GMC DUKW-353 "Duck"
Truck, 2.5 ton, 6x6, Amphibian

DC DUCK leaving water – GMC DUKW-353 Truck, 2.5 ton, 6x6, Amphibian – photo by Cameron Davidson

The DUKW was an amphibious cargo vehicle based on the chassis of the GMC CCKW 2.5 ton 6x6 light-heavy truck. The vehicle was standardized in October of 1942, and remained in production until the end of the war. Ducks were first used by the British 8th Army during the invasion of Sicily. RASC companies attached to 8th Army had 230 DUKWs available to land stores and anti-tank guns. Later they ferried stores across the Straits of Messina, and participated in the landings at Anzio and Salerno. DUKWs proved very valuable during river crossings in Italy, north-west Europe, and Burma. Many Ducks remain in operation even today; they are used by yacht clubs, and by sightseeing tour operators in Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC. The DC DUCK shown here was photographed by Cameron Davidson.

Available Scale Model Kits

1:35 Italeri 6429
1:76 Airfix 02316
1:76 Airfix (Soft Plastic)
1:87 ROCO 455
1:285 GHQ US42

Technical Specifications

GMC DUKW-353
Type: Truck 2.5 ton, 6x6, Amphibian
Engine: GMC 270, 6-cylinder, I-I-W-F, 4417 cc, 77.5 KW @ 3000 rpm
Transmission: 5F1R, 2 gear ratios
Maximum Speed: 72 km/h on roads, 6 knots in water
Length: 9456 mm
Width: 2517 mm
Height: 2695 mm
Wheelbase: 4167 mm, Bogie Centers 1118 mm
Weight: 6840 kg
Payload: 2268 kg, 25 Troops, or 12 Stretchers
Armament: 0.50 cal. AA Machine Gun (optional)
Crew: Commander and Driver
Production: 1942–1945

Museum Exhibits

US-Army GMC DUKW-353, Technik-Museum Speyer, Germany

Historical Employment

US Army (World War 2, Korean War)
French Army (World War 2, Indochina Conflict)
British Army (World War 2)

The DUKW is a must-have for wargamers, modellers and collectors. The vehicle was involved in all major naval landings and river crossings from 1943, and it served in a variety of important transport roles. The pontoon-style body makes the Duck an interesting subject of a diorama.

Photo of DC Duck by Cameron Davidson

Frequently Asked Questions

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US Army Miniatures of World War Two