Ford G398

The Ford G398 was a series of 3-ton German military trucks produced by Ford Germany for use by the Bundeswehr. It was built from 1956 to 1961 and was in use by the Bundeswehr until 1975.

Ford G398
Ford G 398 SAM
Overview
ManufacturerFord Germany
Production1956-1961
Body and chassis
RelatedFord Rhein
Ford Ruhr
Powertrain
EngineFord V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase4,019 mm (158.2 in)
Length7,250 mm (285 in)
Width2,445 mm (96.3 in)
Kerb weight4,350–5,090 kg (9,590–11,222 lb)

History

With the establishment of the Bundeswehr in 1956, the procurement of trucks in the 3-tonne (6,600 lb) payload class was also planned. All German suppliers were to participate in the overall procurement programme for trucks across the board. However, since Daimler-Benz and Magirus-Deutz had offered trucks in this class, but had already received orders in other segments, the Ford G398SAM was chosen, which was even cheaper.[1]

The engine and chassis were a development of the Ford Rhein and Ruhr platforms, it was somewhat narrow, but the Bundeswehr demanded the use of the standard driver's cab and case of the three-ton variant. This prompted Ford to widen the axles, but this did not significantly improve off-road handling. Due to the combination of too small track width and high center of gravity, the vehicle tended to tip over.

With its angular bonnet, the vehicle was strongly reminiscent of the somewhat larger MAN 630 L2A/L2AE and had an eight-cylinder V-engine with an output of 92 hp (68 kW) and selectable all-wheel drive.

Use

Of the total of 8,000 vehicles built, around 2,580 vehicles were equipped with a box body (G398SAM-S3). This was used as a workshop vehicle, field kitchen, staff vehicle or medical vehicle. Some vehicles were also used as carriers for various radars. The remaining approximately 5,440 vehicles were intended with flatbed and tarpaulin/bow (G398SAM) for material transport or as tractors. A few vehicles were manufactured by the Meiler company as three-way tippers.

With the exception of a few special vehicles, most trucks were discarded by 1975. Successor models of the three-ton series of the Bundeswehr were no longer pursued.[2]

Some of these vehicles were also exported to Greece, Israel and Turkey.[3]

References
  1. Kosinki, Peter (1988), "Neuzugänge in der Wehrtechnischen Studiensammlung, LKW 3t gl.", Verein der Freunde und Förderer der Wehrtechnischen Studiensammlung Koblenz, vol. 8, Koblenz, Germany: WTS-Info, p. 23
  2. Plate, Jürgen (2005), Fahrzeuge der Bundeswehr seit 1955, Stuttgart: Motorbuchverlag, p. 81
  3. "Ford Bundeswehr LKW 3 to. GL "NATO Goat" (G398SAM)". Retrieved 12 May 2023.
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