AMERICA’S ARMY WINNING IN A COMPLEX WORLD

ACAT I
Palletized Load System (PLS) and PLS Extended
Service Program (ESP)
PEO Combat Support and Combat Service Support | Detroit Arsenal, MI
WARFIGHTING
FUNCTION
Mission Command
Movement and Maneuver
Intelligence
Fires
Sustainment
Maneuver Support
and Protection
Engagement
ACQUISITION
LIFECYCLE PHASE
Materiel Solution Analysis
Technology Maturation &
Risk Reduction
Engineering & Manufacturing
Development
Production & Deployment
Operations & Support
MILESTONE DECISION
AUTHORITY
Defense Acquisition Executive
Army Acquisition Executive
Program Executive Officer
DESCRIPTION
The base Palletized Load System (PLS), initially fielded in 1994,
consists of the PLS truck, PLS trailer and demountable flat racks. The
PLS truck, commonly referred to simply as the PLS, is a 10x10 (10-wheel
drive) truck with a 16.5-ton capacity that provides the timely delivery of
high-tonnage cargo. This could include ammunition, unit equipment,
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) containers and
shelters, and all classes of supply and weapon systems. The PLS truck is
equipped with an integral onboard load handling system that provides
self-loading and unloading capability of flat racks, container roll-in and
roll-out platforms and 20-foot ISO containers.
There are two PLS truck variants: The basic PLS truck (M1075) and
the PLS truck with material handling crane (M1074). The system also
includes the PLS trailer (M1076); optional truck-mounted container
handling unit for transporting 20-foot ISO containers; the M3/M3A1
container roll-in and roll-out platform; and the M1/M1077A1 flat racks.
The PLS trailer also has a payload capacity of 16.5 tons, which matches
the payload capacity of the PLS truck.
The new PLSA1 truck model began fielding in 2011. It incorporates
independent front suspension, a new Caterpillar C-15 engine, the
Allison 4500SP 6-speed transmission, J-1939 data-bus and a cab that is
common with the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A4 longterm,
armor-strategy-compliant cab.
The PLS Extended Service Program (ESP) is a recapitalization program
that converts high-mileage base PLS trucks to zero miles and zero
hours and to the current A1 production truck configurations. The base
PLS trucks are disassembled and rebuilt with improved technology
such as an electronically controlled engine, electronic transmission,
air ride seats, four-point seatbelts, bolted-together wheels, increased
corrosion protection, enhanced electrical package and independent
front suspension.
BENEFIT TO THE WARFIGHTER
The PLS supports Soldiers by performing cross country movement
of configured loads of supplies on flat racks or in containers, while
providing improved survivability.
PROGRAM STATUS
• Current: Fielded approximately 6,000 PLS trucks and 13,000
PLS trailers
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
• FY16-FY17: Continued recapitalization efforts to modernize
the fleet
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UNITED STATES ARMY