Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory Archive

IN THE SCHOOL OF OCEAN AND EARTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I AT MANOA

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VEH-8: FWD Truck with disk wheels

HURL Artifact No.	VEH-8	*Denotes approximations and speculations


Name:	FWD	Lost:	Unknown
Artifact Type:	Truck	Found:	11-Aug-03
Nationality:	USA	Dive No:	PV-512
Class or Make:	Four Wheel Drive	Location:	Defensive Sea Area
Model:	Model B	Depth (m):	430m
Purpose:	Military Transport	HURL crew:	T. Kerby, C. Holloway, D. Greeson
Serial Number:	Unknown	Additional Dives:
Built/Launched:	1917

Length:	*20'
Width:	*7'
Height:	*6'



Circumstance of Loss:	Intentionally Disposed	Crew Personnel/Position:	1 Driver, 1 Passenger (cab)

Reason of Loss:	*Obsolete	Crew Survivals/Fatalities:	n/a

Artifact History:	After extensive testing in pursuing Pancho Villa around Mexico, the US Army shipped 51 new FWD trucks to Hawaii in 1917 to form the first motor truck regiment. These vehicles replaced horses that were previously being used to haul artillery guns, ordnance, and supplies.

Artifact Condition:	This vehicle is certainly one of the best preserved. Nearly complete with only the seat, fuel tank, and some of the forward accessories missing. It has four rubber topped disc-type wheels. Radiator is present as is most of the engine. Rear chassis appears fully intact minus the back decking.

Additional Information:	The FWD Mod B had a reputation for being capable and dependable in harsh distant environments. It was rated at 3 ton and powered by a 389 ci Wisconsin "T-Head" engine providing 50hp. Into the 1920's the tires were rubber, but were gradually replaced by pneumatics. Perhaps 250 of these trucks remain world wide. 6300 lbs (new)

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