AIL M325 Command Car

AIL M325 Command Car
Overview
Manufacturer	Automotive Industries Limited
Assembly	Nazareth, Israel
Layout	Front engine, four wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	Chrysler 227 3.7 litre slant-six cylinder, capable of 100 hp @ 3600 rpm and a consumption of 6 km/l at 100 km/h
Transmission	NP 435 4-speed gearbox giving a 4.88:1 drive ratio. Standard with Braden PTO winch
Dimensions
Wheelbase	126 in
Length	200 in
Width	82 in
Height	93 in
Curb weight	2600 kg

The AIL M325 Command Car is a 4x4 military truck produced by the Automotive Industries Limited (AIL) of Nazareth in Israel from 1970 to 1993 for use by the Israel Defense Forces. The M325 is a light, pen-bodied and versatile truck designed for carrying up to 12 troops and radio equipment while being fitted with up to four 7.62 mm machine guns. Mechanically, it is based on the Dodge Power Wagon, which it succeeded in service for the Israel Defense Forces.

The Hebrew abbreviation for "weapon carrier" (noseh neshek), Nun-Nun, has come to refer to the M-325.

The Israeli government were long time users of Dodge vehicles, with many numbers of ex World War Two Dodge Weapons Carriers (Dodge WC series) being used. These were later supplemented by open cabbed Dodge WM 300 and M601 Power Wagons assembled by AIL. In 1970, the M325 Command Car was first produced to replace the Power Wagons, on classic Dodge M601 chassis with Chrysler components and AIL bodywork. These early production models were characterised by Dodge axles, vertical grille bars and round headlights while later models had horizontal grille bars and square headlights. The later models were fitted with a Chrysler 227 slant-six cylinder 3.7 litre motor, NP 435 4 speed gearbox. The NP transfer case gave a 4.88:1 final drive ratio. The late-model chassis boasted Dana 70 rear axles and Dana 60 front axles with disc brakes and hydraulic-assisted steering. Production-fitted tyres were 9.00x16 Alliance versions of the Michelin. Winch equipped vehicles were fitted with a Braden winch driven from the gearbox power take-off (PTO), while some late production models were fitted with electric Superwinches. The AILs are known for their superior off-road capabilities with low gearing (82:1), good ground clearance (16 inches) and ample power given by the 3.7 litre Chrysler motor.

The AIL M325 was produced in a number of versions. The Cargo A version was designed as a personnel carrier with seats placed along the sides facing inwards, being able to carry 12 men and their equipment. The Cargo B was designed as a command and reconnaissance vehicle. Outwardly similar to the Cargo A, an open light truck, but with seats mounted centrally facing outwards and mounting 7.62 FN machine guns on each side, and one on the dashboard in front of the co-driver,. These vehicles have a removable canvas or nylon cab with doors, roll bars and a canvas covering for the rear. They were also used to tow the 105 mm gun.

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Wikipedia