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Ford G8T (1942)
28/10/2024 The Ford G8T is part of the "Ford 6" family, known in US nomenclature as the Ford G8T ("Ford-6"), 1½-ton, 4x2, Cargo. It was produced to an extent of 61,000 vehicles, shipped in their immense majority vian lend lease to the Soviet Union form 1943, either via the Arctic convoys (which in case they could welml at the bottom of the sea) or via land, carrying supplies from India and via Iran. In any case, they became the second most common lend-lease allied truck in Soviet service by 1945. It was also paradoxically produced and used by Germany in 1941 as the US were neutral at the time.
CAESAR 155mm self propelled howitzer
17.10.2024 In 1991 it was realized that with the cold war over, traditional tracked artillery systems such as the French GTC 155mm AUF-1 were too slow for the new asymetric combat that seems more likely in the next decade. France notably had ongoing deployment in Africa, and took part in the gulf war, Operation Daguet (French part of Desert Storm) without a fast artillery component which could keep up with its ERC-90 F4 Sagaie, 6th Light Armored Division VAB APCs), Foreign Legion AMX 10 RC. The only "compatible" unit deployed was the 4th Dragoon Regiment fielding AMX-30B2 tank in second rank, and the 9th Marine Infantry Division only procuring light artillery units.
Mercedes Benz 250 GD & G class (1978)
09/10/2024The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also known as the G-Wagon or Geländewagen, was a multi-purpose off-road vehicle in production since 1979. Originally designed as a military vehicle, it became famous for its rugged design and off-road capabilities combining all-wheel drive with differential lock, and high ground clearance. It is still used by a number of militaries around the world, including the German Bundeswehr, for transport, reconnaissance, command and control. The Bundeswehr's 205 GD vehicles are equipped with a winch, all-terrain tires, and communications system and the model had been largely exported to many militaries.
FIAT-SPA 36R (1934)
25.09.2024The SPA-36R light truck was born from the need of the Armed Forces to replace the now obsolete SPA-25 C/10 with studies launched in 1933 for a planned adoption in 1935. It was decided to create a standard declined into two basic models, the popular 38R and the 36R. The difference between the two was a liquid cooled engine for one, and an air-cooled engine for the other. The 36R was supposed to be used in the desert and mountainous areas as it needed air instead of water for the engine to be cooled down. In the first case due to scarcity and in the second, due to frozen water in sub-zero temperatures. It had also a horseshoe radiator grille and redesigned bonnet. However the 36R had little success and was produced in 2500 vehicles from 1934 to 1936, seeing mostly action in Libya in 1940-41, most being lost there.
BM-14
14.09.2024The BM-14 was the name of a weapon system composed of a rocket launcher, either 16 or 17 barrels depending of the type (BM-14-16/17) and improved (M) variants mounted on a veriety of trucks, ZIL-151, 157, 131, GAZ-63A and GAZ-66 for the lighter 4x4 BM-14-17 later variants. It was produced in the thousands to replace the WW2 legacy BM-13 Katyusha systems and replaced gradually in the 1970s by the BM-21 Grad. It was also largely exported and saw combat from the 1960s to in the Middle east to 2013 in Syria, still used by a few countries.
Dodge D-15 (1941)
02.09.2024 Used solely for rear transport, the streamlined D-15 was the baselined 3/4 ton rear driving truck used by Commonwealth armies, either through US lend lease or Canadian built. They were mostly used in North Africa, Italy and UK and saw little service in the northern European campaign supersded by larger or 4x4 models, notably the CMP series from Canada, all 4x4. Nevertheless, the Dodge D-15, produced from 1945 to 1947 as the WD-15 pickup truck were very popular for their reliability and soldiered on in many parts of the world until the 1980s.
Laffly S 35 T (1937)
24.08.2024 The Laffly S 35 T emerged from a 1935 specification calling for a heavy 6x6 prime mover capable of towing all hevay artillery pieces in the French inventory, notably the ubiquitous 155 mm GPF modele 1917 and 155 mm Howitzer modele 1917. Laffly delivered a ladder-type 6x6 vehicle with a 4-cyl. Otto petrol engine capable of 40 kph on all terrains thanks to its unditching small wheels, winch and spade. 225 were delivered from 1937 to 1940 and it was declined into a recovery vehicle, an armoured transport and an aircraft engine starter vehicle. Ther German captured many and had Laffly delivering from parts 83 more in 1941. It was integrated in the Werhmacht as the Schwere Radschlepper laffly S 15T(f).
ZIL-157 (1958)
18.08.2024 The ZIL-157 is a Soviet and Russian medium-tonnage truck with increased cross-country ability manufactured by the Likhachev Plant (ZIL). The ZIL-157 was mass-produced since 1958, mainly for the both Civilian needs and Armed Forces. Its cab a repeat of the ZIS-151's with minor changes. In time, the mass-produced ZIL-157 appeared soon obsolete and subsequently replaced in the 1970s by the ZIL-131 and Ural-375. A total of 797,934 in all modifications were produced, making it the largest Soviet truck production after the WW2 U7 (Based on the lend-lease Stubaker US6). Created at the end of 1954, production started in 1958 and ended in 1991, IL stopping in 1978) and Novouralsk taking on. But the very last were made in 1994 in specialties. The antiquated, basically WW2 Soviet comfort cabin was improved in between with heater and an electric fan powered by the engine cooling system whereas suspension shock absorbers were improved. Despite of this, it's jarring to imaging this copy of the 1942 US6 was basically produced unchanged until after the end of the cold war... Note: As the subject is huge, expect updates in the future and one-offs (like the 157K tractor for the S-125 SAM trailer)...
Scammell Pioneer TRCU
10.08.2024 The Scammell Pioneer was also declined into a tank transporter from 1932 when first tested, called TRCU-20. Production really started in 1937 with a grand total of 527 made until 1945, including 459 of the 30-tons TRCU-30 variant and the interwar 68 TRCU-20s. They served on all fronts from north africa to Italy and Europe, but with their tall trailer they were unable to cross under many bridges when carrying the tall Sherman and started to be replaced from 1941 by the Diamond tank transporter, which was capable of handling the heavier Churchill also.
Nissan 180
03.08.2024 The Nissan 180 truck was manufactured from 1940 for the Imperial Japanese Arrmy (introduced 1941) as a 2x4, rear transmission 2t ton truck. It is just so ellusive that comprehensive data is just missing for a full article. So it's an entry on the main W2 IJA softskin vehicles page, alongside the Nissan 80 COE, Isuzu Type 94, Tokyu Kurogane Type 95 minitruck, or Type 97 4WD truck, same category as the Nissan 180.
AT-L
27.07.2024 Artilleriyskiy Tyagach Lyogkiy, or AT-L (Russian: Артиллерийский Тягач, Лёгкий (АТ-Л), meaning light artillery tractor) was a Soviet Cold War era artillery tractor. The vehicle has the same cab as the ZIS-150 and ZIL-164 trucks, but has a different front end and grille similar to that of the GAZ-51 truck. Perhaps c1500 were manufactured in AT-LA and AT-LM versions until 1967, and they stayed in service until 1975.
Scamell Pioneer SV1S/T
21.07.2024 From 1936, the British Army started to receive 43 Pioneers SV1S heavy recovery vehicles. Many of these SV1S and R100 vehicles were lost in France in June 1940, destroyed by withdrawing troops or captured by the Germans. The SV2S version had a redesigned crane with greater lifting height, introduced in 1938. A total of 1,975 SV2S were built. Delivery of a tank transporter began in 1937. This variant was fitted with a longer chassis for an extended cabin to accommodate the tank's crew and 459 of this sub-variant were produced...
Borgward B3000 (1938)
14.07.2024 The Borgward B 3000 was a medium-sized truck made by German manufacturer Carl F. W. Borgward GmbH between 1941 and 1944 in the Bremen-Sebaldsbrück works. After World War II, B 3000 production continued from July 1948 to 1950. In all, c30,000 were manufactured of all six versions, not counting the postwar ones, until 1944 when both Borgward factories were completely destroyed by air raids. There was also an electric version named Borgward BE3000.
9K720 Iskander
07.07.2024 The 9K720 Iskander (NATO SS-26 Stone) is a mobile short-range ballistic missile system produced and deployed by the Russian army from 2006 and also exported. Each 9P78 TEL carried two ballistic missiles (terminal hypersonic speed Mach 7.6, 50 km alt, range 500 kilometres) each. This was the replacement for the OTR-21 Tochka but only a few were built unlike the latter. The vehicle also saw action Ukraine recently.
Scammell Pioneer R-100 (1935)
29.06.2024 The Scammell Pioneer was one of the primary tractors of the British Royal Army before and during WW2. It was used in three roles: Artillery tractor (primary), recovery vehicle (secondary) and tank transporter (tertiary). In the latter role this was practically the only one before its replacement by the Thornycroft Antar in 1952, and before the arrival of lend-lease M19, Mack, Diamond and others heavy duty semi-trailer tractors of flatbed trucks. Despite only 3400+ were built, they proved dependable, had solid output and off-road capablities, and soldiered from the BEF in France in 1940 to the last days of the war in the far east in the summer of 1945. Some even lingered in other roles until the late 1950s. This is the first part of the three parts article studying the different variants of the Scammell Pioneer.
Renault TRC-36R (1939)
22.06.2024 Also called Renault YCR, this little tracked tractor was designed as a supplier like the Renault UE (1932) and based on it's chassis, for resupplying Tanks (TRC stands for "Tracteur de Ravitaillement pour Chars") with a 2.1L 38hp 4 cyl. Renault engine, full metal cab for a driver and co-driver as well as a rear flatbed, towing the same UK trailer. Like the UE, many fell into German hands, in which they served as the Frz. Vollkettenschlepper Renault 36R. It was manufactured until 1942, for the Vichy Army.
Voroshilovets (1939)
15.06.2024 The Voroshilovets is a World War 2 era tracked prime mover of Soviet origin. It was developed in the late 1930's as a more powerful alternative to the Komintern prime mover. The tracked chassis was very useful in the Russian climate with knee-deep rasputista mud in the spring and snow in winter. It was also the first near-COE (cab over engine) model, the most powerful in terms of towing power and still carried 16 infantry in flatbed and 3 in the cabin. 1123 were made from 1939 until 1942 when production was terminated.
Autocar U-8144-T
08.06.2024 D-Day special ! The Red Ball Express was at first covered by the famous "Jimmy" (CGC 353) which had a ring mount for self defence, but as war progressed and roads became more secure, new styles of heavier military haulers and tractors started to appear. Autocar was one such company that delivered an impressive COE (Cab over Engine) namely the U-7144-T & U-8144-T Tractor Trucks. They were practically identical to the vehicles made by White and federal and together in August 1945, they represented a total of 21,974 very similar COE heavy duty tractors. With their large utility trailer that could carry anything from fuel tanks to landing crafts, pontton, aircraft, and every supply in between...
Austin K2/Y
01.06.2024 The Austin K2/Y is a British heavy military ambulance that was used by all Commonwealth services during the Second World War. Built by Austin, it was based on the 1938 Austin K30 30-cwt light truck which, as the K2 chassis, was built during the war for many uses.
Citröen Traction Avant (1934)
25.05.2024 Although the Citroën "Traction Avant" is certainly not a military truck, it was however one of the most common and recoignisable French vehicle in 1940. It was used by the French Army, German Army and SS, Vichy state Milice, Gestapo, FFI under the occupation and the allies at the end of the war. It was the go-to vehicle here and then, innovative, modern, stable and fast. Not armed (by default) it was used as a liaison, staff car, VIP transport, and just became ubiquitous in France in WW2 and up to the mid-1960s, albeit eclipsed by the famous DS.
SPA AS.37 (1937)
18.05.2024 The SPA AS.37 was an Italian military light truck of World War II. It was developed from 1937 based on the TL.37 artillery tractor and tailored to carry a crew of three and payload in the North African desert. Compared to the tractor, it had an increased range of 900 km with added water tanks and its total capacity was up to 8 men between its flatbed and cabin. About 802 were manufactured (the Production went from 1938 to 1943), and it was declined into the Autocarro Protetto 37 light armoured personnel carrier variant (200 built, Balkans-Italy). The AS 37 Sahariano was also declined into an heavily armed vehicle.
Type 95 Kurogane
11.05.2024 Certainly among the cutest military vehicles of WW2, the little Kurogane was designed in 1934 for the Imperial Japanese Army as a scout car by Tokyu Kurogane Industries, and some 4,700 were manufactured from 1936 to 1944. It mostly served in China but also took part in the Burma and Philippines campaign among others. Above all, it was one of the world's first four-wheel drive compact car to be mass produced before the Jeep. It existed in 2-door roadster, 2-door pickup truck and 4-door phaeton variants.
ZIL-135
04.05.2024 The famous ZIL-135 family started in 1959 and was produced up to 1993 mostly by BAZ at Bryansk. This was the quintessential four axle heavy duty multpurpose military truck designed in USSR to carry heavy payloads which standard 1950s trucks could not do. The ZIL-135 which changed appareance between the K and L/M main versions had originally two engines, no suspensions, fwd and rear steerable axles and a drive system passing torque to the four wheels on one side at a time. One of the most famous derivative was the Luna-M missile TEL, or the BM-27 Uragan we just saw. This is the first of a serie of articles on this family. Illustration: the relatively confidential ZIL-135MP flatbed truck variant.
Land Rover 2a LWB SAS
27.04.2024 The famous "Pink Panther" was a worthy inheritor of the WW2 LRDG (Long Range Desert Group). They were narrowly linked to the SAS or Special Air Service, an airborne commando unit widely considered as the ancestor of special forces today. Only 74 vehicles were built by Marshall's of Cambridge from 1967 and it was delivered from 1970, used until replaced by the Land Rover Defender 110.
F.N. AS 24 "tricar/trike"
20.04.2024 The Belgian Fabrique Nationale AS 24 was a Motorized utility Tricycle for transport, collapsible to be paradropped in airborne operations, used until 1983. It was to be dropped together with the paratroopers in airborne drops, and some 463 AS 24 were manufactured, plus at one or more prototypes. It was decommissioned starting in 1984 and up to 1990 at the latest. It's battle records included notably several operations in Congo (Zaire), notably Operation Dragon Rouge, a hostage rescue mission in Kisangani on Nov 24-27, 1964, where it proved intrumental..
9P140 Uragan
13.04.2024 The BM-27 Uragan ("Hurricane", GRAU index 9P140) is a self-propelled 220 mm multiple rocket launcher (SPRL) designed in the Soviet Union, specifically to deliver cluster munitions from large 220 mm rockets. It entered service from 1975. For the first time, a rocket launcher vehicle, long derivative of the famous WW2 Katiusha, is able to deliver a spin and fin stabilized rocket. The vehicle was designed and manufactured by Splav State Research and Production Enterprise on the base of the dependable ZIL-135 8x8 prime mover already made famous by carrying the SCUD across the world. Like many other versions of the ZIL-135, the BM-27 Uragan was exported to some 19 countries, was licence-built and derived and found a lot of action in a dozen of wars and conflicts, and this story is not over. The improved Uragan-1M commissioned in 2008 is its designed successor.
Berliet GBC 8 TK (1965)
07.04.2024 The Berliet GBC was developed in 1958 as a new type of all-terrain 6x6 truck aimed at the oil industry and desert conditions. For this was created the prototypes GBC Gazelle which took part in an expedition, the "Missions Berliet-Tenere". The success proved the type was indeed well suited, and the Army, which had a specification to replace the venerable WW2 GMC CCKW and wanted a model fit for the conditions in Algeria, ordered it. The military variant was done to NATO standards of the time as the GBC 8 TK. 35,000 in all variants were delivered to the French Army, making the bulk of its cold war troop and supply transportation assets until the 1990s. The last were still modernized to extend their sevrice life for another decade. It was also licence built in China and Portugal (As the Tramagal).
Ford Taunus (1963)
31.03.2024 The Ford P5 was the 5th postwar model of the Taunus by Ford Germany (also made in Portugal and Belgium), a lineage started in 1939. The model came out with the 17M, a range of 4-cylinders and the 20M mostly in sedans, powered by a V6. The latter was cheap and popular by the performances it offered. It was adopted by the West German Polizei for patrols and pursuit, the fire brigades, but also the US Army Constabulary Force in Berlin, to conduct military police patrols.
Fiat 634NM (1933)
23.03.2024 The Fiat 634NM was an Italian heavy truck ("Gigante") produced by Fiat Veicoli Industriali and nicknamed "Elefante". It existed first in the civilian service, and was soon modified to be adopted by the Italian Royal Army. Thousands were used by the Royal Army in WW2 where they performed a large varieties of duties on the battlefield, from troop to tank transport, supply and declined as self-propelled guns, often rearmed with older Regia Marina guns as portee for the North African Campaign.
Chance vought M561 1+1/4-ton 6x6 "Gama Goat" (1969)
17.03.2024 The M561, commonly known as the "Gama Goat," is a six-wheel drive amphibious vehicle developed by the United States Army in the late 1960s. It was designed to be used for a variety of purposes, including cargo transport, troop transport, and weapon platform. Made by Chance Vought and produced from 1970, it was powered by a Detroit Diesel 3-53T 3-cylinder, 2-stroke diesel rated for 175 horsepower with a selection of 2 or 6-wheel drive. The unique articulated design allowed an unprecedented mobility on the worst terrains. However this machuine had issues. Arrived in the dying days of US presence in Vietnam, it was difficult to maintain and repair.
Mercedes L3000 (1938)
10.03.2024 The Mercedes-Benz L3000 was the second most common German truck after the Opel Blitz in World War II. Primarily used as a military transport this was a L3000 was a medium-duty truck with three tons payload hence the "3000". It was powered by a diesel engine and featured a robust chassis suitable for various configurations, including cargo and troop transport, as well as a flatbed for mounting artillery or anti-aircraft guns. During the war, the Mercedes-Benz L3000 played a significant role in the logistics and transportation needs of the German military, being used extensively on various fronts. After they were repurposed for civilian use, scrapped or captured as war booty by Allied forces.
BM-13 Katyusha (1940)
02.03.2024 The BM-13 Katysusha is probably the best known model of the cohort (100,000) of self-propelled rocket launching systems developed by the Soviet Union from the late 1920s to late 1930s experimentally, fielding its first batteries in the July 1941 defense and being decisive on the December 1941 campaign of Moskow. More than 500 batteries ranging from 4 to 12 truck each were fielded in 1945 and the type was furthjer developed and used in nearly all major conflicts of the cold war to this very day in modernized forms. This article tackles the development and combat use, variants and various truck platforms of the system.
Fiat SPA CL-39 (1939)
22.02.2024 The Fiat SPA CL-39 was designed as a more modern light lorry to complement the mountain truck, SPA OM series. It was largely produced and used on all fronts from Russia to the Balkans and North Africa. It's only variant was the Colonial version which had air conditioning, and the option of artillery tyres or regular pneumatics. With 5640 built until 1944 it became the most widespread of light lorries, distributed among mortar, howitzer, antitank and AA companies, used by the Regia Aeronautica as well.
GMC 353 Bofors (1943)
16.02.2024 GMC 353 Update ! The GMC 353 was also used as self-propelled artillery, in that case, two variants existed: One was a quad 0.5-in cal. Maxton mount AA variant, and the other a 40 mm/60 Mark 1 Bofors carrier, with mitigated results. It was created in North Africa late 1943 by the Free French and used from August 1944 in Normandy until 1945 in Alsace. Only c19 were made, soldiering with General Leclerc's 2nd armoured division. However, an armoured variant was in action in Indochina as well later.
Scania T112 (1981)
10.02.2024 The Scania T112 is part of the 2-series family developed from 1980 to 1989. This post is about the T112 bonneted (conventional) cab semi-tractor variant used for towing a variety of trailers, notably for military use, like a ballistic missile or a tank.
Isuzu TSD-45 and HTS 11/12 (1960-80)
03.02.2024 This post is double due to the scarcity of information on the North Korean HTW 12G Copy of an Isuzu truck, exported as the BM-11 rocket launcher system. The post is also about its 1970-80s successor for the JSDGF, the Isuzu TSD-45. I hope to complete information as the time goes and split both articles in the future. The BM-11 was carried by other vehicles like the North Korean Jiefang CA 30 copy.
9K33 OSA
27.01.2024 The 9K33 is a weapon system associated with a prime mover family by BAZ, the BAZ 5937, BAZ 5938 and BAZ 5939. In service by 1971 but developed from 1960 onwards until 1972, the 9K33 complex "wasp" (OSA) or NATO SA-8 Gecko, was the main low-altitude, short-range tactical surface-to-air missile system, organic to Soviet frontline motorized divisions. 1,200 were made on a modified BAZ-5937 chassis until 1988, with upgraded missiles. It was based on a 6x6 OSA-AKM amphibious truck (TELAR 9A33B, then TELAR 9A33BM2/3). It saw action in Lebanon (by Syria), Angola, Iraq, at the Russo-Georgian war of 2008, 2011 Lybian civ. war, Yemeni civ. war, in Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine recently (15 lost). Poland and Belarus both developed their own variants.
Caterpillar D7
20.01.2024 The M1 Heavy Tractor was a generic Army type of tracked utilitarian vehicle dedicated to work teams in the field. The most common model by far with over 50,000 built was the superlative Caterpillar D7, a "classic" launched in 1938 and still in use today (last iteration 2020), going through multiple variants. It was used by army engineers and seabees of the Navy virtually on all the world's fronts where the allies fought throughout WW2. They were used as artillery tractors, and declined into bulldozers, tiltdozers and angledozers with specialty kits made by Letourneau or LaPlant-Choate Trailbuilder. Some were even armoured to face the most adverse combat conditions.
Fiat 508 CM
13.01.2024 As with the Aprilia, the FIAT 508 Torpedo Coloniale also derived from a production car, the 508 C, better known as "Balilla". The 508CM was mainly used as staff car in North Africa. Robust, it was also suitable and used for off-road reconnaissance with higher axle ratio and larger tires (6.00 x 16) slightly longer chassis but greater weight at 1,200 kg. It was an interwar precedessor of true utility 4x4 vehicles such as the Jeep 3 years later. The CM was produced to around 6,000 vehicles and remained in service until 1960.
Komintern Tractor
08.01.2024 Searching for a new heavy artillery tractor in the early 1930s, officials of the Red Army combined the suspension the T12 tank, combined with a ZiS-5 truck cabin. The result was called the "Komintern" tractor powered with a 131 hp 4-cyl. engine for 30 km/h, 220 km range and able of towing the 18 ton B-4 howitzer and a whole range of heavy ordnance. In 1940 production ceased after c1,800 delivered, and replacement by the more modern Voroshilovez.
Morris CS8
02.01.2024 The Morris Commercial 4WD 15 cwt CS8 was the most prolific light truck of the British Army in 1939. The prototype was built in 1934 as the British War Office had a need for a general purpose vehicle (15 cwt capacity). It was done quickly, reusing many parts from the 1933 civilian C series range. The acronym CS8 wad composed of "C" for Morris (Army code), "S" for 6 cyl and "8" for 8ft wheelbase. It had innovations like its short stubby appearance, high ground clearance, semi forward control layout for a larger than usual cargo area. The army in 1939 selected it as the 15 cwt "general purpose" truck ordered en masse to Guy, Bedford, Commer and Fordson. This range soon became the backbone of the British army until 1942-43 when new models were introduced.
M35 series 2½-ton 6×6 cargo truck (1950)
25.12.2023 Xmas Special ! - Probably the most important and best known US military truck of the cold war was the Superlative M35. This iconic universal 6x6 heavy truck was manufactured by dozens of US companies, soldiered on all fronts and for all forces from the US Army, USAF, USMC as well as for NATO allies and wildly exported as well. A true legend, which production and design started at Reo, and went on through the M35A1, M35A2, M35A3 until 1999. The last in the US were those of the National Guards, retired in the 2000s.
Krupp Protze
18.12.2023 Another axis trucks of WW2 that was quite famous, was the sole light 6x4 lorry of the Wehrmacht, the 1934 Krupp Protze. An artillery tractor produced between until 1941 to 7,000 examples, it was heavily used in World War II. Known also as the Kfz 69 and Kfz 70 it served on the Eastern Front, North Africa, France and Sicily. But it had a high consumption compared to the frugal Opel Blitz and production stopped in 1942.
SPA Dovunque 35
12.12.2023 The SPA 35 was an Italian army light off-road truck by S.P.A., used both by the Royal Italian Army and Regia Aeronautica in the interwar, WW2 as well as postwar. Produced from 1935 to an unknown numbers, until 1948, the last were used in 1950 by the Army, after which it was passed onto civilian service. An extremely reliable, albeut old-fashioned vehicle it was delined into multiple variants, including the Breda SPAA and Blindato APC in 1943.
Citroën-Kégresse P17 (1929)
08.12.2023 With more than 1,440 manufactured by Citröen, the P17 was by far the most common light artillery prime mover half-track of the French Army in 1939. It had a patented, famous Kégresse flexible track system tested already since 1910 in Russia and developed along multiple models. The P17 was notably used for towing the 25mm, 47mm and 75mm antitank and field guns of the French Army, filling an important part of the motorized divisions. The type was also used in Poland in 1939. An armored variant, the Schneider P16, reused many elements.
Magirus-Deutz Jupiter (1960)
04.12.2023 Among the three major German manufacturers that procured the young Bundeswehr its standard military trucks were MAN, Mercedes and Magirus. The latter was the famous Jupiter, a 6x6 inspired by NATO standards based on the CCKW and legendary M35. The Jupiter was declined into multiple variants including the armoured rocket launcher RakArtBtl 122. 7800 were made until 1967 (renamed Magirus M178 D15 in 1964). They served until the end of the cold war, many having a new life into civilian service and government's agencies.
GAZ-51 (1946)
30.11.2023 The GAZ-51 is the complementry piece of the GAZ-63 seen earlier. The latter was a 4x4 version of the former, a front-wheel drive light truck used in equal measure by the army and civilian sector. The GAZ-51 had a long development time going back to 1937 and which production, approved in 1941, was interrupted by the war and resumed in 1944-45, with many revisions, integrating tech from the Soviet built Studebaker US-6. With about 2,000,000 built from 1946 to 1950, ut rapidly became a standard, also licenced-built in Poland as the Lublin 51 and North Korea.
M274 Mechanical Mule
25.11.2023 The M274 "mechanical mule" was an attempt in 1949 to provide troops with a light transporter which could be air dropped from any helicopter in the field. Called "M274 ½-ton 4×4 utility platform truck", some 11,240 were built from 1956 to 1970. Powered by a tiny Willys petrol 13 hp it was still capable to carry a heavy load, at soldier's pace. They notably served extensively in Vietnam and in the 1980s, before being replaced by the HMMWV and by the more comparable M-Gator in the late 1980s.
CMP Ford F60S/Chevrolet C60S (1940)
19.11.2023 Canadian Military Pattern, Part VI. The 60 cwt payload (3 tons) truck was also declined into the C60S and F60S, on short wheelbases, but not the same. The Ford model was even shorter. Their advantage was to keep better engines than the previous C30/F30 and stronger components in general. They were mass-produced as well until 1945 and declined into multitude of variants, some being seen there.
Toyota land cruiser Prado (1984)
11.11.2023 The Toyota Land Cruiser, especially the J70 in its pickup variant had been for decades (and still is) a legendary "technical". However aside bellicose uses, police forces, non-government agencies such as the UN also uses modified versions of standard J70(1987) and J90 Prado for peace keeping and humanitarian missions.
Autocarreta OM 32/35/36/37 (1929-1942)
07.11.2023 This small 4x4 lorry was asked for by the Italian Royal Army to be usable on the narrow mountain tracks usually used by mules, reflecting the experience of WWI in the Alps. After a competition, the 1929 prototype from Ansaldo was refined as the OM.32 after being transfered to the state O.M. (Officine Meccaniche) of Brescia. It was at first used in Africa, leading to refinements and the OM 35, then the OM 36 and its troop carrier variants, OM 37 and finally a railway truck variant used in WW2 in the Balkans...
OTR-21 Tochka (1976)
♆ 03/11/2023 The OTR-21 Tochka (Tactical Operational Missile Complex "Point"') is a Soviet NBC protected amphibious tactical ballistic missile TEL (GRAU designation 9K79, NATO SS-21 Scarab). One missile is transported per vehicle, raised prior to launch, using an inertial guidance system. It started to be replaced from 2020 by the 9K720 Iskander.
Leyland Retriever (1939)
30.10.2023 The Leyland Retriever was a 6x4 truck by Leyland Motors in 1939, used by the British Army in WW2. It was powered by a 6-litre, 4 cylinder overhead camshaft petrol engine. One became the caravan HQ of Bernard Montgomery and in 1940, on its chassis was developed the armoured truck Beaver-Eel used by the RAF in WW2.
Alvis Shadow OAV (1998)
27.10.2023 Built in a partneship between the USA and UK, two prototypes of the Alvis Shadow ‘Offensive Action Vehicle’ were manufactured for testings, as an attempt to replace the Land Rover in British service and on export. The venerable vehicle indeed reached the end of production in 1985, and was never really replaced. As a private venture, Alvis partnered with AM General to produce such vehicle. Designed mostly for special forces operations, the vehicle was first shown publicly at the Eurosatory in June 2000. However in 2002 Alvis bought Vickers Defence Systems from Rolls-Royce but by 2004 they ended in British Aerospace (BAe Systems), and since the vehicle was competitor for other home vehicles, the program was cancelled. An article of Tank Encyclopedia.
YAG-12 (1932)
23.10.2023 The 1930s saw the Soviet military start to take a mature approach regarding mechanization, but it was industrially far behind, especially considering their large army. Mass production of simple trucks such as the ZiS-5 and GAZ-AA was not enough, and a heavier truck was needed. One of these was the YaG-12, essentially a YaG-10 truck with 8×8 wheel drive. A single prototype was built, tested, and shown at the October Revolution parade in 1932. Although a capable machine, the factory’s low production capabilities, the truck’s high price and the maintenance cost, as well as the military’s desperate need of simpler trucks, cut the project short. An article of Tank Encyclopedia.
Studebaker US6 (1941)
21.10.2023 The Studebaker US6 is one of the iconic WW2 allied trucks. Not chosen by the US Army over the Chevy CCKW, the Studebaker US6 still envoyed a considerable production of c200,000. Designed in 1940 from the civilian M series to answer a government's specifications for tactical trucks, it was largely distributed through lend-lease, finding its way to the British, Canadians, Australians, Free French or Chinese units, and chiefly to USSR (152,000), which created postwar its first modern trucks, the ZiL-151, 157 and GAZ-51 based on its design. Stalin judged it so good he sent a personal appreciation to Studebaker's boss in 1945...
Breda TP 32 (1932)
14/10/2023 The Breda TP 32 was a 4x4 artillery tractor made for towing heavy artillery between 1927 and 1934. Although obsolete when WW2 started it was still instrumental as the only suitable tractor for the Cannone da 149/35 and 149/40, howitzers 149/13, 210/22 and 305/17 as well as mortars 260/9. On April 1943 there were still 1,372 in service and it also served with the Hungarian army as only tractor for their 210/22 Ansaldo howitzers. More surprisingly it stayed in service with the Italian Railways until... 1980.
R380 Hades TEL (1988)
07.10.2023 The Renault R380.26 6x4, TSR (Tractor Semi-Trailer), Hades weapon system was a Tansport Erector Launcher (TEL) responsible of the transport and launching of the short-range ballistic pre-strategic nuclear weapon system. The program was tested in 1988 and c30 were fielded, but terminated due to budget restriction in 1992.
Cold war and modern JSDF Trucks
29.09.2023 In preparation for future articles, here is an overview of 1960-2000s cold war and modern Japanese Self Defence Vehicles, some used by the Army, the Air Force and Navy. Tactical medium and heavy trucks, light tactical vehicles, trails and tractors from Hino, Hitachi, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Kawasaki.
Sd.Kfz.7 (1938)
20.09.2023 The Mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 8t (Sd.Kfz.7) was a medium halftrack/tractor/prime mover of the German Army, designed by Krauss-Maffei AG, produced also by Borgward, Bussing-NAG, Daimler-Benz, Saurer Werke and Breda in Italy. Developed in 1933 to 1939 standardized and reaching full-scale production until March 1945 (12,187 produced) it was used on all fronts with all panzerdivisions and declined into nine variants, including two self-propelled FLAK variants, some armoured.
GAZ 63 (1948)
14.09.2023 The GAZ 63 was a 4x4 military variant of the GAZ-51 based on the WW2 lend-lease studebaker US5 truck. The GAZ-63 was produced until 1968 to c474,000 vehicles in USSR alone. It was declined into 18 versions, exported and later produced in China, Poland and North Korea under licence, it was also used in Hungary, Romania, Syria and Ukraine. Some are still in circulation today.
Fiat 618 C/MC Lorry (1935)
07.09.2023 The FIAT 618 was a 4x2 lorry with 1.2ton payload built by the thousands by FIAT SPA, with over 5,000 for the civilian market and some 4,000 for the military, declined into the C for "Coloniale" used in Ethiopia from 1935 and East Africa in WW2. Denied the Libyan theater, they were repatriated home but also soldiered in Spain (some 2,000 sent) and declined into multiple variants, AA trucks, artillery towers, ambulances, workshops, recovery, tankers, and in several services including the Regia Aeronautica. It was also mass produced in Poland by Poslki-Fiat as the PF 618 Grom, seeing action also in many variants in WW2.
Jiefang C.30 (1959)
01.09.2023 After China established the First Automobile Works (FAW) in Changchun, the Jiefang CA-10 lorry was introduced, followed by the larger CA-30. The latter was developed in the same factory and reused some of its elements, but overall was closer to the Soviet ZIL-157, a 6x6 truck with better overall offroad characteristics. It was produced to very large numbers until the 1980s, ensuring a steady source of transportation to the PLA, seeing action in Vietnam among others (until 1973 vs. US and ARVN, then in 1979 against the NVA). Replaced now by vastly more modern trucks after the opening on China to the West in the late 1970s, it is only still used by some civilian services.
M151 Mutt (1957)
24.08.2023 The M151 Mutt, known officially M151 ¼-ton 4×4 utility truck was one of the replacements for the WW2 Jeep. It had integrated body, more spacious and an all-around independent suspension with coil springs. 100,000 (1959–1988) were produced, the last for Pakistan. They served for much longer than the GPW, M38, and M38A1, being replaced eventually by the AM General HMMWV, but some M151A2 were still in service by 1999...
UAZ 23632-148 Esaul (2018)
19.08.2023 Based on the UAZ Patriot SUV of the civilian market, a military version called "Esaul" was developed in 2018 at the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant to be become part of the logistics of the National Guard. It was developed as a successor to the previous UAZ-515195 Esaul, and took part in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Exact numbers or exact specifications are subject to caution. It is based on the UAZ Patriot already in border guards, police and special forces of the Russian military and paramilitary. Developed as a pickup version modified to carry a heavier armament, with a CBD armoured cell (reinforced steel) and/or kevlar inserts for the engine and fuel tank. The pickup compartment is modified with a cage bar and ring mount as well as pintles for various ordnance. The type has seen action since 2018 and already six had been destroyed or captured in Ukraine since 2022.
Ashok-Leyland Hippo TEL (2009)
12.08.2023 The Ashok-Leyland Hippo TEL (Transporter Launcher Erector) is the dedicated platform to carry and operate the Agni II medium range ballistic missile of the Indian Army Today, with the system operational by 2009, and the IIa (later Agni IV) introduced in 2011. Circa 12 are operational by 2017 at the 335 Missile Group at Secunderabad.
Rantis P6 ATAV (2016)
03.08.2023 The P6 ATAV is an Indonesian Light Attack Vehicle manufactured by PT Sentra Surya Ekayaja (SSE Defence). First public appearance dates back from the Indo Defence 2016 exhibition. Now distributed as Rantis (kendaraan taktis — tactical vehicle) by the Indonesian military, it is a light "special operations" quick air-transportable vehicle for the Indonesian special forces, but the c30 built (undisclosed) are also used by the Indonesian Marines, Army and police special forces.
Canadian Military Pattern, Part V
CMP Ford F60L/Chevrolet C60L (1940)
22.07.2023 The other entry in the line was also the largest, corresponding to the 60 cwt payload (3 tons). This truck came into two main versions, the longwheelbase (seen there) or C60/F60L, and the short ones ("S") seen next week. The were also declined into 6x6 and 6x6 chassis (seen another month) and declined into multiple specialized variants, which will be also developed in the future.
Canadian Military Pattern, Part IV
CMP Ford F30 Chevrolet C30 (1940)
14.07.2023 The Ford F30 and Chevrolet C30 or 30 cwt are the medium trucks in the whole CMP line. They had a longer wheelbase, chassis, larger payload of 1.5 tons, but shared all the rest of the components, engine, transmission and cab with the shorter C15/F15. They were also declined into many versions: Wrecker, dumptruck, artillery portee, ambulance, mobile workshop, tank truck...
Canadian Military Pattern, Part III
CMP Ford F30 LRDG (1941)
07.07.2023 The Ford F30 and Chevrolet C30 in LRDG service. These medium trucks with their payload of 1.5 tons, was soon preferred by the Long Range Desrt Group over the smaller and fuel-hungry C15a/F15a trucks. Less well known than the Chevy 1533X2 30cwt of the Jeep, often paired, the CMP 30 CWT also became an indispendable truck. If it was less frugal for its payload than the Chevy truck, the Ford 30 CWT in partcular proved well suite as a gun portee. And soon when not bristiling with machine guns, they were often included in columns with their 37 mm Bofors Antitank Gun.
Canadian Military Pattern, Part II.
CMP CGT/FGT FAT (1942)
28.06.2023 One of the derivatives of the prolific CMP C15A/F15A 4x4 truck was a dedicated Field Artillery Tractor (FAT). The tailored vehicle had the "beetle-back" body borrowed from the famous Morris C8 "Quad" FAT in 1940. It could carry the gun crew and ammunitions in one go, and either tow the standard British/commonwealth 25-pdr howitzer or the 17-pdr antitank gun when deployed in such bataillons. These CMP CGT (Chevrolet) and FGT (Ford) soldiered from North Africa to Germany in 1942-45.
Canadian Military Pattern - Part I
CMP Ford CMP F15/Chevy C15 (1940)
22.06.2023 The Canadian Military Pattern truck or "CMP" were a class of military trucks of which 400,000 (50% of the total Canadian production) were delivered from 1939 to British Army specifications, widely distributed among British Commonwealth allies. Standard were drawn up in 1938 and producton ran until 1945. Since it's a huge family this post is the first of a serie, starting with the smallest of them all, the Chevrolet C15 and Ford F15 4x2 101" wheelbase or 15 cwt.
GAZ 46 (1954)
14.06.2023 The GAZ 46 or MAV-46 was an amphibious 4x4 soviet vehicle made by the Gorky Automobile Plant from 1954-1958 and largely inspired by the German Schwimmvagen and US-built SEEP, largely sent to USSR during WW2 in lend-lease and appreciated far more than the allies, so much it was decided to replicate it, based on the GAZ-69. It was also used by the Warsaw pact and exported, but replaced in the late 1950s and 1960s by a new generation of better protected amphibious armoured vehicles.
Terrapin (1942)
06.06.2023 D-DAY SPECIAL ! - The Terrapin was an amphibious 8x8 truck designed by Thornycroft and of which 500 were manufactured by Morris in 1943-44. Planned for D-Day they were far less successful than the DUKW and not featured in Normandy. Instead, they will be used in allied landings at Walcheren and De Schedt and participate to the liberation of the Netherlands and push to the Rhine.
M38 Jeep (1950)
02.06.2023 The mythical Jeep MB stopped production in 1945 but was so popular that production switched to the Willys MC (Jeep CJ or to be exact CJ3A) version for the cilivian market in 1946, and its army equivalent the M38 in 1950. The manufacturer, Willys, took into account the multiple experiences of servicemen around the world to create the M38. It was mechanically revised to be more robust, practical, easier to resupply, etc. Later appeared the M38A1 this type adapted from the CJ-5. In all, 54,435 were manufactured until 1955 (61,423 when including Canadian Vehicles and depending on sources). They soldiered in Korea and Vietnam among others, and with many other armies around the world to end with collectors. Many are still operating today.
Tatra T813 (1960)
26.05.2023 The Tatra 813 was a 8x8 Czechoslovakian heavy truck produced from 1967 until the arrival of its successor, the T815, which entered service in 1982. The versatile versatile was exported and used both in the military and civilian fields. The first prototype was built in 1960, recycling features from the Tatra 138's 4x4 drive, but later expanded into 8x8 drive. It had a tubular frame construction and was offered in 4WD, 6WD, or 8WD, declined into 5 models and exported. Still used in the civilian market in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 versions, many specialized.
Opel Maultier (1941)
17.05.2023 The Open Maultier was the conversion of the prolific and trusted German Opel Blitz to a track system to cope with the conditions on the eastern front in WW2. In the end, 22,000 of these utility Half Tracks (combined with Opel, Magirus and Benz conversions) would be produced/converted, declined in armored or specialized bodies, and some later also used as FLAK 38 carrier vehicles.
Cold War US Trucks (1947-90)
11.05.2023 The whole array of US Military softskin vehicles: Tactical Trucks, medium, light and heavy, specialized variants, but also light tactical vehicles to succeed the Jeep, and artillery or general purpose tractors (tracked). Vehicles used from Korea to Iraq, 1950 to the 2020s. This is a portal page from which many new articles will be added, one for each model. Stay Tune !
BAV-485 (1952)
03.05.2023 The BAV-485 was a Soviet amphibious transport truck, the locally built version of the famous US-made DUKW made by GMC, of which 589 were delivered via lend-lease and proved their worth in the Vistula-Oder campaign. It was developed from 1949, produced from 1952 to 1962 by successive manufacturers, and widely distributed between motorized infantry units. Maintained into service until the 1970s, it was replaced by the tracked PTS.
MAN 630 L2 (1951)
25.04.2023 The MAN 630 L2 is a cold war german military truck produced from 1952 to 1972. The L1 and L3 were civilian, only the L2 was used by the Bundeswehr and also exported to Belgium. Designed to be a versatile and all-terrain based on a NATO standard also used by other manufacturers, it could carry troops, supplies, and equipment over rough terrain. The MAN 630 L2 had a payload of 5 tons and 7 tons towing capacity. Nicknamed "emma", 20,000 were delivered from 1952 to 1972.
Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (2005)
20.04.2023 This is a reconnaissance vehicl operated by the United States Marine Force Recon and Marine Expeditionary Units, SEALs. The latter until then operated a fleet of Desert Patrol Vehicles (formerly known as Fast Attack Vehicles) popularized as the "black dune buggy." However, it lacked cargo capacity and firepower, so Force Recon publushed via the US procurement agency a call for tender which was won by Mercedes USA, with a tailored militarized version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class ("G-wagen") as the IFAV. They saw action in Afghanistan notably.
Chevrolet AFWX-354 (1939-41)
12.04.2023 The GMC AFWX-354 (longer nomenclature names) is perhaps the least well-known version of the prolific GMC 353 6x6 chassis (CCKW-353). This was basically a COE version of the GMC ACKWX-353, 3-ton, 6x6, General Service, "long nose" and its 4x4 British cousin the GMC ACX-504, 3-ton, 4x2, Cargo Truck. The GMC AFWX-354, 3-ton, 6x4, General Service was designed at first for the French Army in 1939 and exported in 1940. This was the only one COE (Cab Over Engine) also dubbed colloquially the "cabbover" with an extended rear two seats cabin, enough for the five men crew and projector. They saw service in the continental US, in German, British and Red Army service as well with only 1,400 delivered.
West German Trucks (1950-90)
03.04.2023 The Bundeswehr used at first late production vehicles of WW2 before the very same companies started producing standard light, medium, heavy and specialized truck models. Soon, Magirus became Magirus-Deutz, Mercedes consolidated its truck branch, MAN (Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg AG, 1898.) as well as Libherr entered the Fray of military vehicles. Portal Page for future West German Truck Entries. Models: Magirus-Deutz Jupiter 6x6, and Magirus-Deutz A 6500 and TLF 3500, 170 and 232, MAN 630 L2 (1953), MAN KAT-1, LX, SLT-2 Mammut, Ford Ruhr, FK 1000 bus, G398 SAM, Faun GT 8/15, L 912/45 A, Z 912/21, Schwimmschnellbrücke M2B, SLT-50 Elefant, SLT-56 Franziska, Hanomag AL 28, Borgward BE3000, Henschel HS 115, but also the Mercedes DB5 and LG 315/46, Axor, NG, Zetros, LA, Unimog series, and various Liebherr specialized vehicles. But also staff cars such as the Mercedes Class G, Volkswagen Iltis and 181 or the DKW Munga...
ZIL 157/S-75 Dvina (1960)
27.03.2023 Before trucks large enough to carry and launch ballistic missiles were created, simpler solutions were devised to procure that capability on smaller missiles, in that case the famous S-75 Dvina or Volkhov (SA-2 "Guideline"), placed on a tailored trailer PR-11M towed by the prime mover Zil-157. Affordable and widely exported, this system coupled saw action in many conficts.
GAZ MM (1941)
21.03.2023 The GAZ-MM, was ready in 1938 as an improved version of the GAZ-AA having a better engine and somewhat identical. From 1942 onwards it was produced as the simplified GAZ MM "V", (circa 250,000) with wooden or no doors, canvas roof, no front brakes and front bumpers, plain welded fenders and single headlight. Production was still strong via UAZ (1947-1950) with porrbly refurbishments until 1956, and the vehicle was only reformed in 1963, being a 30 years old design.
Sd.Kfz.6 (1934)
14.03.2023 The Sonderkraftfahrzeug 6 ("special motorized vehicle 6") was a German half-track of World War II, prime mover for the 10.5 cm leFH 18 howitzer, manufactured to 3,640 vehicles by Büssing-NAG, Mercedes Bens and BMM. It was also used as supplier and troop carrier, and declined into the armed/armored variants such as the 37 mm FlaK36 auf Fahrgestell Zugkraftwagen 5t and 7.62 cm FK 296(r) Selbstfahrlafette auf Zugkraftwagen 5t (Sd.Kfz. 6/3) tank hunter.
Jiefang CA-10
Chinese PLA Light Truck (1956-1982) - 06.03.2022 Throughout the 1950s, the Soviet Army helped China to build up their heavy industries. As part of this plan, China established the First Automobile Works (FAW) in Changchun. Soon after, in July 1956 they introduced the Jiefang CA-10 4×2 army truck, a copy of the ZIS-150. The CA-10 completed on July 13, 1956 had a million built until 1982, and it was used in North Vietnamese conflict; modernized in 1960 and 1980.
Tatra 92 (1937)
28.02.2022 The Tatra 92 was a light military truck with 6×4 axles. It could carry 2 tons. Manufactured at Závody Ringhoffer-Tatra a.s. in Kopřivnica, only around 550 were built, a far cry compared to other Czech models such as the ubiquitous Praga RN for example (24,000 delivered). 200 were provided to the Romanian Army. All the Czech vehicles were seized by Germany and production went on after 1938, it was also used by the Wehrmacht until 1945.
AM. Growler M1161 ITV-LSV (1999)
20.02.2022 The M1161 ITV-LSV and the M1163 prime mover are two faces of the same solution offered by American Growler to the USMC, towing the M270 Dragon Fire mortar and both transported by the tiltrotor V-22 Osprey of the Amphibious fleet as specified. Tactically they allows a first rapid reaction force and advanced scout on the battlefield. More than 1600 vehicles has been delivered so far, for the US and orher countries.
Autocarro leggero FIAT SPA 38R (1933)
13.02.2022 The Fiat SPA 38R was a light 4x2 truck manufactured by S.P.A., a subsidiary of Fiat between 1933 and 1944, developed in parallel with the air-cooled powered SPA 36R. But the SPA 38R proved soon far more reliable and became the standard Italian light truck of WW2. It was so successful that France in emergency ordered 500 vehicles, 400 delivered before Italy declared war. The SPA 38R was declined into ten main versions, active on all fronts until the end of the war and post-war until 1948 with over 17,000 produced, until 1948 and only retired from 1953.
Pantsir S1 (2008)
07.02.2023 The Pantsir Missile System (Russian: Панцирь, lit. "Carapace") is a family of self-propelled and medium-range SAM/AA systems. The Pantsir-S1 (NATO SA-22 Greyhound) was the first version, truck-based to be more econpmical, and is the replacement for the Tunguska M1. Produced by KBP from 2009, another version also had been mounted on the GM-352 chassis. The Pantsir-S1 is a mobile, point air defence of any valued asset against aircraft, helicopters and even precision munitions or cruise missiles, as well as UAVs. It especially efficient at extremely low altitudes and is often see a good complement to the S-300 system. It has seen already plenty of action, and as recently as the current Ukraine War. It is a SPAAGML as both "guns and missile launchers" platform.
Nissan Patrol G60 (1960)
28.01.2023 The Nissan Patrol was the second generation "Nissan Jeep" distributed by Datsun on export. A true, simple 4WD vehicle it seduced a large customer base around the world as a cheap alterantive to the mythical Land Rover. Taking on the same hostile environments. It was one of the most common 4WD vehicles, produced for 20 years, in the sixties. Its Military was shorted however. Its predecessor was used by the JSDF, but not the G60, although in 1964 appeared a "military" version for this market; Only it's Indian variant, the Jongla was specifically manufactured for an Army, taking part in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Boeing Phantom Badger (2013)
20.01.2023 The Boeing Phantom Badger, simply called the "Badger" is a combat support vehicle (CSV) made the joined efforts of MSI Defense Solutions and Boeing. It was tailored to be carried inside the V-22 Osprey's hold, and was worked to have the best of light materials and compact, modular construction, plus general versatility to fit all sub-missions profiles. Unlike most of comparable "offers", the Badger avoids non-standard equipment which is odd, while still amanging to keep its cost low. Officially certified for USN aviation it was also tested by the USMC's Spec Ops and USAF. It came after the M1161 Growler also designed as an Internally Transportable Light Strike Vehicle or "ITV-LSV" for the V-22 Osprey.
ZiL-151 (1948)
14.01.2023 The Soviet ZIS-151 was the first postwar Medium Truck, a general-purpose model based on the ZIS-6 and lend-lease Studebaker US6. It was developed in many versions included the armored BTR-152 armored personnel carrier and BAV 485 amphibious vehicle. Having issues only solved by the ZIL-157 it was not widely exported but was licence-built as the Jiefang CA-30 in China. With some 150,000 delivered until 1958 it saw it fair share of action in the early cold war.
Chevrolet 2WB 30 CWT (1940)
04.01.2023 With the legendary Chevrolet 153 engine, the 2WD 1-1/2 truck became the staple of the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), complemented by the commander's Ford or later Willy Jeep. Well armed, sometimes carrying 2-pdr, Bofors or captured Breda guns, heavy and light machine guns, these vehicles were merely used for covert operation deep into enemy lines. They monitoring axis traffic, carried SAS for raids between airfields and supply depots, guided allied units in the desert. The unit created by Major Bagnold started witth lend-lease Canadian-built trucks manned by volunteer New Zealand and Rhodesian Crews. Their action was noted by Rommel himelf, stating they were the unit causing him most trouble in 1942, so much so they inspired similar Italian columns.
SdK.fz.9 (1936)
14.12.2022 SdK.fz.9 The Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18 t, Sd.Kfz.9 was the largest of all half-tracks deployed by Germany during WW2. It emerged following a request to create a prime mover for the heaviest ordnance, and tank towing vehicle. Built by FAMO it took two or three for towing away a Tiger I. The type was also used by the Finns and Romania as well. One variant was an armored tank hunter, the 8.8 cm Flak 18 (Sfl.) auf Zugkraftwagen 18t.
Tatra Prithvi (1994)
30.11.2022 The BEML Tatra family of military trucks, mostly 8WD models are used for a variety of roles, such as the Pinaka MRL, Akash, B05, QRSAM MVL and Shaurya among others. This article is about the Prithvi ballistic missile TEL.
FIAT SPA TL.37 (1938)
15.11.2022 The TL.37 was an Italian artillery tractor manufactured by Società Piemontese Automobili (SPA), a subsidiary of Fiat. They were praised (even by the Aussies that captured them!) for their good off-road performances due to a torky Fiat engine and very large wheels, customary of Italian artillery tractors since WW1. The SPA TL 37 soldiered in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia and Russia, many captured by Germany after September 1943. It was used by the Italian Army until 1948 with a total production averaging 3,500 vehicles, conversions included, which were many.
GAZ AAA (1934)
02.11.2022 The GAZ AAA was a 6x4 derivative of the "polutorkha", the famous GAZ AA derived from the Ford AA in 1929. Only produced to 37,000 vehicles, it was however declined into more specialized vehicles and production went on until 1943. It also gave birth to the SU-12 SPG, BA-6, BA-10 armored cars and BA-20 APC among others.
Bedford MK (1959)
18.10.2022 The Bedford MK was the military 4x4 austere variant of the civilian Bedford TK, replacement for the previous Bedford S. It was to be replaced by the Bedford TL in 1981, but production went on until 1992 (military 4x4 Bedford MK and later MJ) after the Dunstable factory was sold in 1987. It was the rival of the Ford D series trucks.
Praga V3S (1952)
06.10.2022 The Praga V3S was an amazing Czechoslovakian truck, planned to be the replacement for several models, ranging from captured ones to Soviet and US trucks. It was thought to make a fusion of these and find the best mass production setup. Altough a bit underpowered, the Praga V3S was produced for the entire diration of the cold war and many still runs today in various roles, although discarded from the Czech army. This post is a complement to the M53/59 SPAAG based on its chassis, and covers also the Vz 51 rocket launcher.
Diamond T (1940)
23.09.2022 The Diamond T was a well known truck model of the company produced under that name since pre-WWI. Based on the 1935 model, a wartime 6x6 truck called Model 969 became the new standard US Cargo truck of the US Army. It was declined into the T 970, T 968 Wrecker, 972 Dump Truck and the Canadian T 975. Another 6x4 became the M20, tractor part of the standard allied truck transporter M19 during WW2. The 6x6 was produced to an extent of 30,000 vehicles until 1945.
Wanshan WS 2500/DF 17 TEL (2000)
03.09.2022 The Wanshan WS 2500 was a Chinese PLA 20-ton 10x8/10x10 heavy truck, principal mobility platforms as a TEL for medium-range ballistic missiles and other conventional missile. Usable as a general purpose heavy duty truck derived from the 8x8 WS2400 built by Wanshan Special Vehicle it is also declined into the WS2600 to carry the DF 16 missile, and the smaller 6x6 WS 2300 used a mobile command center. But the medias are more accustomed to the WS 2500 as it was specially tailored to carry the Chinese hypersonic DF 17.
5P85 TEL (S-300 SAM, SA-10 Grumble) (1978)
10.08.2022 The 5P85 missile system is the mobile truck variant of the S-300 missile system family, declined into multiple variants, the 5P85-1, 5P85D and S, DU and TE1 among others. The first was based on the MAZ-543 and the next on the modernized MAZ-7910 TEL 8x8 truck. With more than 3,000 missiles systems built, most being of the TEL variant, it was also widely used from the 1980s and exported to 19 operators, most still in their inventory, including 350 in Russia alone.
Kfz.15 Horch 901 (1934)
13.07.2022 The KFz. 15 was an off-road staff and utility car of the Wehrmacht produced from 1936 to 1944 by various manufacturers insde Auto-Union (better known as the Horch 901). Simplfied in 1940 as the typ 40, its production was discontinued from 1943. It was very popular, roomy and powerful, but costly compared to the VW Wolksvagen. The 20,000 delivered served on all fronts ablend it was organic to almost all Wehrmacht units.
Rába 38M Botond (1938)
23.06.2022 The Rába 38M Botond was WW2 main military truck of the Royal Hungarian Army from 1939 to 1948. It was designed by Rába Magyar Vagon, in Győr, to fill an army request for a 1.5 ton lorry with superior off-road caracteristics, but also simple and cheap for large production. The 1937 prototype designed by Dezső Winkler was adopted as a 6x4 vehicle, capable of carrying 14 troops, 2 tons of supply and a trailer or various artillery pieces; It had an unditching roller and was produced in the A and B variants to around 2500 vehicles by several Hungarian manufacturers, seeing heavy action on the eastern front until 1944.
Dodge T110 (1940)
04.06.2022 The Dodge T110, also called Dodge Dodge G60L 3-ton 4x2 CMP, was a civilian truck derived into a military model, of which very large quantities (more than 180,000) were built and standardized, in the US but also Canada as the D60. Rhey were used on all fronts, starting with North Africa in 1941 as well as the Soviet Army under lend-lease until 1945. It was called at the beginning the "streamined wonder" and led to many derived models like the Air Portable T-236 and the T-234 "China/Burma" truck at the end of the war, or the short wheelbase D15 also built in Canada. One interesting armored car derived was the French Tanaké.
Bianchi Miles (1938)
11.05.2022 The Bianchi Miles was a medium pure military truck built in very large quantity as the sole Milanese company model from 1939 to 1943. It derived from the 1935 Bianchi Mediolanum, and had a differently shaped cab. A turdy and popular model, it was largely used in Tunisia, Italy, and Russia, since it used a battery-driven starter. 10,000 were produced until production was taken over by Germany until late 1944. The Bianchi Civis was its peacetime, postwar variant produced in to the late 1950s.
Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer (1969)
27.04.2022 One of the 4x4 milestone trucks of post-war Europe was found in Austria. Designed much later than the German Mercedes Unimog, this vehicle proceeded of a different path: Not simple a rugged off-road light utility truck mostly intended for agricultural work, but a replacement for the already existing Haflinger 700 AP 4×4 vehicle, from Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz. The name was of an Austrian breed of cattle (Austrian cow). It was produced to an extent of 18,350 until 2007, passed on BAE Systems Land & Armaments under licence in 2000, but production ceased in 2009.
Polaris Dagor (2014)
08.04.2022 The light tactical utility vehicle was developed by Polaris in 2012-2014 to answer the Joint Light Tactical vehicle Program of the USMC/US army. It was adopted for SOCOM and international SOF teams (Allied spec ops teams). Its basic 4x4, high speed, COTS maintenance/reliability, 48 points armament ring-mount, and helicopter-compatible tactical mobility is compounded by a nine passenger capability and modularity.
HTF5680A1 (2005)
25.03.2022 The Taian HTF5680 is a basic 12x12 multipurpose truck mostly designed to carry a variety of payloads, and is powered by a 500 hp licence-built Deutz diesel engine. The HFT5680A1 was a variant with a modified cab, tailored to carry larger missiles with the tip protruding through the cab, which in that case is the notorious DF-26 "carrier-killer" ballistic missile.
Sd.Kfz.11 (1936)
09.03.2022 The Sd.Kfz. 11 Leichtes Zugkraftwagen 3 ton was a German half-track in heavy use during World War II. Second "light" prime mover of the Wehrmacht, towing light to medium guns and howitzers or FLAK ordnance, Nebelwerfer Rockets, or troops and supplies with a trailer. The base model H kl 6 was built by Hanomag, and declined into five specialized versions plus the derived Sd.Kfz.250 and a 2cm FLAK armored carrier. With 9,000 delivered until 1945, it saw action with many units on all battlefields in WW2, especially the eastern front.
Peugeot P4 (1981)
15.02.2022
The Peugeot P4 was for four decades (and still is), the main French Army off-road scout and staff car. Today available as an SUV on the civilian market as it was replaced from 2016 by the Technamm Masstech T4 VLTP as an interim before 3700 Ford Everest/Ranger (Aussie built, customized by Arquus Defence). The P4 was declined into multiple versions -included armored ones- was also exported, saw and will see plenty of action still in the future as modified as a special force vehicle by Panhard.
GMC 506 series (1940)
15.01.2022
The GMC 506 series were the Chevrolet's (major)contribution to the standard US 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Light Truck, and became one of the most common lorries used by the allies in WW2. It was produced to an extent of 154,204 vehicles from 1940 to 1945 (by Pontiac West Assembly, Yellow Coach/GM Truck and Coach) and served long after the war as standard cargo, or through multitude of specialized bodies.
Unimog 404 (1955)
15.12.2021
The Unimog 404 was one stunning successes of post-war Germany for 4x4 vehicles. From the 1950 401 prototype defined as an agricultural tractor and utility off-road truck, the 404 was developed in 1955 as a more versatile vehicle, soon built for the French Army from 1956, then adopted by the Bundeswehr and other militaries in Europe, as well as massively exported, notably to South Africa. With more than 65,000 produced it was used in countless civil wars and conflicts in Africa and it's story its not over yet.
MAZ 543 (1965)
15.11.2021
The MAZ 543 was one of the two more common Soviet era missile TEL (Transporter Launcher Erector), massive export success mirorring the Scud missile itself, and wide wartime use. But as a vehicle, it started as a dump truck and is still used that way. This post will cover only for Part I, the SCUD missile TEL. Other versions are coming.
Albion CX22 (1941)
30.09.2021 The Albion CX22 was a British WW2 heavy truck, used for towing Britush heavy artillery, like the appeared in late 1943 to supplement the Scammell Pioneer heavy artillery tractor which production was too slow. In service, the CX22S provided the British Army prime mover for the US-lend lease 155mm Long Tom and British BL 7.2-inch howitzer. Albion would deliver 532 CX22S artillery tractors, starting in November 1943 and until June 1945 and they stayed in service in the 1950s as well.
ZIS-6 (1933)
23.09.2021 The light truck ZIS-6 was the 6x4 version of the ZIS-5 of WW2 fame. These 21,000 vehicles had the advantage of better off-road performances and to carry heavier loads. It became a base for two armored cars, at least six specialized vehicles and three Katyusha platorms and most popular platform for the infamous "Stalin's organs".
Sd.Kfz.10 (1938)
16.09.2021
The Sd.Kfz.10 was the smallest German half-track prime mover of WW2 (apart the kettenkrad), the Sd.Kfz.10 revealed itself the most affordable and suitable for mass production, and also able to carry most light to medium weaponry. During the war it proved also capable to carry these weapons directly on its flatbed, creating a very efficient self-propelled fast-firing dual purpose artillery. The chassis was such as success that Demag's vehicle was also reused for the production of the fully armored Sd.Kfz 250 and 251, standard APCs of the Panzergrenadiers and specialists on the frontline. The vehicle was produced until the end of the war and was seen on all fronts.
Willys CJ series (1944-86)
10.09.2021
The Willys CJ series (Willys Auverland and then Kaiser Willys, AMC-Willys, etc.) started as "tamed" version of the military "stock" Willys GP of WW2 fame, the acronym standing for "Civilian Jeep". From the experimental J-1 and 2 to the mass-produced CJ-3 to CJ-10, the serie evolved into multiple iterations, each time adapted to, or inspired from, a military one, like the M38 & M38A1, M606, M170, but in some cases used by many armies in stock condition, remilitarized and under licence from Turkey to Japan, Switzerland to Sweden, Brazil, India or South Africa.
Laffly V15T/V15R (1938)
03.09.2021
The Laffly V15T was a common off-road 4x4 light tractor for the 25 mm Hotchkiss antitank gun as VT15T, and VT15R reconnaissance vehicle of the French Army in 1940. Closely related to the W15 family caracterised by its front rollers and towing capabilities, it could reach 58 kph of around 200 were produced by Laffly and Corre La Licorne before the fall of France. Many were also reused by the Germans in WW2.
Dodge WC 62/63 (1943)
26.08.2021
The Dodge 62 was the stretched-out version of the ubiquitous WC-51/52/55 weapons and troop carrier. The change was requested when US Army doctrine changed in 1942, now asking for twelve men platoon instead of eight. Dodge was asked to add an extra axle aft, and added 1,20 m of chassis to carry out the transformation. About 40,000 of these WC-62 and 63 (the winch-equipped version) rolled out of Dodge plant in Detroit until the end of the war, with around 6,000 also delivered by lend-lease to the French and British.
18.08.2021 Bedford RL (1953)
The Bedford RL was designed to replace in the 1950s the venerable QL series of WW2 fame. The task was done with a larger and sturdier medium truck which became the bedrock of the british army during the cold war, with a production of no less than 73,000 vehicles, many of which were exported or licence-built in Australia and New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore, South Africa and Pakistan and withing NATO Belgium, Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands. Many were still in use in the mid to late 1990s around the world.
13.08.2021 Toyota 4x4 Su-Ki (1943)
The Toyota Type 2 Su-Ki was an attempt by the Imperial Japanese Army to replicate the allied General Motors DUKW, standard amphibian truck during WW2. It was smaller as a two-tonner, based on the Toyota 4x4 truck To-Ki with a steel "boat shaped" hull and 2-wheel/4-wheel drive. However production was nothing close the allied vehicle, with a mere 198 delivered from November 1943, sent into the Pacific islands, before production stopped by August 1944, and later from there, the "Toyota LVT" emerged, too late.
06.08.2021: GAZ/UAZ 69 (1953)
The "Kozlik", GAZ-69 was the main cold war utility military car of the Soviet Army, it's much beloved "Jeep" for two decades. Derived from WW2 models, and the postwar 1949 GAZ-67B, it was influenced by the lend-lease Jeep and took the same concept forward in terms of off-road handling caracteristics. The GAZ-69 became the most common Warsaw Pact light 4x4 softskin vehicle to that point, produced from 1949 to 1972 for a staggering total of 600,000, inundating the export market and seeing action aplenty throughout the world. Although replaced by the UAZ 469 in the 1970s, this story is not over yet, as many are still in use in many countries, and it makes the delight of private owners and collectioners.
21.07.2021 Ford BB (1929)
The Ford BB was one of the world's main production truck of the interwar. Using the same mass-production techniques he pioneered, Henry Ford procured the United States, Europe and the rest of the world with the truck equivalent of the Ford T: A simple, rugged, dependable utility truck, that became an integral part of the civilian life in the US. Having no 4x4 capabilities as designed, the vehicle was not adopted by the US Army. However soon he was adopted in many countries and also found its way in the military. The Ford BB was also the main inspiration for the GAZ AA, the legendary soviet "polutorka", and continued to soldier on in south america or asia well into the late 1950s. It was built in France (Matford), Germany (Modell 1932) and Sweden as well.
12.07.2021 Opel Blitz (1937)
The Opel Blitz was the most famous product from the Opel Company, which logo was basically the "blitz". The military truck proper, called Kfz.305 was adopted in 1937 in several types and sub-types and became the standard, largest production of any Military truck in Germany (130,000 since 1934, 82,000 for the all-wheel drive Model 1937). Production ran also during wartime, in several facilities, notably the Blitz 2.5. produced in Rüsselsheim. Albert Speer reorganized the production around this model in 1943, while allied bombing severely disrupted it, notably swapping the Mercedes L3000 for the Blitz at Mannheim plant. The Opel Blitz really fought with the wehrmacht on all fronts until 1945 and was declined into a multitude of variants, including the famous half-track Sd.Kfz.2 Maultier.
Wanshan WS-2600 (2006)
28.06.2021
The Wanshan WS-2600 has been dubbed by western analysts as China's "carrier-killer", a TEL carrying the high precision SLBM DF-21D. It is one of the Wanshan heavy trucks family developed in the 1970s from Soviet models like the MAZ-543.
IFA G5 (1959)
21.06.2021
The IFA G5 was an East-German truck from IFA (Industrieverband Fahrzeugbau), a conglomerate created in 1948 from Vomag and other east german manufacturers under Soviet supervison. This large company delivered any kind of vehicles, including army trucks, until the reunification of East Germany. The G5 was not the most successful of the medium trucks delivered. It was adopted in marginal quantities by the NVA (East German Army) as dump truck, airfield cleaner truck by the air force, the Alert police and People's Police (Volkspolizei or "vopo"). Its most iconic version remained the Wasserwerfer SK5 deployed during the events of the Berlin crisis of 1961.
GAZ AA (1931)
14.06.2021
The GAZ AA, nicknamed the "Polutorka" was the most common truck in service in the Red army when the war started with about 155,000 for one million produced, used by the civilian services of USSR. It was a licence-production version of the famous Ford AA, and in 1938 was declined into the simplified GAZ MM and 6x6 GAZ AAA. They were also the base for numerous utility vehicles and gained fame during the siege of Leningrad.
AEC Matador (1938)
07.06.2021
AEC was a British specialist of trucks and buses before the war. In 1938, it introduced a 10 tons 4x4 medium truck answering an army specification for towing the three common howitzers of the British army, the 4-in, 4.5 in and 6 in. Nearly 10,000 were manufactured until the end of the war and its sturdy chassis was declined into three armored vehicle, the AEC Armored Car, heaviest in service in the British army, the Mark I gun carrier and the AEC Dorchester armoured command car. A truly legendary British truck of WW2.
Laffly W15T, 6x6 (1939)
31.05.2021
The Laffly W15T is one of the most interesting light vehicles of the French Army in 1940. It was a 6x6 designed by Laffly with additional rollers for dealing with rough terrain, built by Hotchkiss in 1939-40. About 500 were ordered by only a fraction were delivered before France fell. It was designed for towing the standard 47 mm APX 37 French antitank gun, as well as lighter AT and AA guns or mortars. A significant numbers fell into German hands and some were later fully armored to meet the demands of Schnelle brigade West in 1943-44.
Dodge WC-series Part II
24/05/2021
The Dodge G-502, WC series, Part II: WC 56-64. With 255,000 delivered to US Forces and via lend-lease, This was a tremendously important vehicle during WW2 for the US Army and the allies, second after the legendary Jeep.
Dodge WC-series Part I
20/05/2021
The Dodge G-502, WC series, Part I: WC 50-55. Best known for the weapons carrier WC-51/52 which formed the bulk of the production, nicknamed the "beep", the Dodge G-502 fought all on all fronts until 1945, Korea, and many years after in several cold war armies. It was a dependable beast of burden also declined into ambulance, radio and reconnaissance vehicles and even a tank hunter, the M6.
Sd.Kfz.8
17/05/2021
The Sd.Kfz.8 ("Sonderkraftfahrzeug 8") was the first heavy utilitarian half-track in service with the Wehrmacht. Powered by a large Maybach engine, it derived from a serie of prototypes by Daimler Benz in 1931, until Wa Prüf 6 ordered to combine the features of its DB.7 with the ZD.5. The resulting DB.8 was adopted in 1937, followed by the DB.9 in 1938, the main production version, and the wartime DB.10. In all, about 4,000 of these vehicles were used for towing the heaviest artillery pieces in the German arsenal until 1945. Two were modified for frontline offensive roles, the armored tank hunter "bunkerflak" and the DB.10 gepanzert for towing a 88 mm gun.
Lancia 3Ro
05/05/2021
The Lancia 3Ro, or Autocarro Pesante Unificato Lancia 3Ro was an attempt to equip the Italian Army with a single, universal heavy truck to take on any purposes, including carrying tanks. It became by its mass production indeed the standard heavy truck of the Regio Esercito and took on other roles as self propelled guns as well or command vehicles. Production was also continued by the Germans after September 1943, and the vehicle was still used by the Italian Army until 1963.
ZiS-5 (1934)
31/03/2021
The ZiS-5 was the second most common Soviet Truck of WW2, after the GAZ-AA family. This 4x4 lorry was built to around 500,000 in various plants, and declined into a multitude of variants. It emerged in 1934 and production stopped in 1948, while it never was really replaced before or during WW2. From late 1941, industrial priorities urged its mass production and in partular the simplifed model V, whereas parallel developments were terminated. Some variants like the 6x4 ZiS-6 never really enjoyed the same success. Many were also captured and served in the German Army and axis allies on the eastern front.
GMC CCKW 353
14/02/2021
The GMC (General Motors Corp.) CCKW was the most produced truck of WW2 with some 572,000 vehicles and the second most prolific after the Ford GP (The Jeep). It was declined in many types, including the amphibious DUKW, but the most common version by far was the GMC 353. Reliable and dependable beast of burden known also as the 2-1/2 ton 6x6 truck was the classic offroad-capable multi-use medium truck of WW2, the cornerstone of the red ball express which supplied allied armies from Normandy to Bavaria, and was still active in the US national guard in the 1980s.
Land Rover (1946)
09/02/2021
The Land Rover is one of the most iconic British vehicle of the post-war period, created at first to save Rover from banckrupcy in very difficult context, and met such a success it became its own brand in time. The military was quick to be interested in this rugged 4x4 vehicle able to carry seven men in a short space. The vehicle and all its series and variants were widely exported through a production spanning from 1948 to the 1980s, before the Defender took over. It was also produced in Australia, Belgium (Minerva), Spain (Santana) and declined into the armoured Shorland, also widely exported as a security vehicle.
Ford Marmon-Herrington HT
18/01/2021
The Ford Marmon Herrington half track was an artillery towing vehicle developed by Ford and Marmon Herrington for the Canadian army buit was also tested and use din the USA as the T9. It is one of the forerunners of the M3 Half Track Car of WW2 fame.
URAL 4320
02/01/2021
The URAL 4320 6x6 Truck was one of the main Soviet cold war modern off-road tactical utility truck. Around 10,000 were built from 1976. It was declined into many versions, including the BM-21 rocket launcher vehicle.
Isuzu Type 94 Truck
05/12/2020
The Isuzu Type 94 military truck initially developed in 1933 as part of the IJA program to sponsor independent motor companies and provide the army with a reliable truck platform. Isuzu showed its design, a prototype was tested and eventually accepted in 1934. The sturdy 6x6 truck was widely produced and used on many fronts from 1937 to 1945.
