Based on the M113 series armored vehicle, the M548 was built as a light weight tracked support vehicle to fulfill a number of roles in both combat and rear area operations. First deployed to Vietnam with US and Australian forces, the vehicle transported hardware, equipment, ordinance, and other vital assets for armored combat and scout units. The semi-amphibious vehicle has very limited armored protection reducing weight and improving over-land speed and mobility. The M548 became such a workhorse for armored units, that it remained inservice for nearly four and a half decades.
The M548 was never designed as a gun-fighter. Subsequently it was lightly equipped with a single .50 Caliber machine gun located over the cab.
Built by FMC in San Jose, California, the 548 weighed in at 11 Tons and was powered by a 204 HP, Detroit Diesel 6V-53 engine giving the lightweight M548 a top speed of 55MPH.
The M548 was operated by two crew members, a driver and a co-driver who would both operate and car for the vehicle in the field.
The Eagle Field Foundation is a California based 501C3 non-profit, all volunteer organization with a focus in education through the restoration and preservation of military artifacts, vehicles, and stories from the early 1900’s to Present Day.
