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- The DUKW is a six wheel drive (6×6)
amphibious vehicle based on the standard World War II
GMC 2 1/2-ton 6×6 truck.
Propulsion in the water is by a large propeller driven from a gearbox PTO.
The adaption was by naval architects Sparkman and Stephens
(who later designed 12-metre racing yachts for the Americas Cup)
and is quite sea-worthy.
Movie film exists of DUKWs landing on, and leaving from beaches
in surprisingly heavy surf.
DUKW
- Some DUKWs are fitted with a system
where tyre pressure can be varied on the move
to improve traction on soft beaches.
This is effected by an arm at each wheel
which carries an air-pressure line
to the outside of the wheel hub where
a rotating seal joins with a further line to the tyre valve.
-- L. Allison.
- DUKW
- Loa 372", width 99", height 106",
wheelbase 164"=120"+44",
- Engine 6-cyl
- 5-speed gearbox, 2-speed transfer case, 6×4, part-time 6×6
- Tyres 11.00×18
a second life, in 2010
A much smaller amphibious vehicle, the Ford
GPA or
Seep,
was based on the WWII
Jeep.
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