VINTAGE MILITARY TRUCKS

     M561 Gama Goat Page    

M561

  M561 Gama Goat   Sold !

M561 Gama Goat Lubrication Order   LO 9-2320-242-12

M561 Gama Goat Camo  Paint Chart

M561 Operation and Preventative Maintenance Pamphlet

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 Vietnam. 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 rear wheels turning in opposite directions.

The vehicle's 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

The Gama Goat was 226.6 inch (5.76 m) long; had a curb weight of 7,300 pounds (3,300 kg); had a payload capacity of 2,900 pounds (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.

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

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 radius 29 ft (8.8 m)

Variants:

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

Gama Goats in Germany

John Colwell   Member # 9884

jepcolwell@aol.com

Waxahachie, Texas

Home     Jeeps     Military Dodges     M715

2 1/2 Ton Trucks     Dodge Power Wagons

Colwell Oil Company     Links