Gama Goat

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M561 Gama Goat
Type	6×6 Cargo vehicle
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1970s–1990s
Used by	United States and Mexico
Wars	Vietnam War
Production history
Designer	Chance-Vought Aircraft
Designed	1962–1966
Manufacturer	CONDEC
Unit cost	$13,281[1]
Produced	1969–1973
No. built	14,274
Variants	M792
Specifications
Mass	7,275 lb (3,300 kg)
Length	227 in (5.8 m)
Width	84 in (2.1 m)
Height	91 in (2.3 m)
Crew	1
Engine	Detroit Diesel 3-53 159 cu in (2.61 L) Diesel I3 101 hp (75 kW), 217 lbf⋅ft (294 N⋅m)
Suspension	Wheel 6×6
Operational range	420 mi (680 km)
Maximum speed	56 mph (90 km/h)

The Gama Goat was a six-wheel drive semi-amphibious off-road vehicle originally developed for use by the US military in the Vietnam War. The Goat uses an articulated chassis, so that from distance it appears to be a four-wheel drive vehicle pulling a two-wheel trailer, but it is a single six-wheel vehicle with a four-wheel steering arrangement with the front and rear wheels turning in opposite directions. It was famous for its ability to travel over exceptionally rough and muddy terrain.

The vehicle's nickname came from two sources: "Gama" from the name of the inventor of its powered articulated joint, Roger Gamaunt, and "Goat" for its mountain goat-like off-road ability. Its military designation was M561, 6×6 tactical 1¼-ton truck. There was also an ambulance version known as the M792. The vehicle was replaced by a variety of Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicles and Humvees.