The Hyperlogos

The "M561 GAMA-GOAT" is a dual-bodied centrally [articulated] six-wheeled vehicle, with [all wheel drive]. It is made of [aluminum] for light weight, and can slowly traverse calm bodies of water, as it is watertight. It was intended to carry [cargo]. Another variant, the M-792, was fitted as a portable [field hospital]. They have been available to firefighting and law enforcement agencies since [1986] through the [Federal Excess Personal Property] program.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight (with winch) 7710[lb]/3497[kg]
• Payload 2900lb/1315kg
• Length 226[in]/574[cm]
• Width 84in/213cm
• Height 91in/231cm
• Fuel Capacity 40[gal]/151[l]
• Tire Size 11-18

• Transmission: 4 speed W/ 2 speed [transfer case].
• Engine: 3-53 [Detroit] [diesel] with [supercharger]
• Electrical System: 24 volt
• Brake System Type: Hydraulic

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The [outermost] [axle]s [steer] using [coupled] steering shafts between the cab and carrier.

Power is provided by a [Detroit Diesel] 3-53 engine, a 3 [cylinder] [Liquid Cooled] [In-line] [two-cycle] [diesel], delivering a top speed of 55 [MPH]. Power is put to the wheels through a four speed [transmission] with reverse, and a high/low [transfer case]. The unit can be driven by just two, or by all six wheels, and uses [4 wheel steering] to minimize its turning radius.

The Gama Goat has recently seen some popularity as a [firefighting] vehicle. The [Maple Plain Fire Department] of [Maple Plain, Minneapolis], has one fitted with a 450 gallon [tank] and a small [pump] unit, and uses it to get to places that standard [unit]s can not reach. They enjoy more limited use as a [personal] [off-road] [recreational vehicle].

References:

1. Website: [Ordnance Unlimited] Collection, Gamma Goat. TPI Video Productions, [1997].(http://www.jeepjournal.com/mvd/parts/ord/ord02.htm)
2. Website: Maple Plain Fire Department, Gamma Goat. January 12, [2000]. (http://www.mapleplain.com/FireDept/Fire_Dept_Information/Vehicles/GammaGoat.html)
3. Northeast Forest Fire Supervisors, M-561 "GAMMA GOAT": An Analysis of the Vehicle for Wildfire Use. May [1988]. (http://www.roscommonequipmentcenter.com/projects/rec53a.pdf)