DUKW AMPHIBIOUS TRUCK

DUKW AMPHIBIOUS TRUCK
Image: DUKW (US Army Photo)
Year1942
Vehicle Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced21.147
Crew2 + 25 Troops
Main Armament[@main_armament]
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation[@elevation]
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight9.04m
Secondary Armament[@secondary_armament]
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried[@ammunition_carried]
Height2.17m
Width2.05m
Length9.04m
Combat Weight6.750 kg (Cargo Weight 2.300 kg)
Ground Clearance0.32m
Fording DepthFloats
Trench Crossing[@trench_crossing]
Obstacle Clearance[@obstacle_clearance]
Climbing Ability[@climbing_ability]
Radio[@radio]
ArmourNone
EngineEngine: GMC 6-Cylinder 269 (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range400 miles (640 km)
Maximum Cross Country Range[@maximum_cross_country_range]
Maximum Water Range49 miles (80 km)
Maximum Road Speed55 mph (88 kph)
Maximum Cross Country Speed12 mph (19 kph)
Maximum Water Speed6 mph (12 kph)
Variants[@variants]
NotesAfter being rejected by the US military a lucky encounter changed their minds when a DUKW which was doing trials, rescued a US coast guard vessel that had ran aground. The DUKW was built around the GMC truck with similarities to GMC CCKW. It had a Six Wheel drive and a propeller and had a water tight hull. It was also the first military vehicle to allow the driver to vary the tire pressure from inside the cab, which was useful when driving across soft sand and then changing to hard surfaces. It was supplied to the US army, US Marine Corps and the British and saw service in the pacific theatre, the Mediterranean and the Normandy landings plus the various amphibious actions across northern Europe. The DUKW was used extensively to carry supplies through water and overland and continued in service into the Korean War.