The Dodge Model WC54 3/4-ton military ambulance was manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation, Dodge Brothers Division from the years 1942 through 1945 (the body work for the vehicle was completed by the Wayne Company). The ambulance was a replacement for the aged WC9 1/2-Ton series seen in prior decades and carried a standard crew of two in the forward cab as well as four patient litters in the covered rear section. Six casualties could be seated in the place of the four litters. Overall payload capability was 1,800 pounds while the WC54 featured a net weight of 5,920lbs and gross weight of 7,720lbs.
Featuring four-wheel drive capability, the Model WC54 rode on eight-ply tires which were mounted on 16-inch wheels. The engine was a Dodge-manufactured Model T214 inline six-cylinder gasoline-fueled engine of 76 horsepower output. The truck's maximum highway speed was listed at 54 miles per hour and a high clearance helped it traverse off-road to some degree.
Seeing considerable production and service during World War 2 (1939-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1955), the WC54 3/4-Ton ambulance would itself go on to be replaced by the WC64 KD which featured flat rear panels and was engineered to be broken down easily - hence the designation of "KD" for "Knock Down". The WC54 series of ambulance was featured regularly in the American television series "MASH", its storyline covering the Korean War.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Utility
General utility-minded design to accomplish a variety of battlefield tasks, typically in a non-direct-combat fashion.
✓Special Purpose
Special purpose design developed to accomplish an equally-special battlefield role or roles.
Weight
5,919 lb 2,685 kg
Tonnage
3.0 tons LIGHT
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base Dodge WC54 3/4-ton production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)
Powerplant:
1 x Dodge T214 inline, 6-cylinder, gasoline-fueled engine developing 76 horsepower to 4x4 wheeled arrangement.
Speed
54.1 mph (87.0 kph)
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base Dodge WC54 3/4-ton production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)
None.
None.
WC54 - Base Series Designation
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com.
Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org, the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft, and SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane.
United States (retired)
