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Growler (vehicle)
Encyclopedia
A Growler is a Jeep
-like United States Marine Corps
internally transportable vehicle (ITV), smaller than typical military Light Utility Vehicle
s.
Development for the Growler began in 1999 by American Growler
when the Marine Corps sought a vehicle that could be transported in a V-22 Osprey
. Although initially derided because the firm used design elements and parts from the M151 MUTT drivetrain as a starting point for the concept, the final design was completely revised with new parts and specially tailored to fit in the tight confines of the V-22. There are no M151 components used in the manufacture of the M1163 or M1161.
Two different Growler vehicles were eventually created, one for reconnaissance and one for towing mortar and ammunition trailers. Despite light armor and issues concerning ammunition safety, the mortar towing Growlers were first deployed to Marine units in January 2009.
From when the contract was awarded 2004 to 2008, the average cost of a Growler rose 120% to $209,000, and the average cost of a mortar towing Growler rose 86% to $178,000. As of February 2009, the United States Marine Corps
had 81 ITVs and 12 mortar systems contracted and was awaiting bids on 70 more ITVs and 20 more mortar systems.
As of August 15 2011 209 M1161s and 102 M1163s have been produced. 42 M1163s are on order.
The vehicle is similar to the Panhard
A3F already in service in the French army and the Swedish army.
Jeep
Jeep is an automobile marque of Chrysler . The first Willys Jeeps were produced in 1941 with the first civilian models in 1945, making it the oldest off-road vehicle and sport utility vehicle brand. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover which is the second...
-like United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
internally transportable vehicle (ITV), smaller than typical military Light Utility Vehicle
Light Utility Vehicle
Light utility vehicle is a general term for small, jeep-like military trucks for tactical use. They are generally short, relatively light compared to other trucks and cars, unarmored with 4-wheel drive and short body overhangs for all-terrain mobility and at least 4 passenger capacity...
s.
Development for the Growler began in 1999 by American Growler
American Growler
American Growler Inc is a firm originally based in Ocala, Florida, now in Robbins, North Carolina. For over ten years, it has built a line of Light Utility Vehicles partly derived from drivetrains from M151 MUTT Jeeps...
when the Marine Corps sought a vehicle that could be transported in a V-22 Osprey
V-22 Osprey
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American multi-mission, military, tiltrotor aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing , and short takeoff and landing capability...
. Although initially derided because the firm used design elements and parts from the M151 MUTT drivetrain as a starting point for the concept, the final design was completely revised with new parts and specially tailored to fit in the tight confines of the V-22. There are no M151 components used in the manufacture of the M1163 or M1161.
Two different Growler vehicles were eventually created, one for reconnaissance and one for towing mortar and ammunition trailers. Despite light armor and issues concerning ammunition safety, the mortar towing Growlers were first deployed to Marine units in January 2009.
From when the contract was awarded 2004 to 2008, the average cost of a Growler rose 120% to $209,000, and the average cost of a mortar towing Growler rose 86% to $178,000. As of February 2009, the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
had 81 ITVs and 12 mortar systems contracted and was awaiting bids on 70 more ITVs and 20 more mortar systems.
As of August 15 2011 209 M1161s and 102 M1163s have been produced. 42 M1163s are on order.
The vehicle is similar to the Panhard
Panhard
Panhard is currently a French manufacturer of light tactical and military vehicles. Its current incarnation was formed by the acquisition of Panhard by Auverland in 2005. Panhard had been under Citroën ownership, then PSA , for 40 years...
A3F already in service in the French army and the Swedish army.