M656 series of 8x8, 5-ton trucks

M656

SERIES OF 8X8, 5-TON TRUCKS

The M656 series was developed in the early 1960's by the Ford Motor Company as a result of the MOVER study of military vehicle requirements. Prototypes were accepted for testing in April 1966 and in April 1968 Ford were awarded a contract for 500 vehicles which were completed by the end of 1969. These, mostly aluminium, vehicles have removable canvas cab tops with folding windscreens. The cargo bodies have one-piece drop sides with the side sections having built in troop seats and the rear section having integral steps. The vehicle is fully amphibious, being propelled by its wheels, with all openings and the drop sides having inflatable seals. A variet of kits were developed for the vehicles including a winch, artic enclosures, air brake hand control, cargo body height extensions, MG ring mount, sling kit, windscreen demisting kit and 100 ampere alternator. The series was used almost exclusively for the Pershing 1A missile system.