Amphibious Cargo Carrier M116 Husky^1-7

Standardized on 15 December 1960, the amphibious cargo carrier M116 resulted from efforts to replace the Weasel cargo carrier. Pacific Car and Foundry engineered the design and produced three preproduction pilots, but on 15 December 1961 Blaw-Knox was awarded the production contract for 197 vehicles. The M116 weighed 6,700lb (3,040kg) empty and 7,880lb (3,570kg) at the curb with fuel, on-equipment material, and driver. Ground pressure at curb weight was 1.9psi (.13kg/cm²). A 3,000lb (1,360kg) payload could be carried, or up to 13 passengers depending on their luggage (e.g., a reduction to 10 men in winter uniforms). The fiberglass cab was removable from the aluminum hull, reducing the height to 63¼" (160.7cm); similarly the length could be reduced to 181⅛" (460.058cm) and width to 80" (200cm). A 5,000-6,000lb (2,270kg-2,720kg) capacity winch was mounted in the hull front. Two sets of two series-connected 12-volt 2HN batteries were connected in parallel to supply power for the 24-volt electrical system. A portable 5lb (2.3kg) CO₂ fire extinguisher was carried. A bottom-hinged cargo door was at the rear of the hull, and both summer and winter cargo compartment covers could be installed, along with cushions for personnel or a kit that permitted transportation of four litters.

In December 1966, Pacific Car and Foundry was assigned a contract for 111 M116A1s for the US Navy and Marine Corps, and the first of these was delivered to Aberdeen Proving Ground in December 1967. These were unarmored versions of the amphibious armor cargo carrier M733, which in turn was essentially an armored M116.

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References

1. Hunnicutt, R.P. Bradley: A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles. Novato, CA: Presidio Press, 1999. Reprinted with permission from Bradley, R.P. Hunnicutt ©1999, available from Presidio Press, 505B San Martin Drive, Suite 160, Navato, CA 94945.
2. TM 9-500 C3 Data Sheets for Ordnance Type Materiel. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 12 October 1966.
3. TM 43-0001-31 Equipment Data Sheets for TACOM Combat and Tactical Equipment: Equipment Class 1450, 2310, 2320, 2330, 2350. Washington, DC: Department of the Army, 10 June 1985.
4. Crismon, Fred W. U.S. Military Tracked Vehicles. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1992.
5. FMFM 9-2 Amphibious Vehicles. Washington, DC: Department of the Navy, Headquarters US Marine Corps, 7 June 1971.
6. TM 9-2530-200-24 Organizational, Direct Support and General Support Maintenance Manual Standards for Inspection and Classification of Tracks, Track Components and Solid-rubber Tires (FSC 2530). Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 15 July 1976.
7. Track Data. Warren, MI: Track & Suspension Laboratory, Components Research and Development Laboratories, Research & Engineering Directorate, US Army Tank-Automotive Center, 23 June 1965.

Last updated 5 Sep 2024.
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