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Truck 2 1/2 ton M44A2 PIP

avAlexangr

avAlexangr

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I read the book Fred W. Crismon
U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles And I found a very interesting truck in it M44A2 PIP, I am attaching a drawing and an excerpt from the book. I want to discuss this 2 1/2 ton truck with you.
 
avAlexangr

avAlexangr

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Location
Orenburg, Russia
Although this prototype for a "new" 2/2-ton 6x6 is somewhat similar to the truck tested at Yuma in 1967, this vehicle was photographed at Detroit Arsenal, presumably around 1970, and has many variances from the other prototypes. The front axle has been set back perhaps 10 inches, and the hood itself is at least that much shorter. The entire cab assembly is about 6 inches higher, presumably to make clearance for the Caterpillar V-8 diesel engine which has been moved back through the firewall, Basically the truck has become a "low cab forward," and a very large grille area enhances cooling, External brakes, 16.00x20 tires and a massive air intake pipe with convenient low mounted air cleaner are features of this design, It had a tilting hood and fenders and dropside body as did the XM778. At one point, this truck was referred to as an M44A2 PIP (Product Improved Package), but this designation was probably erroneous, (ADPA)
 
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HDN

HDN

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avAlexangr said:
Although this prototype for a "new" 2/2-ton 6x6 is somewhat similar to the truck tested at Yuma in 1967, this vehicle was photographed at Detroit Arsenal, presumably around 1970, and has many variances from the other prototypes. The front axle has been set back perhaps 10 inches, and the hood itself is at least that much shorter. The entire cab assembly is about 6 inches higher, presumably to make clearance for the Caterpillar V-8 diesel engine which has been moved back through the firewall, Basically the truck has become a "low cab forward," and a very large grille area enhances cooling, External brakes, 16.00x20 tires and a massive air intake pipe with convenient low mounted air cleaner are features of this design, It had a tilting hood and fenders and dropside body as did the XM778. At one point, this truck was referred to as an M44A2 PIP (Product Improved Package), but this designation was probably erroneous, (ADPA)
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I wonder what the Cat motor was - a 3208 maybe?

The Cat 3116 pushed the grill forward and the hood was extended with extra sheet metal (or the larger fiberglass hood on some of the later trucks). AM General apparently wanted to avoid changes in position of the driveline components on the M44A3 trucks.
 
fuzzytoaster

fuzzytoaster

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I'd like to see photos of this machine. There' were some oddball M35 proof of concepts where they used the deuce frame, a 3208 Cat, and a M939 cab. The one I've seen had a built in genset between the engine and transmission. It obviously didn't make it through trials.

I have a XM778 and it's a later production test unit. The cab, chassis, etc are all the same but it has power steering, air lockers, and air brakes due to them cutting off the axle ends and welding on self contained brakes visually similar to that of the M561 Gama Goat or M656 cargo truck,
 
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avAlexangr

avAlexangr

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Orenburg, Russia
Back in 1970, when the South Bend plant was briefly owned by American Motors Corporation, they tried to create their own prototype version of the M34A2 truck with a Caterpillar V8 diesel engine, an expanded cabin with a 152 mm height increase, a wide engine compartment, and an exhaust pipe attached to the body and wide-profile tires 16.00-20.
 
avAlexangr

avAlexangr

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Location
Orenburg, Russia
What we have in the end: an excerpt from Fred W. Chrismon's book "Military wheeled vehicles of the USA" about the M44A2 PIP truck and a drawing of the exterior of this truck!!! Is there really no information about him and naturally I would like to see a photo of this truck.
 

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