- Yes
- No
- Tech Tree
- GE /Premium/ Battlepass
- No
- USA Tech-Tree
- France Tech-Tree
- Latin american Tech-Tree
- Italian Tech-Tree
- i voted no
Ford Engesa F600 Anti Aircraft .50
Development:
Spoiler
In 1966, Engesa (Engenheiros Especializados S.A) introduced a 4X4 traction system designed to provide off-road capabilities to commercial vehicles. This system, named “Total Traction,” initially offered for Chevrolet and Ford vehicles, soon expanded to include 6X4 and 6X6 configurations. This drew the interest of the Brazilian military, and in 1967, it received official classification as “Of Interest to National Security.” In 1971, the Ford F600, equipped with the “Total Traction” system and the new “Boomerang” suspension, was extensively tested by the Brazilian Army and Marine Corps against similar trucks from Chrysler and General Motors.
The Ford F600, being diesel-powered, was adopted on a large scale by the Brazilian Army, starting its delivery to operational units in the same year. Due to the substantial quantity acquired during the 1970s and 1980s, these trucks became a backbone of the Brazilian Army’s off-road transport fleet.
In subsequent years, the Brazilian Army incorporated a significant number of Ford Engesa F-600 trucks, featuring reduced militarization levels, with 4X2, 4X4, and 6X2 traction options. These trucks served various purposes, such as dry cargo, fuel tanker, water tanker, firetruck, dump truck, workshop, cargo box, refrigerated truck, command post, and mechanical rescue with a winch. Mercedes Benz later filled the gap left by Ford’s shift in focus to the Cargo line, becoming a major supplier of military trucks in Brazil.
This shift in the original F-600 family project and Ford’s emphasis on the new Cargo line led to Ford of Brazil’s diminished role as a primary supplier of military trucks, with Mercedes Benz subsequently securing smaller contracts for the F-6000, F-12000, F-14000, and Cargo models in the following decades.
Modernised 12.7mm Anti-aircraft Machine Gun M55:
Spoiler
The M-55 Machine Gun Trailer Mount system gained a new application in 1969 when the Brazilian Army considered converting part of its fleet of light tanks, M-3 and M-3A1 Stuarts, into self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles. The project involved replacing the tank turret with a quadruple .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun mount, the M-45 Quadmount, provided on loan by the 5th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group 90mm (Gcan90 AAe). Despite successful tests, the project was canceled, and the vehicle was restored to its original condition.
In the 1970s, Lysam, a company based in Rio de Janeiro, proposed a repowering process for the M-55 system, aiming to extend its operational life. The proposal included a complete overhaul and the replacement of the original electrical system with a more modern model powered by a Montgomery M-226 or M-252 gasoline engine. A prototype was produced, and while maintaining the four Browning M-2 .50 caliber machine guns, it improved its traverse speed and elevation capacity to over 90° per second, enabling effective engagement of fast-moving targets. This project exemplifies the Brazilian Army’s ongoing commitment to modernize its anti-aircraft capabilities to address emerging threats
Source:
Spoiler
Jane’s Armour and Artillery 1985-1986
https://www.armasnacionais.com/2021/08/caminhoes-ford-serie-f-600.html