7 Facts About Military Jeeps
Here are seven facts about military Jeeps that you may not be aware of.
1. It Was Built in Record Time
In 1939, the U.S. Army came to the realization that it needed a capable replacement for the motorcycle and sidecar combination it had used in WWI. The Army wanted a fast, lightweight vehicle that could traverse any terrain, so they issued a list of demanding requirements to American automakers. The American Bantam Car Company responded by delivering a vehicle that would not only meet, but also exceed those requirements in only 49 days — a vehicle that would later be known as Jeep.
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2. It Could Take Incredible Punishment
The simple construction of the Jeep was very primitive but incredibly strong. Rigorous testing verified this strength, and the Jeep proved itself over and over again on the battlefield. It was also quite powerful and fast for its time; with a 60hp engine and a curb weight of only 2,400 pounds, the Jeep could conquer virtually any kind of conditions that stood in its way.
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3. Jeep Played a Major Role in WWII
A whopping 700,000 Jeeps were built for WWII. A Jeep was also one of the first vehicles to hit the beaches of France on D-Day, giving the allies a serious advantage. The Jeep was revolutionary for the Army during this critical time period in world history, as they were able to be airlifted into battle and driven virtually anywhere on a variety of missions.
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4. The Jeep Had Real Star Power
The military Jeep became so famous during WWII that even Presidents and celebrities wanted to ride in one. President Roosevelt was so enthralled by the Jeep that he insisted on taking a ride in one, as did Marilyn Monroe.
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5. The Military Jeep Had an Unprecedented Run
The military loved the Jeep so much that it remained the standard military transport vehicle for forty years. It saw service not only in WWII, but also in the Korean War and Vietnam. The Jeep saw service in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with each branch using the versatile truck for their own specific needs. This included everything from full on frontal assaults to retrieving injured soldiers.
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6. Some Jeeps Were Converted into Trains
Military Jeeps were used for many different purposes, but none is more interesting than seeing them converted into trains. By simply changing out the wheels to flanged steel units, locking the steering, and adding a coupling to a rear panel, Jeeps were capable of running along main railway lines. Jeeps were used in this manner to haul all sorts of goods and check communication wires.
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7. They Could Carry all Sorts of Weaponry
Military Jeeps carried fairly standard weapons like a .50 caliber machine gun from the outset, but the military soon realized they were capable of much more. A Jeep with a 37mm gun mounted to it famously destroyed four Japanese tanks, and some were even outfitted with up to a dozen 4.5-inch rocket launchers.
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For maintenance and repair guides for your Jeep, browse our technical How-to articles right here at JK-forum.com!