Today in WW II: 20 May 1940 German General Rudolf Veiel's 2nd Panzer division reaches the English Channel at Noyelles, splitting the Allied defense.  More ↓
20 May 1940 Largest Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, opens in Poland. Before liberation in 1945, about 1.1 million people died there, 90 percent Jews.
20 May 1941 Germans launch Operation Mercury, the Battle of Crete, the first airborne invasion in history.
20 May 1942 First African-American seamen taken into the United States Navy.
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Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle II (CUCV II)

Following the completion of deliveries of the first Chevrolet Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV) trucks in 1987, the military division of General Motors (GM Defense) introduced a new version of the same trucks, designated CUCV II. According to Jane's Information Group, the CUCV II trucks were available in six configurations, with gas or diesel engines:

  • Type A Utility based on the K10516 Yukon and generally similar to the CUCV M1009
  • Type B Truck Cargo based on the K30903 Pick-up and generally similar to the CUCV M1008, designated the M1008A1 (see below).
  • Type C Truck Ambulance based on the K30903 Chassis/cab and generally similar to the CUCV M1010
  • Type E Shelter carrier based on the K30903 Pickup and intended for demountable shelters
  • Type F Communications Shelter carrier based on the K30903 Pickup
  • Type S Command Car (Suburban) based on the K20906 light truck and intended as a four-door personnel carrier

The CUCV II was procured by Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Ecuador, Britain, Venezuela as well as by the U.S. military in limited quantities. Although the U.S. contract was with U.S. Army TACOM, the procurement was primarily for the U.S. Air Force. These trucks were designated M1008A1 Type B, Truck, Cargo, Tactical, 5/4 Ton, 4x4.

CUCV II production consisted of taking standard one ton GM trucks to a separate facility where the required militarization was performed. Exterior changes included CARC paint (Forest Green, Desert Sand, or 3-color Camouflage), blackout lights, military bumpers, brush guard, NATO slave receptacle, NATO trailer receptacle, pintle hook and shackles. Heavier springs were installed to increase the load rating to 1 1/4 ton and the electrical system was changed to the 24/12 volt military standard. The dashboard had additional controls and dataplates. The truck also could be equipped with weapon supports in the cab, cargo tie down hooks, folding troop seats, pioneer tools, winch, and other military accessories.

Production of the CUCV II vehicles was finished by 2000. GM Defense superseded the CUCV II with the Light Service Support Vehicle (LSSV).

Length, overall 220.7 in (5,606 mm)
Width 81.2 in (2,062 mm)
Height 75.4 in (1,915 mm)
Wheelbase 131.5 in (3,340 mm)
Cargo box 97.6 in (2,479 mm)
Ground clearance 10.7 in (272 mm)
Weight: GVW 9,200 lbs (4,172 kg)
Weight: Curb 5,900 lbs (2,679 kg)
Payload: kits & crew 3,270 lbs (1,483 kg)
Engine 6.5L (395 CID) Turbo Diesel 195 bhp @ 3400 rpm
Transmission GM 4-spd Heavy Duty Automatic w/overdrive
Transfer case BW 4401, 2-spd, 2.69 low range
Front axle 4,250 lb (1,928 kg) w/center disconnect
Rear axle 6,084 lb (2,760 kg) full floating
Tires LT245/75R16E SBR On/Off Road
Fuel capacity 34 gal (129 L)
Brakes 4-wheel anti-lock, disk front, drum rear

Note: Table of specifications is based on the M1008A1 CUCV II Type B Cargo/Troop Carrier, NSN 2320-01-123-2671. For more information: CUCV II Data Sheet

Manuals for the M1008A1 Chevrolet CUCV II trucks will be numbered TM9-2320-289-xx where the xx represents the maintenance level. You can purchase the Chevrolet CUCV manuals at ABE Books.

Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV II). Photo: GM Defense
Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV II). Photo: GM Defense.