M1163 ITV-PM Growler off-roading in Southern California

Описание: I previously made a video with some of the footage from Rowher Flat OHV but I had some more footage so I put together a quick video with what I had.

This was the first off-roading trip that I took with the Growler so I was still feeling it out, learning it's capabilities and limitations. The terrain largely consists of deep moon dust/loose soil on top of hard pack dirt. My tires also we're pretty worn and brittle as they were the original tires from 2011.

For those of you who want to know a little more about these vehicles: There are two different versions. The long-wheelbase version is known as the LSV (Light Strike Variant). Its military designation is M1161. This variant originally came with a machine gun turret that was removed during the de-mil process. The short wheelbase version is the PM (Prime Mover). Its military designation is M1163. This variant was designed to tow the EFSS (Expeditionary Fire Support System) 120mm mortar. It was also called Dragon Fire. You can read more about this system here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_...)
The M1163 also towed the Ammunition Trailer that could haul 33 of the 120mm mortar rounds. That trailers military designation is M1164. These vehicles, along with their towed payload, were designed to be transported internally by the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. The program lasted 10 years from 2007-2017. The contract was originally intended to last ten years with a possibility of renewal but, ultimately, the program ended as planned in 2017.
The ITV's were auctioned off via Govplanet.com. Most are now in civilian hands, some ending up overseas in places like Germany, New Zealand, Italy, and one soon going to France. There is a lot of incorrect information about these vehicles floating around out there so take what you find on the internet with a grain of salt!
If you own one make sure you go over and join the growler forum community at www.growlerforum.com