United States' 2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Amphibian Truck, DUKW, "Duck"

Photos

2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Amphibian Truck, DUKW:

2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Amphibian Truck, DUKW:

2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Amphibian Truck, DUKW, Normandy, 1944:

2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Amphibian Truck, DUKW, Normandy, 1944:

Design

The DUKW was designed from a directive issued by the Commanding General, Services of Supply.¹ The D represented the model year, 1942, the U represented that it was amphibious, K that it was all wheel drive and W that there were two rear axles.²

The DUKW was based on the 2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Deuce and a Half truck.^1,2 A hull was added to the chassis that would allow it to float.²

One out of four DUKW's have a M36 truck mount for an antiaircraft machine gun.¹

The engine can power all the axles or just the rear two.¹

The winch for the DUKW is mounted in the rear.¹

Cargo Area

The DUKW's cargo area can carry 25 men or 5,350 lbs of payload.¹ The cargo area also had storage areas accessible through hatches in the floor.¹ There are also hatches that allow access to the engine.¹ This was roomy enough to carry small artillery guns.² It was possible to fire the artillery from the water but this ability was rarely used.²

Crew Compartment

The driver's compartment is open and at the front of the rear cargo area.^1,2 It has a canvas that goes over the top and rear.¹ There are side curtains that can be removed.¹ The windshield can be folded forward or tilted up and out.^1,2

On Land

The DUKW had the ability to regulate its tire pressure while traveling over very soft ground.²

Water Propulsion

For water operations there is a propeller and it is steered by the front wheels and a rudder.^1,2 Additional steering could be done by steering the front wheels.² There is an anchor with shackles.¹ There is a ring life preserver and three life preserver jackets.¹ There are two pumps (bilge) for removing water out of the hull, one a 60 gallon/minute rotary pump and a 260 gallon/minute centrifugal pump.^1,2 In emergencies a 50 gallon/minute hand pump is provided.¹

Prototype

Production

• 2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Amphibian Truck, DUKW: 21,147²
  • Manufacturer: Yellow Truck and Coach Manufacturing Co.¹

Variants

• 2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Amphibian Truck, DUKW:
• Scorpion: Had 4.5" / 114.3 mm rockets mounted.² Used in the Pacific theater of operations.²
• BAV-485: Soviet Union's copy.² Had a loading ramp at the rear of the cargo area.²

Usage

As the DUKW was based on a standard truck design it was relatively easy to maintain.²

The benefit of the DUKW is that it didn't have to unload on a beach, but could drive further inland and take the cargo to where it was needed and then go back for more.²

Soviet Union

The Soviet Union produced a copy called the BAV-485.² Some were still being used by Warsaw Pact forces.²

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom used their DUKWs until the 1970s.²

Specifications

	2 1/2 Ton, 6x6, Amphibian Truck, DUKW1
Crew	11, 1 - 22
Radio
Physical Characteristics
Weight	19,570 lb1
Weight - unloaded	14,880 lb2 6,750 kg2
Weight - loaded	20,055 lb2 9,097 kg2
Payload	5,175 lb2, 5,350 lb1 2,347 kg2
Winch capacity	10,0001
Length	31'1, 32'2 9.75 m2
Height - top up	8' 9.5"1, 8' 10"2 2.69 m2
Height - top down	7' 1 3/8"1
Width	8' 2 7/8"1, 8' 2.9"2 2.51 m2
Ground clearance	10.5"1
Ground pressure
Wheelbase
Armament
Main	1: .50 cal MG1
Quantity
Main
Armor Thickness (mm)
Engine (Make / Model)	GMC Model 2702
Bore / stroke
Cooling
Cylinders
Capacity
Net HP	91.52
Power to weight ratio
Compression ratio
Radiator (Type)
Capacity
Transmission (Type)
Steering
Steering ratio
Starter
Electrical system	6 volt1
Ignition
Gear ratios - 1st speed
- 2nd speed
- 3rd speed
- 4th speed
- 5th speed
- Reverse
Fuel (Type)
Octane
Quantity	40 gallons1
Road consumption
Cross country consumption
Performance
Speed - Road	45 mph1, 50 mph2 80 kph2
Max speed - water	6 mph2, 6.3 mph1 9.7 kph2
Speed - Cross Country
Range - Road	220 miles1
Road radius - water	50 miles1
Range - Cross Country
Turning radius - land	36'1
Turning radius - water	20'1
Elevation limits
Fording depth
Trench crossing
Vertical obstacle	18"1
Climbing ability	60%1
Suspension (Type)
Wheels each side
Wheels (Type)	11.00 x 18, 10 ply desert1
Wheels - desert
Width
Diameter
Tire tread
Tread center to center	63 5/8"1