M38A1 Σώμα Αμερικανων Πεζοναυτών

[ikalimnos]

Τοο παρακάτω άρθρο μου φαίνεται αρκετά ενδιαφέρον.... εξηγεί τους λόγους που οι αμερικάνοι πεζοναύτες προτίμησαν το M38A1 έναντι όλων των υπολοίπων τετρακινήτων...

Αναδημοσίευση από τον ιστότοπο : http://www.m38a1.com/Models/models_usmc.htm


USMC M38A1 Spec. Overview

One first must understand that the evolution of the “Truck ¼ ton” that was used by all branches is a fairly simple path to follow but when looked at in a more detailed perspective the evolution and models become a little fuzzier. From the Navy beach modifications of the MB to the Air Force requirements of the M151 there were often modifications that lead to the standardization of the modifications up to the complete redesign of the subsequent model. Thus it lead some branches feeling a little less enthusiastic about the “new” improved version if it didn’t meet their “needs”. This is exactly why the USMC placed an NSN supply request in the early 1960’s with Kaiser to continue to produce for them exclusively the USMC M38A1. They quite simply were “unimpressed” with the new standard m151 and had such outstanding service from the A1 in Korea and afterwards that a bold decision was made and surprisingly accepted to allow the order to be fulfilled (which actually the full order wasn’t). Many have told the story of the USMC testing the M151 and finding its “handling” to be sub par. While the testing was in fact done and the Corp. had specific problems and reservations, the reality is that it was more due to the success & fondness for their A1’s that was the motivating factor.

I have spoken with numerous USMC (and other) users over the past years and almost invariably ALL said that the M38A1 was perhaps the best utility vehicle ever assigned the services and many of these men had experience with all four (MB thorough the M151). I have also spoke with one particular USMC motor pool sergeant (ret. Msgt. Vernon Pike ) who spent the better part of Korea (in country) and the years following maintaining the M38A1 and perhaps he said it best. When the situation involved harsh terrain or severe conditions “those damn things were unstoppable...