Dodge WC3 | |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Type | Light military truck |
The Dodge WC series was a range of light military trucks produced by Dodge during World War II. The series included weapon carriers, telephone installation trucks, ambulances, reconnaissance vehicles, mobile workshops and command cars. They were replaced after the war by the Dodge M-series vehicles. WC was a Dodge model code: W for 1941 and C for half-ton rating. The C code was retained for the ¾ ton and 1½ ton 6×6 Dodges.
Source: Dodge WC on Wikipedia
| Dodge WC3 – Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 84 |
See also:
The Dodge WC-3 was a specific model within the prolific Dodge WC (Weapons Carrier) series of light utility trucks produced by Chrysler for the U.S. military during World War II. The “WC” designation was a Dodge internal model code, not an abbreviation for “Weapons Carrier,” though that was the most common role for the series.
The WC-3 was a 1/2-ton 4×4 closed-cab pickup truck, primarily used for light cargo transport, general utility duties, and officer/staff movement, functioning as a sturdy link between the smaller 1/4-ton Jeeps and the larger 3/4-ton WC models.
Key Features and Specifications
- Chassis: Part of the G-505 1/2-ton 4×4 series, it used a light-duty chassis that evolved from pre-war civilian designs but was adapted for military off-road use.
- Capacity: It was rated for a nominal 1/2-ton payload (approximately 1,000 lbs or 450 kg).
- Body Type: It featured a closed cab for the driver and passenger and an open cargo bed with transverse seating (folding benches) for carrying troops or light supplies.
- Engine: Typically powered by the reliable Dodge L-head inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, providing adequate power for its size and payload.
- Drivetrain: Featured a rugged 4-speed manual transmission and a part-time 4-wheel drive (4×4) system, giving it better off-road capability than standard 2WD trucks.
- Production: The 1/2-ton WC series, which included the WC-3, was an early production run (starting in 1941), with about 80,000 units built across 30 different 1/2-ton models before the shift to the heavier 3/4-ton WC series in 1942.
Role and Impact
The WC-3 and its 1/2-ton siblings were foundational to the early U.S. Army motor pool.
Operational Highlights
- Rear Echelon Utility: While not designed for frontline combat like armored vehicles, the WC-3 was an indispensable utility vehicle, transporting supplies, parts, and personnel behind the forward lines.
- Early War Service: Due to its early production (1941-1942), the WC-3 was one of the primary light military trucks used by U.S. forces in the initial stages of WWII, including stateside training and early overseas deployments.
- Maintenance Advantage: A critical feature of the entire WC series was parts standardization. Approximately 80% of components were interchangeable between the 1/2-ton and later 3/4-ton models, greatly simplifying field maintenance and logistics.
- Evolution: The WC-3 represented a step in the evolution of U.S. military light trucks. Its design principles and the need for greater payload eventually led to the widely produced and more robust 3/4-ton WC models (like the WC-51/52), which became the definitive medium utility truck of the war.
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