Studebaker US6
Encyclopedia
The Studebaker US6 is a class of 2.5-ton truck
s manufactured by Studebaker
during World War II
, produced in the United States from 1941-1945 and in the Soviet Union
beginning in 1942.
. Production was divided between GMC
producing trucks for the US Army, Studebaker Corporation producing 2.5-ton trucks for Lend-Lease
, and International Harvester
producing for the US Navy & Marines. Three primary manufacturers produced over 900,000 2.5-ton trucks in all, in both 6x4 and 6x6 axle/wheel versions, with approximately 200,000 Studebaker trucks built in thirteen variations, including dump truck and tractor models.
Studebaker trucks were unique from other 2.5-ton trucks built for the war effort because vent windows
were included in each door. These windows were separate from the window that rolled down into the door and could be rotated out to help with ventilation.
Studebaker trucks were sent into the Soviet Union via the Persian Corridor
. The Soviets found them a good platform for "Stalin Organ" Katyusha rocket launchers, although it was not their prime use in the Soviet Union. It fulfilled many roles in the RKKA, such as pulling artillery and was renowned for its ruggedness and reliability. The truck was affectionately known as the Studer by Soviet troops.
Studebaker US6 trucks were also used in the construction of the Burma Road
as well as the Alcan Highway
in North America.
Australian CMP http://www.oldcmp.net/us6.html
Truck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
s manufactured by Studebaker
Studebaker
Studebaker Corporation was a United States wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 under the name of the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, the company was originally a producer of wagons for farmers, miners, and the...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, produced in the United States from 1941-1945 and in the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
beginning in 1942.
Specifications
The US6 had a Hercules built six-cylinder gasoline engine that produced 94 hp, with a five-speed transmission plus a two speed transfer caseTransfer case
A transfer case is a part of a four-wheel-drive system found in four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and also to the front and rear axles by means of drive shafts...
. Production was divided between GMC
GMC CCKW
The GMC CCKW is a 2½ ton 6X6 U.S. Army cargo truck that saw service in World War II and the Korean War, often incorrectly referred to as a "Deuce and a Half" or "Jimmy"...
producing trucks for the US Army, Studebaker Corporation producing 2.5-ton trucks for Lend-Lease
Lend-Lease
Lend-Lease was the program under which the United States of America supplied the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, China, Free France, and other Allied nations with materiel between 1941 and 1945. It was signed into law on March 11, 1941, a year and a half after the outbreak of war in Europe in...
, and International Harvester
International Harvester
International Harvester Company was a United States agricultural machinery, construction equipment, vehicle, commercial truck, and household and commercial products manufacturer. In 1902, J.P...
producing for the US Navy & Marines. Three primary manufacturers produced over 900,000 2.5-ton trucks in all, in both 6x4 and 6x6 axle/wheel versions, with approximately 200,000 Studebaker trucks built in thirteen variations, including dump truck and tractor models.
Studebaker trucks were unique from other 2.5-ton trucks built for the war effort because vent windows
Quarter glass
Quarter glass on automobiles and closed carriages may be a side window in the front door or located on each side of the car just forward of the rear window of the vehicle. Only some cars have them. In some cases the fixed quarter glass may set in the corner or "C-pillar" of the vehicle...
were included in each door. These windows were separate from the window that rolled down into the door and could be rotated out to help with ventilation.
Allied use
Large numbers of Lend-LeaseLend-Lease
Lend-Lease was the program under which the United States of America supplied the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, China, Free France, and other Allied nations with materiel between 1941 and 1945. It was signed into law on March 11, 1941, a year and a half after the outbreak of war in Europe in...
Studebaker trucks were sent into the Soviet Union via the Persian Corridor
Persian Corridor
The Persian Corridor is the name for a supply route through Iran into Soviet Azerbaijan by which British aid and American Lend-Lease supplies were transferred to the Soviet Union during World War II.-Background:...
. The Soviets found them a good platform for "Stalin Organ" Katyusha rocket launchers, although it was not their prime use in the Soviet Union. It fulfilled many roles in the RKKA, such as pulling artillery and was renowned for its ruggedness and reliability. The truck was affectionately known as the Studer by Soviet troops.
Studebaker US6 trucks were also used in the construction of the Burma Road
Burma Road
The Burma Road is a road linking Burma with the southwest of China. Its terminals are Kunming, Yunnan, and Lashio, Burma. When it was built, Burma was a British colony.The road is long and runs through rough mountain country...
as well as the Alcan Highway
Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous U.S. to Alaska through Canada. It begins at the junction with several Canadian highways in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and runs to Delta Junction, Alaska, via Whitehorse, Yukon...
in North America.
External links
- http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_us6.php
Australian CMP http://www.oldcmp.net/us6.html