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V100 Specifications
The V100 was developed in 1962 as a private venture
by the Cadillac Gage company, the first prototype was completed in the
same year. The V100 was tested and evaluated in Vietnam before production
began. Full scale production of the V100 began in 1964. It was designed
for a variety of roles, it can function as a eleven man personnel carrier,
reconnaissance vehicle, convoy escort, command or patrol and a riot
vehicle. In all versions, the driver and commander are located at the
front of the vehicle, a troop compartment is located at the rear of
the vehicle. The engine compartment is located at the left rear of the
vehicle.
The V100 was powered by a Chrysler 361 cu. in. V-8 engine producing 210 gross horsepower at 4,000 RPM giving a top speed of 60 miles per hour. A turbo supercharger was offered as an option on the 361 Chrysler engine. Current V150's use a V-504 V-8 diesel with 202 brake horsepower. The transmission is a 5 speed synchronized unit. The axles were the same as used in the M34 with a ratio of 6.7222 to 1 in locking differentials. Tires were special run flat 14 x 20's which allowed a range of up to 100 miles after being punctured. The tires allowed speeds of 60 miles per hour at 5 psi, and 35 miles per hour on flat tires.
The V100 was fully amphibious without need for special preparation. It could enter the water at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. It can achieve 3 1/2 miles per hour in the water solely on the propelling action of the tires alone. The V100 off-road capabilities were enhanced by a high ground clearance under the hull of 24 inches with ground clearance under the axles being 16 inches. It also offered an angle of approach of 55 degrees and angle of departure of 53 degrees. It also could operate on a 70 degree incline and a 40 percent side slope. A hydraulic winch is fitted for self recovery if necessary.
The V100 offered many different options in armament.
By using a universal type mount possible combinations included: Usage of the V100 saw widespread use in Vietnam by the United States and South Vietnam. Primary US military users were the US Army Military Police and US Air Force Air Police units under the designation of XM-706. The two V100 models used were a manually operated turret version, and a vehicle with a top that opened. The Army mostly used the turreted model. The Air Force version had 2 large doors on top that opened to give access to machine gun mounting points. Some V100's are still used as mock Soviet systems, such as the SA-9, for training purposes. In 1971, the V-150 was placed into production this model offered a number of refinements over the V-100, including a V-8 diesel engine. In 1985, the V-150S was introduced which offered a longer wheelbase and by necessity greater weight. To date over 3,200 vehicles have been built. Specifications
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