Kaiser-Jeep M715 (Five Quarter)

History of Kaiser Jeep M715 (one-fifth)

By 1965, the US military was relying on the Dodge G741 truck (like the M37) because it could go anywhere and do anything. Ultimately, 115,838 of these vehicles were procured from 1951 to 1968, with many variations of the basic design appearing during their lifespan.

However, the long-term cost of the product has become prohibitive, forcing authorities to consider a cheaper alternative in the future. The decision to pursue an already popular civilian design capable of meeting military requirements put the focus on the Caesar Jeep Gladiator - a 1.25 ton 4WD utility pickup.

The move spawned the M715 family of military trucks, which includes three other major variants.

The vehicle was tested (as XM715) in late 1966 by the Board of Armor and Engineers at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The M715 is designed to retain most of its civilian offering, making it more cost-effective than previous U.S. military truck offerings, as common off-the-shelf components are available for repairs and overhauls. One major change in the XM715 from the Gladiator era is the open cab, which requires modifications to the doors and (of course) the headliner itself.

The front windshield folds over the hood, reminiscent of the classic US Army JEEP. The canvas top mounted on the cabin is removable. The front fenders are sized to fit military-grade wheels.

The vehicle has a traditional layout with the driver at the front left, the engine compartment at the front and the cargo box at the rear. The cabin offers only two seats because the large battery compartment runs between the two seats.

The cargo area is rudimentary, with only the wheel arches taking up permanent space.

In March 1966, the first production contract for Caesar Jeep was for 20,680 units. Production began in 1967, the same year the first products were delivered. Production continued at the Kaiser Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio until 1969, with a total of 30,500 units delivered.

There are four main variants of the M715 series, starting with the standard M715 cargo/troop carrier. On this model, a winch is optional. The M724 "Contact Maintenance Truck" is just the M715 with only the cab and chassis, no truck chassis, and comes with a welder/generator and winch combo. The M725 is an ambulance with a closed rear and can accommodate four beds and medical staff.

Double doors provide rear access, and the cab and rear are connected by sliding doors. A floodlight is installed above the front windshield. The M726 "Phone Repair Truck" is built on the same chassis as the M724, similar to a civilian phone repairman's truck.

Its cargo area consists of storage compartments mounted above the wheel arches, with an open space in the middle. Some of these models also come with headlights and a winch system.

The M715 trucks served in the Vietnam War (1955-1975) and were also deployed in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and throughout Europe.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

Depends on the weapon carried.

Changes