Truck, Amphibious, 2 1/2 ton, 6x6 DUKW
The DUKW was developed quickly during World War II to meet the need for amphibious carge transfer from ship to shore. The nomenclature DUKW was assigned by the manufacturer, General Motors Corporation, from:
D= First year of manufacture, 1942
U = Utility vehicle (amphibious)
K = All wheel drive
W = Rear tandem axle
Someone quickly noticed that DUKW could be pronounced "duck" and the "Army Duck" was born.
The DUKW was based on the GMC "deuce and a half" CCKW, fitted with a watertight hull and propeller. Following the war, many of the versitile DUKWs were transferred for Coast Guard duty, river patrols or later Civil Defense work. They continue in service today with popular "Duck Tours".
DUKW Specifications
| Length | 31 feet |
| Width | 8.25 feet |
| Height | 8.8 feet (w/top up) |
| Weight | 7.5 tons |
| Engine | 270 cu in GMC Straight 6 |
| Water speed | 6.4 mph |
| Road speed | 50 mph |
| Number mfg | 21,000 |
| Capacity: Troops | 25 or 12 on litters |
| Capacity: Cargo | 5 tons |
The DUKW was the first vehicle with a central tire pressure control, allowing the operator to adjust the tires for hard surface roads (high pressure) or sand (low pressure) from the driver's seat. This is now a feature of the HMMWV and other modern vehicles.
DUKW landing in the Philipines.
DUKW rear view, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, VA, 3 February 1943.
DUKW at the Texas Military Forces Museum, Camp Mabry, TX, 3 February 2006. Photo: Courtesy of Bob Pettit.
