Military logistics is the discipline of planning and executing the movement of materials and equipment, as well as supplying and ensuring maintenance. Current military transport operations face specific challenges and therefore require robust, reliable, and field-proven equipment. One of the main challenges for the entire Alliance, including the Czech Army, is to move sufficient numbers of troops and heavy equipment quickly across Europe in any direction.

Armies use hook loaders to move equipment in ISO containers or stored on flat racks (platform pallets). Heavy wheeled or tracked equipment is moved using semi-trailers, low loaders, and combinations of self-steering trailers that offer perfect maneuverability over short distances, long routes, and in any terrain.

What are other ways to transport heavy equipment, and are flatbed trailers the best option?

Currently, there are several modes of transport, which can be grouped into several categories. The most common are road, rail, air, and sea transport. Which mode is used depends on the situation at the time, the availability of railways, road networks, etc.

In the event of a major conflict, it is physically impossible to ensure the movement of heavy equipment and supplies (especially ammunition, fuel, and lubricants) without using a combination of different modes of transport. It is important to note that railway lines will be attacked by the enemy. Rail connections are also slow and require special platforms for loading heavy military equipment. In such cases, transport by semi-trailers appears to be the best option.

DOLL semi-trailers are suitable for transporting not only current-generation tanks, but also the planned future Leopard 2A8 tanks.

CONTSYSTEM Group SE is the authorized sales, service, and training center for DOLL special trailers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The service team ensures the operability of the trailer throughout its entire service life. We provide crew training as well as spare parts supply. It is possible to conclude a framework agreement on repairs and complete support throughout the entire service life. We offer all levels of maintenance specified by the armed forces, e.g. according to the German army, and we also provide them abroad and in any conflict area.

Optimal off-road capabilities of DOLL trailers and other advantages

Trailers designed for light and heavy off-road use are used across the entire spectrum of military specialties with load capacities from 10 tons and above. They are designed to handle logistics operations on paved field and forest roads and in heavy terrain with minimal loading height, low center of gravity of payload, and minimal maintenance requirements. Individual types are tested in harsh field conditions in climatic zones A2 to C2.

A key feature of the chassis is the use of DOLL swing axles or DOLL double trapezoidal axles with the Panther system. The lifting lugs and load securing points meet impact test requirements and can be configured according to specific user requirements. Up to 4 ride heights can be preset during production to suit the user's operational needs.

The hydraulic system also offers features such as traction control activation, lift axle, ramp control, stabilizer legs, manual override, and tire pressure monitoring.

Stuck in a turn? Driving in a very confined space? With the DOLL solution, the operator can easily adjust the steering as needed using a remote control or wired remote control. The trailer is thus able to achieve a minimum turning radius even in confined spaces. Important sensors and potential malfunctions can be quickly and conveniently read using the radio remote control.

Innovative CAN bus technology enables easy troubleshooting and helps reduce unproductive vehicle downtime. Systems such as ABS, EBS and RSS also discreetly support driving safety and prevent critical driving situations.

Depending on the number of axles and specific requirements, off-road capabilities can be significantly increased thanks to a hydraulically compensated gooseneck that works in conjunction with the first axles.

The control unit allows you to visualize, monitor, and regulate all trailer functions. During loading, the payload can be perfectly positioned in the center of gravity of the load using the digital axle load display. At the touch of a button, you can read the tire pressure, set the steering angle of the axles, or set automatic toe-in.