M561 Gama Goat

The Gama Goat was a six-wheel-drive semi-amphibious Off-road vehicle originally developed for use by the US Military for the war in Southeast Asia. It was famous for an articulated body, which allowed it to travel over exceptionally rough terrain and for a unique four wheel steering arrangement with the front and real wheels turning in opposite directions. Gama Goat M561 File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Two heavily modified Chevrolet Blazer Off-road Vehicles An off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving off paved or gravel surface. ... Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. ...

The nickname came from two sources, "Gama" from the name of the inventor of its powered articulated joint, Roger Gamount, and "Goat" for its mountain goat-like off-road ability. Its military designation was M561, 6x6 tactical 1.5 ton truck. There was also an ambulance version known as the M792.

It was 226.6 in (5.76 m) long, had a curb weight of 7,300 lb (3,300 kg) and a payload capacity of 2,900 lb (1,300 kg) and was powered by a Detroit Diesel #3-53 three cylinder, two stroke engine that produced 103 hp (77 kW) at 2,800 rpm with a 159.3 in³ (2,610 cc) displacement. It could travel at 55 mph (90 km/h) on paved surfaces and traverse almost any terrain. It was designed to be air-transportable and droppable by parachute. Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC), headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, USA, is part of the Freightliner - Trucks NAFTA Business Unit, and is a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG. The company produces on-highway medium and heavy-duty Diesel engines for the commercial truck market, and for other commercial and automobile use. ... The Apollo 15 capsule landed safely despite a parachute failure. ...

While technically listed as amphibious, the swimming capability was limited to smooth water crossings of ponds, canals and streams due to low freeboard and the lack of a propeller. Propulsion in the water was supplied by the six spinning wheels. Bilge pumps were standard equipment. Some models had extra equipment installed which made them non-swimmable, such as heavy-duty winches or radar gear.

The concept for the vehicle came when the French Army reported that the US Army trucks that were provided to them were woefully inadequate for the terrain in Vietnam. In 1959, ARPA funded a research project called Project Agile to develop a new tactical truck for the Southeast Asia theatre, as well as other projects of interest to the then looming Vietnam War. The United States Army is the largest branch of the United States armed forces and has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... The acronym ARPA has several meanings: It is the former abbreviation of a U.S. military organization now known as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). ... Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines Democratic Republic of Vietnam National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength ~1,200,000 (1968) ~520,000 (1968) Casualties South Vietnamese dead...

Several companies bid for the contract including Clark, General Motors and LeTourneau, but the contract was given to Ling Temco Vought (LTV)aerospace, best known for their A-7 Corsair II aircraft. Final construction was by Consolidated Diesel Electric Company (CONDEC) at their factory in Charlotte, North Carolina. General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM), also known as GM, is an American automobile maker with worldwide operations and brands including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Vauxhall. ... LeTourneau can refer to several things: R.G. LeTourneau, U.S. businessperson and university founder LeTourneau University, university founded by R.G. LeTourneau Fanny Létourneau, Canadian synchronized swimmer Mary Kay Letourneau, former teacher known for the highly publicized case of having a sexual relationship with an underage pupil, and... LTV is a commonly used acronym for more than one topic and therefore considered a disambiguation page by Wikipedians. ... A-7 Corsair II The Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II was a light attack aircraft based on the F-8 Crusader. ... Flag Nickname: Formal: The Queen City, Hornets Nest - Informal: The City of Churches, Tree City USA Location Location in Mecklenburg County in the state of North Carolina Coordinates: Government Country State Counties United States North Carolina Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Mayor Pat McCrory, (R) Geographical characteristics Area 280. ...

Overall, some 15,274 Gama Goats were built at a cost of $8,000 each. This was considered quite high at the time, and while the Gama Goat had exceptional off road ability its quirky steering made it hard to handle on pavement and its tendency to founder in amphibious operations meant it required special training to operate. This meant it could not be the "general purpose" vehicle the Army had hoped for and production was halted after the original contract expired. This is somewhat ironic, as some claim the problems were largely due to cost-cutting modifications made at the request of the U.S. Army. The Gama Goat came with a warning that hearing protection was mandatory during use. The 'goat is prized among military vehicle collectors because it is so unique & in short supply. Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. ...

The vehicle was replaced by the HMMWV, or HummVee, which is still in service. This article refers to the Military HMMWV, not the civilian Hummer sold by General Motors General Characteristics (Humvee) Manufacturer: AM General Length: 4. ...

Specifications

Dimensions:

• Length 226.6 in (5.76 m)
• Width 83.80 in (2.13 m)
• Height 90.80 in (2.31 m)
• Reducible height 65 in (1.65 m)
• Tread 72 in (1.83 m)
• Ground clearance 15 in (380 mm)
• Pintle height 22 in (560 mm)

Articulation:

• Roll at center axle ± 15 degrees
• Roll at rear axle ± 30 degrees
• Pitch at rear axle ± 40 degrees
• Wall climb (vertical) 18 in (460 mm)
• Angle of approach 62 degrees
• Angle of departure 45 degrees
• Hump angle 140 degrees

Suspension:

• Front and Rear Independent coil and springs at each wheel.
• Center Single leaf spring and swing axle.

Steering System:

• Type Mechanical front and rear simultaneous operated.
• Steering ratio 24:1
• Turning ratio 29 ft (8.8 m)

Variants:

• Communications
• Mortar
• Radar (mortar / artillery system)
• Personnel Carrier
• Radar (FAAR System)
• Ambulance (M792)

See also

• Land Rover
• HMMWV
• Hummer
• Jeep

Land Rover was the name of one of the first British civilian all-terrain utility vehicles, first produced by Rover in 1947. ... This article refers to the Military HMMWV, not the civilian Hummer sold by General Motors General Characteristics (Humvee) Manufacturer: AM General Length: 4. ... Hummer is a marque of Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) sold by General Motors. ... Jeep is an automobile marque (and registered trademark) of DaimlerChrysler. ...

External links

• gamagoat.com
• gamagoat.net