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US Marine Corps Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) Mk-15 Rear Body Unit (RBU)

The Mk15 RBU combines with the MK48 Front Power Unit to form the wrecker/recovery variant of the Logistics Vehicle System (LVS). It is a fully equipped wrecker for recovery of disabled vehicles and Material Handling Equipment (MHE). The MK15 is primarily used for recovery of all LVS vehicles, and is capable of lifting and towing the M809, M939, CUCV and HMMWV series of vehicles. Lifting of a vehicle is accomplished by an A-Frame attached to the rear of the MK15. A heavy duty rear winch enables the wrecker to free mired vehicles. The wrecker is equipped with a Material Handling Crane (MHC) used for removing power packs, loading equipment and standardized containers. An auxiliary hydraulic circuit on the vehicle provides power for tools and can also be used to supply another trailer (MK15, MK16, MK17 or MK18) with hydraulics. The MK48/15 has a remote control unit that allows operation of the crane, A-Frame and winch from a distance.

The full nomenclature of the Mk15 Rear Body Unit is Trailer, Powered, Wrecker/Recovery, 4x4, MK15, MOD 0, NSN 2320-01-176-6928.

Tabulated data for the LVS Mk-15 Rear Body Unit:

Length 240 in
Width 96 in
Height 96 in
Square 160 sq ft
Cube 1,280 cu ft
Curb weight 26,000 lbs
Wheel base MK48/15 259 in
Ground clearance 23 in
Fording depth 60 in w/o prep
Electrical 24 v, neg gd, powered by FPU
Brakes Air, linked to FPU

The Mk-15 RBU has a 84x96 in deck (56 sq ft), with load capacity of 20,000 lbs cross-country, 20,000 lbs highway, towing 60,000 lbs. The MK15 is equipped with a knuckle boom crane and the MK15A1 is equipped with a folding telescoping boom crane.

Source: Marine Corps publication TM 11240-15/4B, August 1994.

Trailer, Powered, Wrecker/Recovery, 4x4, MK15, MOD 0. From TM 11240-15/4C, Figure 3-3, Page 3-6
Trailer, Powered, Wrecker/Recovery, 4x4, MK15, MOD 0. From TM 11240-15/4C, Figure 3-3, Page 3-6.

Mk48 LVS with Mk15 wrecker/recovery RBU, Operation Desert Storm, 24 February 1991. Cpl. D. D. Smith flies the American flag that was presented to his family following the death of his father
Mk48 LVS with Mk15 wrecker/recovery RBU, Operation Desert Storm, 24 February 1991. Cpl. D. D. Smith flies the American flag that was presented to his family following the death of his father.

LVS Mk48 FPU with Trailer, Powered, Wrecker/Recovery, 4x4, MK15, MOD 0. Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Symanski of Tactical Truck
LVS Mk48 FPU with Trailer, Powered, Wrecker/Recovery, 4x4, MK15, MOD 0. Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Symanski of Tactical Truck.