M422
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[edit] Introduction
The M422 "Mighty Mite" jeep was designed by the Mid-American Research Corporation (MARCO), as a light weight ¼-ton 4x4 tactical truck, suitable for airlifting and manhandling. It was originally prototyped starting in 1946, making it the first all new jeep to be designed for the US military after World War II, and further developed during the nineteen fifties by a team including four of the original Bantam engineers[1]. A competing prototype by Willys, the 1953 Bobcat or "Aero Jeep", which would share as many parts as possible with the M38 and M38A1 to save costs, was rejected in favor of the more advanced M422[2].
Although the vehicle was only to be used by the US Marine Corps., and it was clear from the beginning, that production numbers would therefore remain limited, the vehicle was extensively engineered and incorporated many innovations.
In order to keep the weight down, the M422 became the first US jeep to be fitted with an aluminium body. At 1,700 pounds, it is the lightest of the North American army trucks to date, but still 100 pounds heavier than the WW II German Kübelwagen. Also this was the first US jeep designed with independent suspension all around (front: leading arms / trailing arms rear), sprung by ¼-elliptical leaf-springs. Among the M422's many other unique features were differential-mounted brakes, center-point steering and an air-cooled AMC V-4 engine (108 cu.in. (1.8l) / 52 bhp / 90 lbs-ft), which propelled it to a top speed of 65 mph (55 mph military rating). Like the M151, the transfer case only engages / disengages the front wheel drive and is part of the transmission. Thanks to full synchronisation, it could be shifted from 2 to 4 wheel drive on the fly.
Although basically a two-seater, the little jeep could theoretically move six (!) people thanks to two fold-up seats that were integrated into the functional tailgate, as well as two folding backrests on the rear fenders.[3] Also the M422 was rated to carry 850 pounds off road, while all other standard GI 1/4 tons (even the M151) were rated at 800. And if needed, there was even a version of the M416 trailer specially adapted for towing by an M422: the M416B1.
Like any other USMC contract vehicle, the M422s came from the factory with all deep water fording equipment installed except for the pipes[4].
From 1959 -1962 some 3,922 Mighty Mites were built by American Motors for the U.S. Marine Corps. Over the years the truck came in three model versions: the M422, M422A1 and M422A2[5]. The M422 had a tiny 65 inch wheelbase. After production of 1045 pieces, the rig evolved into the M422A1, six inches longer in both wheelbase and length and 80 pounds heavier. The A1 also had a spare tire and a windshield from the M38A1. The A2 is reported as another 5 inches longer than the A1 and having a windshield from the M38, as well as a toolbox behind the seats in front of the wheel well and a top with bows[6]. It is unclear to what extent this version was ever actually produced.
At over $ 5,000 per unit it was relatively expensive [7], and by the time the 'Mite' went into full production, the military's helicopters had become so much more powerful, that the vehicle quickly became obsolete. The Marine Corps' Sikorsky H-19 with its 2,650 pound cargo limit (including crew and fuel), for which the M422 had been developed, was being superseded by the Vietnam era UH-1 “Huey", that could carry more than 1½ times that load. These factors may account for the small production total, as well as the short production time period.
| DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT | M422 | M422A1 | M422A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 65 inch (165 cm) | 71 inch (180 cm) | 71/76? inch (180/193? cm) |
| Length | 107 inch (272 cm) | 113 inch (287 cm) | 118 inch (300 cm) |
| Width | 60 inch (152,5 cm) | ||
| Weight | 1700 lbs (756,5 kg) | 1780 lbs (792 kg) | 1803 lbs (807 kg) |
