Amphibious tracked carriers - USA: books - history and construction

M29 Weasel Tracked Cargo Carrier & Variants - Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)

Conceived as part of a Top Secret project to disrupt Nazi Germany's atomic bomb program, the hastily developed Studebaker Weasel went on to one of, if not THE most successful of the wartime all-terrain vehicles. Designed with light weight to facilitate both air-dropping and efficient, high-speed operation in the snow, the vehicles were soon found to have excellent performance in the mud. Always amphibious, the later models, the M29C, were equipped with flotation tanks on each end and dual rudders in the rear for even more efficient operation in the water.
Weasels were used on numerous fronts during WWII, were once again deployed in Korea, by the French in Vietnam, and numerous outposts during the Cold War.

These pages provide an overview of the development, and a detailed look at the deployment and the machines themselves, of these iconic, all-terrain vehicles.

Amtracs - US Amphibious Assault Vehicles (Osprey)

The first prototype for the LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked) was completed in July 1941, its design based on the Alligator, a tracked amphibious vehicle developed for rescue operations in the swamps of Florida. Though the early conception of amtrac operations envisioned using LVTs solely as supply vehicles, at Tarawa amtracs demonstrated their utility as assault vehicles to carry troops, leading to the development of new models.

This book covers the evolution of amtracs, from the first LVT-1 to the LVT-7; their numerous variants; and their use throughout World War II and beyond.

Contents: Amphibian Vehicles - Tarawa: New Tactics - Amtanks and Fire Support - Battles for the Marianas - Late War Landings - Amtracs in Europe - Post-War LVT Development.

Landing Vehicle Tracked, LVT MK. I and MK. II - Technical manual (TM9-775)

The Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) was a class of amphibious warfare vehicle, a small landing craft, introduced by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Army during World War II. Originally intended solely as cargo carriers for ship to shore operations, they rapidly evolved into assault troop and fire support vehicles as well.
The LVT Mark I was the first military model. Traveling at a respectable six knots in the water and twelve mph on land, it could deliver twenty four fully equipped assault troops to the beach. Though it was only intended for delivering supplies inland until wheeled vehicles could be brought ashore, the LVT could supply supporting fire from two .30 cal M1919 Browning machine guns.

Many LVTs were refitted prior to the Tarawa landing to hold two .50 cal Browning heavy machine guns forward, with the .30 cal guns aft. The vehicle was not armored and its thin steel hull offered virtually no protection, although prior to Tarawa some vehicles received nine mm of armor plating to the cab.
The LVT's tracks performed well on sand, but not on tough surfaces. The rigid suspension threw tracks and roller bearings corroded in salt water.

Proper maintenance of the new machine was often an issue, as few Marines were trained to work on it, and early models suffered frequent breakdowns. The LVT Mark II featured new powertrain and torsilastic suspension. The aluminium track grousers were bolted on, making changes much easier since they wore out quickly on land and more so on coral. Hard terrain performance was much better compared to the LVT Mark I.

Created in 1944, this technical manual reveals a great deal about the LVT's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation and maintenance, it details many aspects of its engine, cooling, fuel, powertrain and other systems.
Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

LVT(4) Amtrac - The Most Widely Used Amphibious Tractor of World War II (Legends of Warfare)

Originally developed as a swamp rescue vehicle by millionaire philanthropists Donald and John Roebling, the LVT (Landing Vehicle, Tracked), or "Alligator," was widely used in the Allied island-hopping campaign in the Pacific during World War II.
Powered by a mammoth aircraft-type engine, the LVT(4) could cross treacherous coral reefs, deep water, and swamps to land troops ashore. The LVT(4) also introduced the rear ramp, which when lowered allowed troops to rush out, rather than clamber over the tall sides as on previous models.

Produced by Food Machinery Corporation (FMC), railway equipment manufacturer St. Louis Car Company, and automobile maker Graham-Paige, over 8,000 LVT(4)s were built during the war; today only a few remain.
Through dozens of archival photos as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of these vehicles, this iconic landing vehicle is explored, and its history is explained.

USMC Tracked Amphibious Vehicles - T46E1/M76 Otter, M116 Husky, LVTP5, and LVTP7/AAV7A1

NEW

Given the unique demands of the Marine Corps' mission, amphibious vehicles hold crucial significance. Spanning from the Vietnam War to the present day, the USMC has consistently utilized four key tracked amphibians: the T46E1/M76 Otter, M116 Husky, LVTP5, and LVTP7/AAV7A1.

This book offers a comprehensive photographic survey of these vehicles, featuring over 300 black-and-white and color photos. This resource serves as a valuable reference for modelers and restoration experts, providing insight into the evolution and utilization of Marine Corps amphibious vehicles throughout their operational history.