard 5-speed transmission. This simplified maintenance
of the engine with standard, easily obtained off the shelf parts,
and made driving the truck much easier the world renowned Allison
automatic transmission. Power steering was also added which
also reduced wear and tear on the troops driving them.

Other notable upgrades:

- Use of "super
singles" tires (Michelin 11.00R20's)

- Roof racks to transport
more supplies.

- Hydraulic winches.

- Insulted/heated
cabs to keep the troops warm and insulated hood to help keep
the engine warm in cold weather.

- Four batteries
were standard issue to help in better start the vehicles in
cold weather.
Once these upgrades
were factored into the equation, the Canadian military awarded
the contract to Bombardier to produce 2,765 MLVW's. The first
MLVW was delivered to Canadian military in 1982 and has been
in service ever since. Projected to serve the Canadian military
for 15 years, the MLVW has now been in service for over 25 years
and a replacement has not been decided upon yet. The vehicle
system proposed to replace the MLVW is the MSVS (Medium Support
Vehicle System), but as of January 2009, DND has not committed
to a design or manufacturer.
Even without a new
replacement, the Canadian military has already commenced in
selling off their surplus/unused MLVW's to the public. The first
series of auctions were started in August of 2008, and it is
expected that they will be auctioned off slowly until the new
MSVS has been delivered.
***More
detailed information about this vehicle and others on the site
will be added in time***
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