M548
The M548 is an unarmored tracked cargo carrier developed in 1965 as a variant of the M113 armored personnel carrier chassis by FMC Corporation in San Jose, California.[1][2] It was designed for general-purpose transport, featuring a rear open cargo bed capable of hauling up to 6 tons of ammunition, supplies, or equipment to forward combat areas, with a combat weight of approximately 12.8 tonnes and crew of four.[3][4] Powered by a 204-horsepower Detroit Diesel 6V-53 engine, the vehicle achieves a top speed of 38 mph on roads, is fully amphibious with water propulsion via its tracks, and supports airdrop operations for rapid deployment.[5][3] Variants such as the M548A1, A2, and A3 incorporated upgrades including improved engines and electrical systems, while the design's versatility enabled its adaptation as a base for specialized systems like the M730 Chaparral missile carrier, M727 Hawk radar vehicle, and M667 Lance rocket launcher, extending its utility beyond basic logistics in conflicts including the Vietnam War.[1][6]