This large triple shaft amphibian vehicle was developed during the 2nd World War for the American armed forces.

The aim was to build a vehicle to supply ammunition, food and materials - stored in the holds of transport ships - to invading troops occupying beachheads on enemy soil immediately after landing. The DUKW offered good navigating qualities and could move well off-road too, which, combined with its high load capacity, enabled it to perform its logistic role to the full.

In the post-war years, it was widely used by USAs allies all the way through to the 70s, including civil protection assignments.