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M1161 Growler

Internally Transportable Vehicle

 

Specifications

Country of Origin/Used by: USA (USMC)
First Produced/Service Dates: 2009
Manufactured by: General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems
Crew: 3?
Armament: (1) M2HB .50 cal Heavy Machine Gun or M240G 7.62mm MG or Mk19 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher
Engine: (4) Cylinder Turbo-Diesel
Miscellaneous Info:

The vehicle was originally designed by American Growler Inc. (later Capitol Defense Associates) but now is produced by General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems (GDOTS).  Other names for the ITV are Light Strike Vehicle or Fast Attack Vehicle. Reportedly, the ITV will also go into service with US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The Growler was envisioned as a multi-mission capable vehicle deployable by multiple means, most notably the V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft.

Another variant now in service with the USMC is the M1163 Prime Mover, which is part of the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS).  EFSS consists of two prime movers, an M327 120mm Towed Rifled Mortar and Ammo Trailer, (originally designated as M1164) which is able to carry 30 rounds. Initially, the Prime Mover had two separate designations: the M1162 was the Prime Mover-Weapon (PM-W), while the M1163 was the Prime Mover-Trailer (PM-T).  The separate designations were subsequently dropped leaving only the M1163 designation.

As early as 2012 there were indications that the Growler did not perform up to expectations.  In fact, in 2015 extensive evaluations were conducted to assess the vehicle's performance.  These tests found that the Growler was not suitable as a Fast Attack Vehicle and was best used for hauling supplies and cargo.  As a result, the U.S. Military is looking for a replacement ITV better suited toward multiple missions.
Data Sheet Available:   Light Strike Vehicle Sales Brochure - General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

Photos

Reference Source/Provider
    M1161 Growler ITV Photos (Prototypes?) Capitol Defense Associates (American Growler Inc.)
M1161 Growler ITV Photos Silvio Iacuone (SmugMug Photo Collection Link)
    M1161 Growler ITV Photos  US Department of Defense
M1161 Growler ITV Photos US Marine Corps

References Available

Online

Reference Source/Provider
   

Printed

Reference Author
Special Forces Land Vehicles: MRAP's, Motorcycles & All-Terrain Vehicles (Amber Books) Alexander Stillwell
"USMC Growler (M1161/1163)" (January 2012 Issue of Military Machines International Magazine) Gordon Arthur

Hobby Modeling

Kits and Accessories

Model Kit Manufacturer Scale Other Information
       
Aftermarket Set Manufacturer Scale Other Information
       

Model Photos

Reference Source/Provider