510006392 - 1:35 DUKW amphibious vehicle

A special amphibious version of the American tactical transport truck CCKW-353 2½ t 6x6 from General Motors was developed and built to meet the logistical requirements of the US Army's landing troops in order to transport the cargo directly and quickly from the ships to the beach. The basic components corresponded to those of the GMC road vehicle with a six-cylinder 4,400 cm3 engine and six-wheel drive with three differentials. The DUKW was characterised by a welded, buoyant hull reinforced with horizontal ribs. Its strength was its extraordinary versatility and load capacity. It could carry a payload of 2,400 kg or 25 fully equipped men. DUKWs were used in all theatres of war by the US Army, the Marines and the armed forces of numerous allied countries. They made an effective contribution to the landings at Salerno and Anzio, in Normandy during D-Day, on Utah Beach and Omaha Beach as well as on the beaches of the Pacific.

Kit, instructions, decals