as per Wookiler, the addition of Michelin X series tires and proper driver trainingwuld solve alot of supposed issues with the Milcot, the Michelin XCL and XZL are both offered in 7.50R16E sizes almost identical in size to the 245/75R16 it is currently sporting, however as stated the majority of km are spent on hardpack thus negates the need for a more aggressive tread pattern. Aggressive treads are at home in extreme muddy and techincal rock scenario's only, the lack of siping reduced wet weather/snow handling and the spaced lugs of the treat equal less contact pressure with the ground. Data plates in all the SMP fleet state different tire pressures for different terrain etc.....when is the last time you saw somebody air down there tires in the field?? Decreasing tire pressure equtes to a larger tire footprint on the ground, thus more contact area which =a greater potential for traction. Having worked on contract with the DOD and MOD, the basis has been that the answer is driver training. GM Defence in association with TACOM developed the requirement for the CUCV II and III (CUCV II aka our Milcot) turn-key lease operations and remanufacturing have proved to be essential in the modern defense climate. Take some time and read the pubs on the LUVW Milcot......seems there is a strorage buin in the rear box for something amazing...........tire chains, funny how the only vehicles we see using them are LAV's, yet they are EIS for the entire SMP fleet (but you might have to go to the UK or Norway to see them being used). Apart from the drive it like you stole it mentality of most drivers in the CF, the lack of driver training has once again negated the virtues and purpose of the transfer box (ie low range) and features such as locking differentials. Maintainers are overwhelmed dealing with repairs as a direct result of abuse by there operators/drivers. The vehicle is a tool, and is essential to complete ones mission, one needs to treat it with respect, for should you lose mobility, the mission is in jeopordy. The CUCV II/Milcot is a fastastic platorm in the right environment, it has an EMP (Extended Mobility Platform) option, features such as CTIS (constant tire infaltion system), Lift package, Hydro Lock front and rear differentials, same tires/rims as the Humvee platform. The Milcot is fitted with both front and rear reciever hitches............why..........as they are designed to be used with a multi mount winch. Regretfully recovery operation in the CF and US Army have made this a specialized task, however the US Army is begining to see the rewards of self recovery operations once again (the option of blowing in place or recovery, is now begining to change to self recovery first......recovery second then final option blow in place). Winching operation, Kinetic recoveries et all.... should be taught to all operators and practiced regularily until competency is gained (recovery operation can be leathal..........kinda of like a C6 in the hand of a crazy gunman..........how hard is it to split an MLVW in half??............with improper reovery.......very easy....amazing how a winch cable will just slice through all that steel like it was paper.............finally stopped half way through the rear Rockwell diff)
