M59 series of full-track armoured vehicles

M59

SERIES OF FULL-TRACK ARMOURED VEHICLES

The FMC M59 series were full-tracked, fully amphibious, armoured vehicles designed as a lower-cost alternative to the M75 armored infantry vehicle. The program was begun in late 1951 with a number of submissions from different manufacturers. The best of these was by the Ordnance Division of the Food Machinery and Chemical [FMC] Corporation who produced a number of pilot models resulting in the T59, which was type classified as the M59 in May 1953, and a production contract was awarded to FMC. Deliveries of the new vehicle to armored infantry battalions began in the spring of 1954 and by the end of production in 1960, over 6,300 examples had been manufactured at the San Jose, California, plant of FMC. The 18.7-ton M59 utilized civilian components in order to keep costs down and its design took advantage of its relative bulk to give it limited amphibious capabilities, allowing it to operate in fairly calm water without any preparation. The engines and transmissions of the M59 were in either sponson, leaving the cargo and personnel area free. The transmission was attached directly to the rear of each engine which faced to the rear so the transmission was pointed forward. Early vehicles were fitted with the Model 300MG Hydramatic transmissions. Troop access to the vehicle was through a large rear ramp which was fitted with an escape hatch, and through roof hatches over the passenger compartment. With the infantry bench seats folded up and the ramp down, a jeep could be driven up into the carrier compartment. It was fitted with rubber seals around all openings provided for a watertight compartment.