M35 by www.Military-Today.com

M35

Light Utility Truck © Military-Today.com 2013 All rights reserved

M35 by www.Military-Today.com

The M35 army truck was developed in the late 1940s by General Motors Corporation. It was intended to replace wartime vehicles. The design was commonly known as the Eager Beaver. Initial production contract was for 5 000 trucks. First vehicles were delivered to the US Army in 1950. The M35 was planned as an interim vehicle, however as soon as Korean War began, US Army needed these trucks in large numbers. By early 1980s over 150 000 M35 series trucks were produced. Production ceased in 1988. These trucks still remain in service with some countries.

The M35 series military trucks were simple in design and technology. Vehicle has a payload capacity of 2.27 t payload capacity of road and 4.5 t on hard surface roads. The baseline troop/cargo carrier has removable seats. Cargo area is covered with bows and canvas cover. This military vehicle can also tow trailers or light artillery pieces with a maximum weight of 4.5 t on roads and 2.7 t over rough terrain.

The bonneted cab accommodates driver and two passengers. Most cabs have a removable canvas cover, however some were fitted with hard tops. The windscreen can be folded down. Some trucks has a machine gun ring over the cab.

First production vehicles were powered by Reo or Continental petrol engines, developing 146 hp. Later A1 models of the M35 were all powered by a Continental LDS 427-2 multi-fuel engines. The final production model, the A2, was fitted with Continental LD 465-1 engine, developing 140 hp. This army truck has a 6x6 configuration with full-time all-wheel drive. With a deep wading kit installed this truck fords water obstacles up to 2 m deep. Arctic kit was available for these trucks for operation in extreme climatic conditions. Many vehicles were fitted with a 4.5 t capacity winch.

M35

Light utility truck

The last version of the M35 series was the A3. The M35A3 trucks were refurbished and upgraded in order to reduce operational costs and improve performance. Over 1 800 trucks were upgraded to the A3 standard. These military vehicles were powered by a Caterpillar 3116 diesel and had a number of new components.

A wide variety of the M35 versions were available. These include dump trucks, tractor trucks, fuel and water tankers, wreckers, shop, repair, and medical vans.

The M35 trucks were license produced in Canada by Bombardier (MLVW) and in South Korea by Kia Motors (Kia KM250).

Entered service 1950 Configuration 6x6 Cab seating 1 + 2 men

Dimensions and weight Weight (empty) ~ 6 t

Payload capacity 2.27 / 4.5 t Length 6.7 m Width 2.4 m Height 2.9 m

Mobility Engine Reo or Continental petrol

Engine power 146 hp Maximum road speed 77 - 90 km/h

Range ~ 480 km Maneuverability

Gradient 60% Side slope 30%

Vertical step ~ 0.6 m Trench ~ 0.6 m Fording 0.76 / 1.98 m

More information: http://www.military-today.com/trucks/m35.htm