1:72 Takom 5002 M1070 Truck & M1000 Trailer w/D9R Bulldozer Plastic Model kit

With the introduction of the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank into service, the US Army's existingM911 heavy equipment transporters were unable to carry the heavier load.

A contract was thus awarded to Oshkosh Truck Corporation to develop and manufacture a new heavy-duty tank transporter, which emerged as the M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter. An initial order was originally placed for 522 units, with production commencing in July 1992, but a total of 1179 tractors and trailers have been built since then.

The M1070 HET is a powerful tractor truck with an 8x8 drive configuration and advanced features such as an electronic engine control system to ensure maximum efficiency at all times, and an 'air ride' rear suspension to ensure all axles remain in contact with the ground at all times while smoothing out the worst terrain shocks to the chassis. To further assist traction across rough terrain, another standard feature is a central tire inflation system (CTIS). Unlike the previous transporters, the M1070 is designed to carry both the tank and its crew.

The engine remains the same as on the earlier M911 but is uprated to deliver 500 hp, and is coupled to an automatic transmission. Another novel feature is the power-steering system which synchronizes wheel movement on the front and rear axles to improve maneuverability in narrow confines.

The 25 ton loading winches are standard fittings together with an auxiliary winch. One improvement over earlier US Army tank transporters is that the cab has more space for the crew, including space for a tank crew. The usual tank-carrying semi-trailer used with the M1070 HET is the M1000. Despite its bulk, the M1070 heavy equipment transporter can be airlifted in an aircraft such as a C-17 or C-5.

The M1070 also transports fighting and recovery vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, construction equipment, and other heavy loads.