GMC DUKW-353 »Duck«
Truck, 2½ ton, 6×6, Amphibian

DC DUCK leaving water – GMC DUKW-353 Truck, 2½ ton, 6×6, Amphibian – photo by Cameron Davidson.

The DUKW was an amphibious cargo vehicle based on the chassis of the 2½ ton 6×6 light-heavy truck GMC CCKW-353. The vehicle was standardized in October of 1942, and remained in production until the end of the war. Ducks were first used by the British 8th Army during the invasion of Sicily. RASC companies attached to 8th Army had 230 DUKWs available to land stores and anti-tank guns. Later they ferried stores across the Straits of Messina, and participated in the landings at Anzio and Salerno. DUKWs proved very valuable during river crossings in Italy, north-west Europe, and Burma. Many Ducks remain in operation even today; they are used by yacht clubs, and by sightseeing tour operators in Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC. The DC DUCK shown here was photographed by Cameron Davidson.

Available Scale Model Kits

Technical Specifications

  • GMC DUKW-353
  • Type: Truck 2½ ton, 6×6, Amphibian
  • Engine: GMC 270, 6-cylinder, I-I-W-F, 4417 cc, 77.5 KW @ 3000 rpm
  • Transmission: 5F1R, 2 gear ratios
  • Maximum Speed: 72 km/h on roads, 6 knots in water
  • Length: 9456 mm
  • Width: 2517 mm
  • Height: 2695 mm
  • Wheelbase: 4167 mm, Bogie Centers 1118 mm
  • Weight: 6840 kg
  • Payload: 2268 kg, 25 Troops, or 12 Stretchers
  • Armament: .50 cal. AA Machine Gun (optional)
  • Crew: Commander and Driver
  • Production: 1942–1945

Museum Exhibits

US-Army GMC DUKW-353, Technik-Museum Speyer, Germany

US-Army GMC DUKW-353, Technik-Museum Speyer, Germany

Historical Employment

  • US Army (World War 2, Korean War)
  • French Army (World War 2, Indochina Conflict)
  • British Army (World War 2)
  • German Bundeswehr, 1958–1965

The DUKW is a must-have for wargamers, modellers and collectors. The vehicle was involved in all major naval landings and river crossings from 1943, and it served in a variety of important transport roles. The pontoon-style body makes the Duck an interesting subject of a diorama.

Photo of DC Duck by Cameron Davidson

US Army Miniatures of World War Two