FMC XR311 (G.I. Hotrod)

History

In 1969, FMC Corporation internally developed a new four-wheel utility military vehicle designed for a variety of battlefield-oriented roles. The Army's interest in its capability peaked when it committed to procure ten prototypes under the "XR311" designation.

The vehicle is believed to have several different configurations - anti-tank missile (ATGM) carrier, fast reconnaissance and escort/security. The missile carrier procured four samples (this one equipped with TOW missile launchers), three reconnaissance models (with 1 x 12.7mm machine gun) and three escort/safety models (with 3 x 7.62mm machine guns).

Guns and additional chassis armor). The standard operator consists of three people, while power is provided by a V8 petrol engine mounted in the rear compartment, rated at 187 hp at 4,000 rpm. This is mated to a Chrysler TorqueFlite A727 Series 3-speed automatic transmission. The car weighs 6,300 pounds, has road speeds in excess of 80 mph, and has a 0-60 time of 12 seconds.

Range is limited to 300 miles, while the chassis can pass vertical obstacles 20 inches high and wading depths of up to 30 inches. A pair of prototypes were ready for evaluation in 1970.

For military service, the vehicle is equipped with permanent 4x4 wheel drive with steerable front axle (with power assist). A thin sheet steel armor skin was used to cover the tubular steel roll cage. Skid plates mounted under the chassis allow the vehicle to traverse extremely rocky/rough terrain without getting stuck in place to a certain extent. Each rubber tire wheel is independently suspended for improved off-road capability. In terms of size, the XR311 has a barrel length of 4.3 meters, a width of 2 meters, and a height of 1.6 meters at the top of the fuselage.

The entire vehicle is painted in a non-reflective matte black finish.

Externally, the vehicle has a conventional design, with the driver sitting behind the steering column as usual. A two-piece windshield protects the front view, while the sides, rear and top of the cabin can still be opened as options. The anti-roll bar assembly goes through the middle behind the cab. A six-shot TOW rocket launcher is mounted above the center beam. Storage compartments flank the rear engine unit, and additional tow tubes can be attached to brackets above the front fenders.

All relevant system instruments are mounted in the enclosed dashboard area near the steering column. The shift controls are located between the two front seats, while behind the seats is a small area for extra occupants or storage (the front passenger seat is noticeably larger to accommodate two possible passengers.

Engine compartment The upper vents are well ventilated). Grid on top and back.

While the XR311 was tested by the US Army (until passing the 2nd Armoured Division in 1974), it was never ordered for mass production and only a few completed units remained (US Army eventually committed to 4x4 in 1984) -HUMVEE series) . The XR311 sample is on display at the Russell Military Museum in Northern Illinois - this version features a multi-shot TOW missile system and TOW launchers on the fenders. Although not officially adopted, the U.S.

Army's interest in the XR311 inevitably led to rapid professional development of other like-minded individuals, such as the Chenoweth Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV).

The XR311 ended up being known by the moniker "G.I. Hotrod" for fairly obvious reasons.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

Different ammo loads depending on selected weapon or mission requirements.

Changes