The semitrailer vehicle is intended for use with suitable tractors. The primary mission of this transporter is to evacuate a disabled M60 series tank or similar vehicles over primary or alternate main supply routes from vehicle collecting points or maintenance establishments. This vehicle does not replace the tank recovery vehicle, but evacuates disabled vehicles after they have been put into position for pickup. In addition, this transporter system provides a means of transporting such vehicles from railheads, ports, depots, or supporting units to user maintenance areas. Other uses are: To transport non-disabled tracked vehicles over extended distances when movement under their own power is not desired or feasible; and to transport heavy engineer construction equipment and high density cargo, such as ammunition, gasoline, engines, and semi-mobile power plants. This vehicle is considered military unique as commercial counterparts are not capable of performing the above duties.

The transporter may be used by maintenance, transportation, and supply units, with the greatest possible consideration being given to employment world-wide. In addition to normal on-road operation, it must be able to leave and return to regularly maintained roads to the limited extent required to:

a. Load and evacuate disabled vehicles from a vehicle collection point, and thereafter unload them.

b. Make short detours to avoid road obstruction.

c. Negotiate bypasses.

d. Negotiate temporary engineer bridging, be compatible with engineer ferries access routes thereto.

e. Reach vehicle parks and areas for concealment.

The vehicle, with the prime mover, will be a self-contained complete unit capable of normal field use by the crew in combat under all conditions of weather and visibility. Design features will not compromise operational characteristics needed for combat support operations.