GMC DUKW 353

The GMC DUKW 353 dates back to 1941. The American Government was in need of vehicles capable of crossing rivers, to shuttle between ships and land in absence of ports... His first presentation persuaded not really the American army, but it was on a rescue at sea that he came to be recognized as an excellent vehicle. Indeed, it is when a U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessel ran aground near Princetown in Massachusetts, and of the sea, so dismantled could not allow the rescue by classical way (vessels conventional rescue), that a DUKW in demonstration came to save 7 men, this vehicle was appreciated.

He arrived in the army from 1942. The DUKW was produced by the "General Motors Corporation" (GMC for engine components), as well as by famous designers Sparkman and Stephens (who gave it the possibility to navigate at sea).

It has 6 drive wheels and a propeller to move in water. On land it moves of course with its engine.Il was used as early as 1942, initially for training of landing, to then attend the landing in Normandy or in the Pacific. Its success is also its loading capacity, or 25 well equipped men, or 2368 kg of equipment.

The DUKW (Dual Utility Kargu Waterborne) was given the affectionate nickname of the part of the "duck" GI (duck), which in itself was not totally wrong.

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