In 1940, the United States Army developed a general purpose vehicle which was small, lightweight, capable of carrying a light machine gun, and had four-wheel drive so that it could travel cross-country. The resulting vehicle—often called a jeep—became a popular military and civilian vehicle. The display area outside of the Lewis Army Museum on Fort Lewis near Tacoma, Washington includes several general purpose vehicles.
M151 Truck, Utility, ¼ ton, “Jeep”, 1960s
The M51 series Jeeps were introduced in 1959 and replaced the Korean War era M38 model. As the Army’s primary workhorse, it was used during the Vietnam war and into the late 1980s. Over 100,000 were produced. According to the Museum:
“A general purpose vehicle, it was used for everything from command and control, reconnaissance, cargo hauling, passenger transport, casualty evacuation, and as a light weapons platform. Known for it’s ruggedness and reliability, the Jeep served the Army well.”
This vehicle has an inline 4-cylinder, 71 horsepower Ford engine. It has a top speed of 66 mph and a range of 500 miles.
M151A2 Jeep
Produced from 1959 to 1982, this was the main utility vehicle used in the Vietnam War.
Unidentified Jeeps
M-170 Truck, ¼ ton, 4X4, Ambulance
M-92 Truck, Cargo, 1 ¼ ton, “Goat”
XM 966 HMMWV Experimental, 1980s
XM-966 Experimental High Mobility Vehicle
According to the Museum:
“This vehicle was intended to replace the M-151 series vehicles and also fill in the gap up to the larger M-35 series 2 ½ ton trucks. The M-966 was extensively tested at Fort Lewis. After modifications this vehicle evolved into the M-998 series HMMWV currently used today.”
This vehicle has a 150 horsepower General Dynamic V-8 engine. It has a top speed of 65 mph and a range of 300 miles.
XR-311 Experimental High Mobility Vehicle
The XR-311 Reconnaissance Car, “Dune Buggy”, was introduced in 1970. According to the Museum:
“The vehicle was intended to be a high speed, low-profile, cross-country machine for use in the future battlefield. Several models were tested and the vehicle was given a weapons system for defense. The XR-311 proved to be too fragile for the rugged military demands placed on it and too expensive to maintain.”
This vehicle has a 215 horsepower Chrysler V-8 engine. It has a top speed of 80 mph and a range of 300 miles.
Kawasaki Motorcycle
This motorcycle was tested at Fort Lewis for use by scouts in the 9th Infantry Division (Motorized). According to the Museum:
“Intended to give scouts speed and maneuverability on the battlefield, the end of the Cold War also ended Army’s plans for a motorized division.”
Fast Attack Vehicle
This was an experimental prototype used by the 9th Infantry Division (Motorized from 1981-1986). According to the Museum:
“Based on a Chenowith Sandair Dune Buggy, the Fast Attack Vehicle was able to mount a variety of light and medium weapons including TOW missile or a .50 Caliber Machine Gun. Although the Army planned to field as many as 5983 FAVs, only 140 saw service before the project was cancelled. However, during Operation DESERT STORM, in 1991, a number of Fast Attack Vehicles, manned by Special Operations, were used to enter Kuwait City.”
More museum exhibits
WAAAM: Military Vehicles (Photo Diary)
Lewis Army Museum: Half-Tracks (photo diary)
Lewis Army Museum: Some Army vehicles (photo diary)
Lewis Army Museum: Some armored vehicles (photo diary)
Prosser Historical Museum: Rifles (museum exhibit)
Veterans Memorial Museum: Military Weapons (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: An Army Depot (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: World War II Military and the Oregon Coast (Photo Diary)