Military Victories of Studebaker: From WWI to WWII Lend-Lease

The Studebaker truck stands as a powerful symbol of the anti-Hitler coalition’s victory in World War II. Under the Lend-Lease program, approximately 200,000 of these versatile military vehicles were delivered to the USSR, playing a crucial role in the Allied victory. This article explores Studebaker’s comprehensive military contributions throughout both world wars and their lasting impact on military vehicle development.

Studebaker’s Early Military Innovations in World War I

Pre-WWI Military Applications (1907-1908)

Studebaker’s military involvement began well before WWI:

• 1907: 30-horsepower Model N sports vehicles delivered urgent messages to army divisions
• 1908: Electric trucks entered service with US armed forces for warehouse operations in naval ports
• Electric truck specifications: Maximum speed of 13 km/h with payload capacity ranging from 750 kg to 5 tons

World War I Developments (1917-1918)

• 1917: Captain Arthur Crossman developed high-speed machine-gun carts on the 24-horsepower SF chassis, achieving speeds up to 96 km/h
• 1918: Studebaker manufactured one of the world’s first tanks

Inter-War Period Military Vehicles (1928-1939)

Following WWI, Studebaker continued military vehicle production:

• 1928: Spacious “Metropolitan” ambulance coaches on elongated passenger car chassis supplied to military hospitals
• 1933: T5 machine-gun armored car created for cavalry escort duties
• 1939: 90-horsepower Commander vehicles converted into ambulances

Studebaker’s WWII Contribution: The Revolutionary US6 Series

Early WWII Development (1940-1941)

As World War II erupted, Studebaker rapidly developed advanced all-wheel-drive military vehicles:

• February 1940: First army truck K15F (4×4) introduced – a one-and-a-half-ton vehicle unified with civilian K-25 series
• French contract: 2,000 commercial 2.5-ton K-25 trucks with 86-horsepower Hercules JXK engines and five-speed gearboxes
• 1941 US military order: 4,724 units of the 2.5-ton K-25S (6×6) version

The Iconic US6 Truck Series

Based on the K-25S platform, Studebaker developed the legendary 2.5-ton US6 (6×6) truck with distinctive military features:

• Flat paramilitary radiator cowl
• Rectangular front panels
• Wood-metal body construction
• Sun protection roof
• Folding benches accommodating 16 soldiers

Production commenced in January 1942, rapidly scaling to 4,000 vehicles per month by year’s end. These trucks became essential Lend-Lease equipment.

Heavy-Duty Five-Ton Series (1942-1944)

Studebaker’s five-ton 6×6 series included multiple variants:

• US6.U7 and US6.U8: Side-trucks equipped with winches
• US6.U6: Short-base semi-trailer truck

Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 3,670-4,850 kg
• Official gross weight: 8.6 tons
• Ground clearance: 250 mm
• Range: up to 400 km
• Maximum speed: 72 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 38 liters per 100 km

These versatile platforms supported various body configurations and weapon systems.

Experimental Low-Profile Vehicles (1941-1943)

Studebaker developed innovative low-profile vehicles unified with the US6 family:

LC Model (4×4) – One-and-a-half-ton:

• Unique trailer-like design
• 109-horsepower Hercules JXD engine positioned on the right
• Fuel tank, radiator, and toolbox on the left
• Improvised driver’s cab with canvas top and celluloid glass

LA and LB Models (6×6):

• Lightweight construction
• Variable spare wheel and driver’s seat positioning
• Maximized cargo bed space
• Reduced curb weight
• Overall height: 1.9 m

LD Model – Three-ton version:

• Lowered cargo bed
• Single-tire configuration

Additional Military Production

Beyond trucks, Studebaker manufactured:

• Engines for B-17 Flying Fortress bombers
• Engines for “Weasel” tracked cargo carriers

Lend-Lease Program: Studebaker Deliveries to the USSR

Understanding the Lend-Lease Program

The Lend-Lease Act established a system for transferring military equipment and supplies to Allied nations during WWII. In November 1941, the United States extended this program to the Soviet Union, fundamentally changing the Eastern Front’s dynamics.

Studebaker US6 Technical Specifications for Soviet Service

The Studebaker US6 delivered to the USSR featured:

Performance Capabilities:

• Highway carrying capacity: 5 tons
• Off-road carrying capacity: 2.5 tons
• Soviet rating: 4 tons

Engine and Drivetrain:

• Six-cylinder gasoline Hercules JXD engine
• Displacement: 5,243 cm³
• Power output: 87 horsepower
• Brown-Lipe dry single-plate clutch
• Warner mechanical five-speed transmission
• Two-speed transfer case
• Timken independent cardan axle drive with split case

Chassis and Body:

• Rear leaf-equalizing suspension
• Two-seater all-metal cabin (1942)
• Open cabin with soft top (from 1943)
• Six-volt electrical system
• Tire size: 7.50-20

Production in South Bend continued until late 1944.

The Famous Katyusha Rocket Launcher Platform

While the Soviet military initially mounted rocket launchers on various platforms, April 1943 marked the official adoption of the unified BM-13 “Katyusha” rocket launcher on the Studebaker US6 chassis. This combination became one of WWII’s most iconic and feared weapon systems.

Delivery Routes and Quantities

Approximately 200,000 Studebaker trucks reached the USSR through three primary routes:

• Persian Corridor: Through Iran
• Alaska-Siberia Route: Via Alaska
• Arctic Convoys: Through Murmansk

Each truck arrived complete with:

• Full set of spanners and tools
• Waterproof driver’s jacket made of sealskin (though these were typically confiscated by quartermasters rather than issued to drivers)

US6 Variants in Soviet Service

The Red Army received two main configurations:

• US6x6: All-wheel drive with 6×6 configuration (three powered axles)
• US6x4: 6×4 wheel arrangement (rear axles powered)

Operational Performance and Soviet Experience

Advantages over Soviet trucks:

• Superior all-wheel drive system (three powered axles)
• Excellent off-road capability
• Driver comfort
• Ease of operation and maintenance

Operational challenges:

• Clutch plate failures due to constant overloading
• Rear-axle tube breakage under heavy loads
• Speed limitations: 40 km/h unloaded, 30 km/h loaded

Despite these challenges, Soviet soldiers and drivers highly valued their “Studers” for reliability and performance in harsh conditions.

Post-War Service and Legacy

Following Germany’s defeat:

• Some vehicles returned to the United States per Lend-Lease agreement terms
• Remaining trucks served in the Soviet Army until 1950
• Many participated in USSR post-war reconstruction efforts
• The US6 became a legendary symbol of Allied cooperation

Driving Requirements: Then and Now

Operating a Studebaker military truck required a valid driver’s license—a requirement that remains universal today for both trucks and cars. However, modern international travel demands additional documentation. A national driving license alone is insufficient for many countries, making an international driving permit essential for global drivers. Our website offers quick and hassle-free international driving permit services—contact us today to obtain your document without unnecessary complications.