CUCV

M880/M890
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge
Model years	1976–1977
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup
Powertrain
Engine	Chrysler 318 cubic inch engine V8
Transmission	Torqueflite 727 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	131 in (3.3 m)
Length	varies by model
Width	79.5 in (2.02 m)
Height	73.85 in (1.876 m)
Curb weight	varies by model

CUCV
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors Defense
Model years	1984-1987
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV 2-door pickup 4-door pickup
Powertrain
Engine	6.2 L Detroit Diesel V8
Transmission	3-speed TH-400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	131.5 in (3.34 m)
Length	varies by model
Width	81.2 in (2.06 m) wider for dual rear wheel models
Height	75.4 in (1.92 m)
Curb weight	varies by model

CUCV II
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Model years	1996–2000
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door SUV 2-door pickup 4-door pickup
Platform	GM GMT400 platform
Powertrain
Engine	350 in³ (5.7 L) L05 V8 454 in³ (7.4 L) L29/L21 V8 6.5 L Detroit Diesel V8
Transmission	4-speed 700-R4 (4L60) automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	varies by model
Length	varies by model
Width	81.2 in (2.06 m)
Height	75.4 in (1.92 m)
Curb weight	varies by model

LSSV
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors, AM General
Model years	2001–present
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV 2-door pickup 4-door pickup
Platform	GM GMT880 platform
Powertrain
Engine	6.6 L Duramax V8
Transmission	4-speed 4L80-E automatic 5-speed Allison 1000 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	varies by model
Length	varies by model
Width	varies by model
Height	varies by model
Curb weight	varies by model

The Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle or CUCV/LSSV (CUCV, pronounced cuck-vee) is a vehicle program instituted to provide the United States military with light utility vehicles based on civilian trucks.

The Cots concept, which translated into the CUCV program, was originally intended to augment the purpose-built but expensive Gama Goats and M151 series jeeps approaching the end of their service life in the mid-1970s. Initially, Dodge W/D series trucks were provided in the late 1970s with several military modifications. In the mid-1980s, Chevrolet C/Ks replaced the Dodge vehicles in CUCV I and CUCV II guise. GM CUCVs were heavily redesigned in 2000 and their name was changed to Light Service Support Vehicle (LSSV).

CUCVs are intended to perform "background" roles, providing support for frontline forces, such as cargo transport, troop transport, first aid, and communications. CUCVs are not built for direct frontline combat use, as evident by their lack of bulletproofing and protection from ordnance. Like many of the vehicle parts, the windshield, cabin glass, and body panels are civilian-grade and offer no protection from firearms or explosives. As a result, some CUCVs were replaced in the 1980s and 1990s by the HMMWVs they were to augment.

The U.S. military continued to keep CUCVs in active service long after their projected lifespan. CUCVs of all generations are still in U.S. service, though many M880/M890s and CUCVs have passed through military surplus sales into civilian ownership. CUCVs and LSSVs are in use as support vehicles for military police, troop transport, range control, facilities, and maintenance.

In 1973, Dodge began developing militarized adaptations of their current civilian trucks. In 1976, the M880/M890 series was put into production under a large contract., For almost a decade the Dodges were referred to as "880s", "890s", or most commonly called "five-quarters". The term "CUCV" did not appear until the 1980s when GM was contracted to replace the M880/90s. The M8XXs were an attempt by the U.S. military to use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vehicles with minor modifications in non-combat roles. They were intended to replace the M37, M715 and their related variants. The 1¼ ton M880-series was based on the Dodge W200, a ¾ ton capacity 4×4 civilian/commercial truck. The 880/90s had a 2500 lb cargo rating, enabling it to have a  ⁵⁄₄-ton load rating. The similar 1¼ ton M890-series was based on the Dodge D200, a ¾ ton capacity 4×2 civilian/commercial truck. The M880/M890s had several failings: a gasoline powerplant, 12-volt electrical systems (a separate 24 volt system was added to communications units), and no power steering, due to the PS pump location being used for the 24V generator. The 318 gasoline engine proved to be a fatal flaw as the military moved increasingly to diesel engines during this time period. The lack of power steering was a hindrance in off-road, close quarters, and snow-plowing duties (although most civilian and Air Force models had power steering). Around 44,000 M880/M890s were produced during the 1976–1977 model years and faithfully served the Army and Air Force until the late 1990s.

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Wikipedia