M422 Mighty Mite

M422 Mighty Mite
Initial series M422, with 65-inch wheelbase
Type14 ton (227kg) 4x4 utility truck
Place of originUnited States
Production history
ManufacturerAmerican Motors Corporation
Produced1959–1962
No. built1,250 (+ 2,672 M422A1)
VariantsM422A1
Specifications
Mass1,700 lb (770 kg) empty
Length107 in (2.72 m)
Width61 in (1.55 m)
Height59 in (1.50 m)

Engine107.8 cu in (1.8 L)
55 hp (41 kW)
Suspensionindependent with leaf springs
Operational
range
225 mi (362.1 km)
Maximum speed 62 mph (100 km/h)

The AMC M422 'Mighty Mite', or G-843 by its supply catalog designation,[1] is an extra lightweight ¼-ton 4x4 tactical truck, designed for the United States Marine Corps, to be suitable for helicopter airlift and manhandling.[2] It is noted for its exceptionally short length, and resulting very tight turning circle, while still highway approved for a top speed of 55 mph (89 km/h) (U.S. military), and capable of 65 mph (105 km/h) according to its manufacturer, American Motors Corporation (AMC).[3] From 1959 through 1962, just under 4,000 M422 Mighty Mites were built by American Motors for the U.S. Marines.

  1. ^ According to its United States Army Ordnance Corps Supply Catalog designation, 'G-number', or SNL nr. — a group number for ordering parts, based on a Standard Nomenclature List, or SNL.
  2. ^ "Marines Unveil Mighty Mite". Popular Mechanics. Vol. 99, no. 5. May 1953. p. 100. Retrieved 24 May 2024 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Doyle, David (13 November 2019) [19 October 2016]. "MV Spotlight: G-843 'Mighty Mite'". Military Trader. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2024.