Gama Goat

M561 Gama Goat
Type6×6 Cargo vehicle
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1970s–1990s
Used byUnited States and Mexico
WarsVietnam War
Production history
DesignerChance-Vought Aircraft
Designed1962–1966
ManufacturerCONDEC
Unit cost$13,281[1]
Produced1969–1973
No. built14,274
VariantsM792
Specifications
Mass7,275 lb (3,300 kg)
Length227 in (5.8 m)
Width84 in (2.1 m)
Height91 in (2.3 m)
Crew1

EngineDetroit Diesel 3-53
159 cu in (2.61 L) Diesel I3
101 hp (75 kW), 217 lbf⋅ft (294 N⋅m)
SuspensionWheel 6×6
Operational
range
420 mi (680 km)
Maximum speed 56 mph (90 km/h)

The Gama Goat was a six-wheel drive semi-amphibious off-road vehicle originally developed for use by the US military in the Vietnam War. The Goat uses an articulated chassis, so that from distance it appears to be a four-wheel drive vehicle pulling a two-wheel trailer, but it is a single six-wheel vehicle with a four-wheel steering arrangement with the front and rear wheels turning in opposite directions. It was famous for its ability to travel over exceptionally rough and muddy terrain.

The vehicle's nickname came from two sources: "Gama" from the name of the inventor of its powered articulated joint, Roger Gamaunt, and "Goat" for its mountain goat-like off-road ability. Its military designation was M561, 6×6 tactical 1¼-ton truck. There was also an ambulance version known as the M792. The vehicle was replaced by a variety of Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicles and Humvees.