US Marine Corps Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) Mk-48 Front Power Unit (FPU)
The Mk-48 Front Power Unit is an all-metal, fully enclosed, diesel powered, automatic transmission, 4x4 tactical truck that provides all automotive and hydraulic power for the LVS combinations. The MK48's low-profile,cab-forward configuration permits loading aboard military aircraft with no preparation. The front power unit and rear body units are joined by a hydraulically powered articulated joint that assists in steering the vehicle and allows a degree of independent movement between the front and rear units for more mobility. The articulated joint transfers automotive power to the RBU axles and hydraulic power for any hydraulically operated equipment. The completed units form an integral, dual body, fully articulated,8x8 vehicle with cross-country mobility. The MK-48A1 variant has minor improvements to the design.
The full nomenclature of the Mk48 FPU is Power Unit, Front, 12-1/2 Ton, 4x4, MK48, MOD O, NSN 2320-01-177-5167.
Tabulated data for the LVS Mk-48 Front Power Unit:
| Length | 238.5 in |
| Width | 96 in |
| Height | 102 in |
| Square | 159 sq ft |
| Cube | 1,917 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 25,300 lbs |
| Wheel base | 60 in |
| Ground clearance | 23 in |
| Fording depth | 60 in w/o prep |
| Engine | 445@2,100rpm V8, liquid cooled, compression ignition, turbocharged diesel |
| Transmission | 4 speed, automatic w/2 spd manual transfer case |
| Range | 450 mi hwy (150 gal fuel tank, 16.6 gal/hr) |
| Electrical | 24 v, neg gd, 65 amps |
| Brakes | Air |
Source: Marine Corps publication TM 11240-15/4B, August 1994.
LVS Mk48/14 offloading during Operation Desert Shield, 13 December 1990.
MK-48 LVS Front Power Unit with Mk-14 Container Hauler trailer, Camp Lejeune, NC, 1 May 1992.
MK-48 LVS Front Power Unit with Mk-17 Cargo trailer offloading from maritime pre-positioning ship PFC. Eugene A. Obregon (T-AK-3005) during exercise Ocean Venture '88, NAS, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, 30 March 1988.
With a row of MK48 Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) trucks as background, General Michael W. Hagee, (left), Commandant of the Marine Corps, is briefed by a Major during his visit to the 9th Material Readiness Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, 17 April 2003.
MK-48 Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) FPU, Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, CA, 23 June 1997.
USMC 9th Engineer Support Battalion Mk48 LVS with Mk-18A1 Ribbon Bridge/Container Hauler trailer unit carries the 400-gallon Expeditionary Refueling System from an Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC), Dogu Beach, Pohang, South Korea, 30 October 2000.
