The Vietnam War saw the deployment of a wide range of military vehicles, and each adapted to Southeast Asia’s challenging terrain and combat conditions. U.S. and Allied forces relied heavily on a diverse fleet of automobiles. But what were these vehicles’ appearances, and how did they impact post-war design efforts? Let’s take a closer look!

M113 Armored Personnel Carrier

This truck, also used in Vietnam, could carry 11 people and was used extensively for troop transport, medical evacuation, and fire support. Variants included the M106 mortar carrier, M125 81mm mortar carrier, M132 flamethrower, and M163 Vulcan air defense vehicle.

M48 Patton Tank

The M48 was the U.S. Army’s main armored tank. While there were few tank-on-tank battles, its 90mm main and machine guns provided infantry support. It was initially powered by a gasoline engine but later transitioned to a diesel engine for better safety and range.

M35 2.5 Ton Cargo Truck

As the name suggests, this truck transported supplies, equipment, and troops throughout South Vietnam. As convoys faced increasing ambushes, the M35 was adapted into armored “gun trucks.” Fortunately, the M35 remained in service long after the war because of its adaptability and ease of use.

M151 MUTT

M151 were 1/4-ton light tactical vehicles that replaced WWII-era Jeeps. They had a unitized steel body, a 71-hp 4-cylinder engine, a 4-speed transmission, and independent suspension. The M151 could reach speeds over 105 km/h but suffered stability issues that led to rollovers and accidents.

M551 Sheridan

US soldiers used the M551 in Vietnam from 1969 to 1973. The Sheridan was designed for mobility, capable of being airdropped and swimming across rivers, which was necessary for operations in Vietnam’s diverse terrains. However, its lightweight design made it vulnerable to damage during attacks.

M60 Patton

Designed to counter advanced Soviet tanks, the M60 Patton featured a thick steel hull and a reliable 750-horsepower diesel engine. The M60’s firepower and integrated fire control system allowed quick and accurate targeting. It was deployed by the 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor, and used in combat scenarios.

M274 Mechanical Mule

This “Mule” was designed by Willys-Overland in the 1950s. Early models featured a four-cylinder gasoline engine, while later versions used a two-cylinder engine instead. Its compact, flatbed design allowed for easy loading and unloading, and its all-wheel drive and high ground clearance suited it for challenging terrains.

M35 “Deuce and a Half”

The M35 is powered by a Continental I-6 or multi-fuel variants, producing between 127 and 170 horsepower. Under optimal conditions, it could travel at 55 mph and had a range of 450 miles. During the war, many M35 trucks were also modified to be gun trucks.

M42 Duster

As a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG), the M42 Duster used during the Vietnam War was armed with two 40mm M2A1 Bofors autocannons. It carried a crew of 4-6, weighed 24.8 tons, and was powered by a 500-hp 6-cylinder gasoline engine.

M107 Self-Propelled Gun

One advantage the M107 offered during this war was its long-range capabilities and mobility. Weighing approximately 28.3 tons, it was powered by a 450-horsepower diesel engine with an 80 km/h speed. Its 175-mm weapon could fire high-explosive projectiles over 32,700 meters.

M110 Self-Propelled Howitzer

U.S. troops used the M110 for most operations in the Vietnamese jungles. It remained in service until the early 1990s, featuring a General Motors 395-horsepower 8V71T diesel. With a top speed of 56 km/h, the M115 could fire projectiles at a maximum range of 21,300 meters.

LVTP-5

The LVTP-5’s engine was a Continental LV-1790-1 700-horsepower V12 gasoline engine capable of a top speed of 30 mph on land and 7 mph in water. This vehicle could carry up to 34 marines, featuring a powered front ramp. 1,124 units were produced, with most deployed in Vietnam itself.

PT-76

North Vietnamese forces used the PT-76 light tank, which had a 240-horsepower V-6 diesel engine. Designed by the Soviets, the vehicle could reach 44 km/h on land and 10 km/h in water. Despite its oversized silhouette and thin 15-20 mm armor, the PT-76 offered excellent amphibious capabilities.

BTR-60

Yet another vehicle used by North Vietnamese forces, the BTR-60, has two GAZ-49B gasoline engines, producing a combined output of 180 horsepower. It has a top speed of 50 mph and a range of approximately 373 miles. The vehicle provides sufficient space for two crew members and can transport up to 16 troops.

T-54

A significant feature of this Soviet-designed tank used during the Vietnam War was its V-54 520-horsepower 12-cylinder diesel engine. The tank effectively combined firepower, mobility, and a low profile with advanced armor protection. Its primary armament was a 100mm D-10T rifled gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.