US Army displays upgraded M1252A1 Stryker mortar carrier at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

On August 24, 2023, US Army soldiers showcased the capabilities of the new M1252A1 Mortar Carrier Vehicle, which was on display in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) area.
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M1252A1 Stryker Mortar Carrier Vehicle on display at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Picture source: @ronkainen7k15 Twitter  )

In a move to enhance the artillery capabilities of its ground forces, the U.S. Army has introduced the M1252A1 Stryker Mortar Carrier Vehicle. This vehicle was on display in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) area.

The M1252A1 is an upgraded version of the M1251 Mortar Carrier Vehicle, featuring a Double-V Hull A1 (DVH-A1) design to increase survivability against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as feedback from Iraq and Afghanistan revealed. This variant is part of the seven Stryker vehicles receiving the DVH-A1 upgrade. The M1252A1 is equipped with a 120mm mortar system, providing enhanced firepower and range compared to its predecessor. This allows for more versatile artillery support, giving U.S. ground forces a significant tactical advantage.

The DVH-A1 upgrade brings several key improvements to the vehicle. The original 350-horsepower Caterpillar C7 engine has been replaced with a 450-horsepower Caterpillar C9, along with improved power pack thermal management and additional environmental conditioning. The alternator has also been upgraded from a 570 amp to a 910 amp unit, supporting future network upgrades and providing a 20% power growth.

To accommodate these power upgrades, the M1252A1 features a newly designed Enhanced Power Distribution Unit (EPDU), replacing the older Power Distribution Panels (PDP and PDP2). The payload capacity has also been increased from 25,000 kg (55,000 pounds) to 28,600 kg (63,000 pounds), and the driveline has been optimized to match the mechanical power upgrade.

Networking capabilities have not been overlooked. The M1252A1 establishes a framework for future embedded Army Network integrations that are VICTORY compliant. This allows for seamless data sharing across the vehicle's common crew stations, and the vehicle now also supports gigabit Ethernet capability.

Unlike the M1256A1, the M1252A1 focuses more on artillery support rather than direct combat, making it a specialized tool in the U.S. Army's arsenal. However, like its counterparts, it does not compromise on power, durability, or networking capabilities.