Gama Goat
The Gama Goat was a six-wheel drive semi-amphibious off-road vehicle originally developed for use by the US military in the Vietnam War. The Goat uses an articulated chassis, so that from distance it appears to be a four-wheel drive vehicle pulling a two-wheel trailer, but it is a single six-wheel vehicle with a four-wheel steering arrangement with the front and rear wheels turning in opposite directions. It was famous for its ability to travel over exceptionally rough and muddy terrain.
| M561 Gama Goat | |
|---|---|
| Type | 6×6 Cargo vehicle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1970s–1990s |
| Used by | United States and Mexico |
| Wars | Vietnam War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Chance-Vought Aircraft |
| Designed | 1962–1966 |
| Manufacturer | CONDEC |
| Unit cost | $13,281 |
| Produced | 1969–1973 |
| No. built | 14,274 |
| Variants | M792 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 7,275 lb (3,300 kg) |
| Length | 227 in (5.8 m) |
| Width | 84 in (2.1 m) |
| Height | 91 in (2.3 m) |
| Crew | 1 |
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 3-53 160 cu in (2.6 L) Diesel I3 101 hp (75 kW), 217 lbf⋅ft (294 N⋅m) |
| Suspension | Wheel 6×6 |
Operational range | 420 mi (680 km) |
| Maximum speed | 56 mph (90 km/h) |
The vehicle's nickname came from two sources: "Gama" from the name of the inventor of its powered articulated joint, Roger Gamaunt, and "Goat" for its mountain goat-like off-road ability. Its military designation was M561, 6×6 tactical 1¼-ton truck. There was also an ambulance version known as the M792. The vehicle was replaced by a variety of Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicles and Humvees.