MAN 630 L2A 11.136H dieseltruck with M55 Quadmount - Belgian truck SHORAD

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In the 1970s the Belgian anti-air brigades mounted their M55 Quadmounts on their newly-recieved MAN 630 L2A 11.136H 4x2 dieseltrucks, resulting in the following vehicle:

TL;DR: M55 KLA .05 cal Quadmount on a MAN 4x2 Diesel truckbed.

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History

History

After the trials in the 1950-60s with the M45 on an FN 4x4 truckbed and the original M55 KLA on M16 halftracks, the Belgian army began to transfer its M55 .50 cal anti-air turrets to its newly acquired MAN Type II 11.136H, of which deliveries were finished in 1980 (VOX, 1980). The specific vehicle for this suggestion was built as such in 1972 (KLM, 1978).

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The MAN has a diesel engine with six inline cylinders from the MAN/SAVIEM brand, producing 136 horsepower (DIN) at 3,000 RPM. The fuel injection is done through a rotary pump, which was a new feature in the Belgian army at the time. This would make adjustments much easier. The gearbox has five forward gears and one reverse, all synchronized (VOX, 1976).

On the 4x4 version (there’s also a 4x2 version with a rigid front axle, which is the one in this suggestion), there’s an additional intermediate gearbox. A differential action between the two axles is supported by a drive mechanism, but this can be disengaged by connecting two elements of the drivetrain using a pneumatic control. Thanks to a mechanical control, you can choose between road gears or all-terrain gears. An oil pump handles the lubrication (VOX, 1976).

There was also a significant upgrade when it came to the braking system. The old MAN was equipped with air brakes and only had a single safety system in case of failure. In contrast, this model has hydraulic brakes at the front, assisted by an air-pressure servo. The rear brakes are activated by pneumatic control. Additionally, there’s a safety feature consisting of two cylinders with spring energy that only work on the rear brakes. With its four separate lines, this braking system met the strict safety regulations of the European Economic Community (EEC) (VOX, 1980)

The clutch is from Fichter/Sachs and is hydraulically operated (VOX, 1976).

The suspension consists of semi-elliptical springs with a reinforcement plate at the rear. There are no shock absorbers. As for the steering, it uses an unguided Z.F. Gemmer box with a double ball-joint connection on the half axles of the front axle (VOX, 1976).

About the M55 KLA (Kit Loading Aid) ‘Vierloops .50 caliber’

As warfare evolved in the mid-20th century, so too did the requirements for anti-aircraft systems. Mobility, flexibility, and rapid deployment became vital, especially in the context of protecting troops and infrastructure from fast-moving, low-flying aircraft. One such response to this challenge was the development and fielding of the M55 Quad Mount .50 caliber system, often paired with the KLA (Kit Loading Aid) — a practical support apparatus that allowed for swift deployment and transportation of the turret system in a range of environments.

Design and Composition

The M55 turret was an evolution of earlier anti-aircraft configurations, like the famous M45, featuring four M2 Browning .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns mounted in a single rotating and elevating turret. This design provided a high volume of fire, making it particularly effective against lightly armored aircraft at low altitudes — a persistent threat on World War II and early Cold War battlefields.

To facilitate the transport and rapid deployment of the M55 turret, the KLA system was introduced. The Kit Loading Aid consisted of two steel loading ramps, a winch to draw the turret onto a transport platform, like the MAN II truck, and a mounting plate for securing it in place. It also included two ammunition containers used to store reserve rounds. Together, the M55 turret and the KLA represented a practical, field-adaptable solution to SHORAD.

Technical Specifications

The system, fully equipped, weighed approximately 1,090 kilograms, with 60 kilograms of armor shielding the crew and critical components. Rotation was enabled through a mechanical drive system, supplemented by a 12-volt, 90-amp electric motor connected to the MANs engine, allowing for 360-degree horizontal traverse and vertical elevation from -10° to +90°.

Each of the four machine guns could be fed by a loader containing 200 rounds, bringing the total onboard ammunition capacity to 800 rounds. The system’s muzzle velocity stood at 880 meters per second, with an effective anti-aircraft range of approximately 1,000 meters. Each barrel had a rate of fire between 400 and 500 rounds per minute, providing formidable suppressive power.

Operational endurance for the Belgian Armed Forces was typically five hours, assuming a work cycle of five minutes of firing followed by five minutes of rest — a practical rhythm to prevent overheating and reduce crew fatigue. A standard crew of four personnel was required to operate and maintain the system effectively.

Historical Context and Legacy

The .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun had already earned a formidable reputation by the time it was adapted for anti-aircraft use. Originally designed for ground combat, it quickly proved to be a versatile weapon, capable of engaging aircraft and lightly armored vehicles with equal lethality. In its quad-mounted configuration, the weapon became a mainstay of short-range air defense, especially in mobile or forward-deployed units. In the Belgian armed forces it was often used to defend airfields, together with the HAWK-systems and provide convoy SHORAD when in transit.

The M55 system with KLA reflects the broader trends in post-World War II Belgian military doctrine — emphasizing versatility, modularity, and quick deployment. Though it was eventually supplanted by more advanced radar-guided systems like the Gepard B2, the M55 quad mount remains a testament to battlefield adaptability.

Specifications

  • Dimensions (meters): L/W/H: 7,42 m / 4,40 m / 2,95 m (cabin)
  • Weight: 5702 kgs
  • Engine: M.A.N.-SAVIEN 6 cillinder 100,1 kW 136 hp at 3,000 rpm 4x4
  • Speed: 70 km/h
  • Range: 500 kilometers
  • Crew: 4-6 (Driver, Commander, Gunner, Loader(s))
  • Armour: none
  • Main armament: 1x4 Browning M2HB in M55 Quadmount
  • Traverse mechanism: Manual, aided by a 12V–90A electric motor
  • Elevation range: -10° to +90°
  • Traverse range: Full 360° rotation
  • Ammunition load: 200 rounds per feed system (800 rounds total)
  • Muzzle velocity: 880 meters/second
  • Effective range (anti-aircraft): Approximately 1000 meters
  • Rate of fire: 400–500 rounds per minute per barrel

Place in War Thunder

This medium-truck anti-air would fit perfectly before the VTT DCA and at about the same BR as the CCKW 353 AA. It would be a good example of an old system being used untill way past its normal expected service life untill the 1990s.

Regarding nations

BeNeLux

As the BeNeLux subtree for France has now been confirmed, France has the highest chance of recieving Belgian equipment. However an independent BeNeLux would also be very possible. For further info please go to: BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg) Ground Forces.

Pictures

On the field

One of the few pictures of the MAN with M55 KLA in-service in the 1980s

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All of the following pictures are from the Gunfire museum in Brasschaat, Belgium

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Sources

Sources
1 Like
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+1 for BeNeLux

1 Like
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+1 love me some AA trucks