a little more help from the MV list...
(quote)
Rob,
I'm a little " memory challenged " these days but I believe the USAF
classified these as a P4 Crash Fire Rescue truck. I looked at the photo
and it appears identical to the P4 Oshkosh I drove at Kelly AFB (Texas)
and Petersen AFB @ Fort Carson, Colorado. Amazing vehicles. 0 to 60 mph,
full loaded ( aporx. 2,500 gallons of water plus equipment ), crew of 4,
in about 30 seconds. Tail mount 365 hp Caterpillar turbo
diesel,w/selectable auto trans. They are also 6x6 drive train. However,
they are very dangerous at high speed --- They won't turn. Front wheels
will turn but truck tries to continue straight forward. Ask how I know.
Frank Cox
Vietnam 1966, USAF
MVPA 14530
1945 GMC 353 DUKW "DUKTAPE"
The truck has a platform/roof. There is a hatch from the cab interior.
Allows rescue/fire crew to manually aim the foam turret nozzle externally
in case of control failure. can also be used for rescue entry thru
breached fuselage of downed large aircraft by driving up to the aircraft
side.
go to
www.aeromusem.org/Exhibits/Crash&FireTrucks/oshkosh.html. The
basic spec's are listed there. I was mistaken on water capacity and
horse power. 30 years since I drove a P 4.
Frank Cox
Vietnam 1966, USAF
MVPA 14530
1945 GMC 353 DUKW "DUKTAPE"
(end quote)
Hope this helps.
Rob