The amphibious Otter proved invaluable in Vietnam, despite its vulnerability to attack
Designed by the Pontiac Motor Division in the early 1950s as the prototype T46, this vehicle began life as the intended replacement for the Studebaker M29 Weasel. As an amphibious cargo carrier it was designed to carry cargo or up to eight troops over shallow rivers and swampy terrains and would become, in later production, the M76, also known as the Otter.
Development began in the late 1940s with the less-than-enthusiastic US Army watching on. The army soon lost interest in the project, but the United States Marines, who have a habit of accepting vehicles that the US Army disapproves of, such as the M103 Heavy Tank, became interested. Production would start on the M76 Otter in the mid-to-late 1950s.
The Pontiac Motor Division – perhaps better known for their luxury sports cars – built the M76 at their plant in Pontiac, Michigan. It was tested at General Motors’ military proving grounds in Milford, also in Michigan.
The M76 was almost entirely an aluminium construction. This made the vehicle extremely light and therefore perfect for its intended amphibious role but also made it vulnerable to enemy fire.
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