View source for M422 Mighty Mite

{{Short description|U.S. military 4x4 utility truck}}
{{about|the extra-light 4x4 military jeep|the basketball player nicknamed Mighty Mite|Barney Sedran}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox weapon
|name=M422 Mighty Mite
|image=M422 Mighty Mite.jpg
|image_size=270px
|caption=Initial series M422, with 65-inch wheelbase
|origin= United States
|type={{frac|1|4}} ton (227kg) 4x4 utility truck
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_vehicle=yes
<!-- Service history -->
|service=
|used_by=
|wars=
<!-- Production history -->
|designer=
|design_date=
|manufacturer=[[American Motors Corporation]]
|production_date=1959–1962
|number=1,250 (+ 2,672 M422A1)
|variants=M422A1
<!-- General specifications -->
|spec_label=
|weight={{convert|1700|lb|abbr=on}} empty
|length= {{convert|107|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|width= {{convert|61|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|height={{convert|59|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|crew=
<!-- Vehicle specifications -->
|armour=
|primary_armament=
|secondary_armament=
|engine= {{convert|107.8|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}}
|engine_power={{convert|55|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
|suspension=independent with leaf springs
|vehicle_range={{convert|225|mi|km|1|abbr=on}}
|speed={{convert|62|mph|abbr=on}}
}}

The '''AMC M422 'Mighty Mite',''' or '''G-843''' by its [[List of U.S. military vehicles by supply catalog designation#G800 to G899|supply catalog designation]],<ref>According to its [[United States Army Ordnance Corps]] Supply Catalog designation, 'G-number', or SNL nr. – a group number for ordering parts, based on a [[List of U.S. Army weapons by supply catalog designation|Standard Nomenclature List]], or SNL.</ref> is an extra lightweight ¼-ton 4x4 tactical truck, designed for the [[United States Marine Corps]], to be suitable for helicopter airlift and manhandling.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=aNwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA100 |title=Marines Unveil Mighty Mite |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=May 1953 |page=100 |volume=99 |issue=5  |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> It is noted for its exceptionally short length, and resulting very tight [[turning radius|turning circle]], while still highway approved for a top speed of {{cvt|55|mph|km/h|0}} (U.S. military), and capable of {{cvt|65|mph|km/h|0}} according to its manufacturer, [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC).<ref name="Doyle2019">{{cite web |last=Doyle |first=David |title=MV Spotlight: G-843 'Mighty Mite' |url= https://www.militarytrader.com/military-vehicles/g-843-mighty-mite |website=Military Trader  |date=13 November 2019 |orig-date=19 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230811001314/https://www.militarytrader.com/military-vehicles/g-843-mighty-mite |archive-date=11 August 2023 |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> From 1959 through 1962, just under 4,000 M422 Mighty Mites were built by American Motors for the U.S. Marines.

==History==

During [[World War II]], many prototypes were already developed for a {{1/4}}{{nbh}}ton jeep, which was still significantly lighter and more compact than the U.S. Army's lightest, all-terrain, all-purpose vehicle at the time, the [[Willys MB|Willys {{1/4}}{{nbh}}ton Jeep]]. They were intended for transport in small [[Glider (aircraft)|(glider) aircraft]] and such, but none went into production. However, after the war, a self-taught engineer, pilot, and auto racer, Ben F. Gregory, conceived a mini-jeep design and built a successful prototype, later named the "MM-100".<ref name="Allen2018">{{cite web |last=Allen |first=Jim |title=Backward Glances: 1960 AMC M-422 Mighty Mite |url= https://www.motortrend.com/features/1804-backward-glances-1960-amc-m-422-mighty-mite/ |work=Motor Trend |date=16 April 2018 |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref>

The Mighty Mite was first conceived between 1946 and 1947, by a self-taught engineer, pilot, and auto racer from Missouri, [[Ben F. Gregory]].<ref name="Doyle2019"/><ref name=White2000>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.collectorcafe.com/article_archive.asp?article=420&id=1482 |last=White |first=Lloyd |title=The Development of the M422 |magazine=Army Motors |issue=91 |date=Spring 2000 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120205134254/http://www.collectorcafe.com/article_archive.asp?article=420&id=1482|archive-date=5 February 2012 |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> Gregory designed several [[front-wheel drive]] cars after [[World War I]], but was unsuccessful in marketing them. He turned to commercial aviation, but a crash in 1942 ended his flying career. Recovering from serious injuries, he became an aircraft inspector. After the end of [[World War II]], Gregory found new investors. He turned again to front-drive cars, this time culminating in a fully driveable prototype—an innovative 1947 [[Rear-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|rear-engined, front-drive]] compact car, the [[Gregory Sedan]]. No carmaker was interested in his car, but he was inspired to use some of its design features, such as leading- and [[trailing-arm suspension|trailing-arms suspension]], in a more modern [[four-wheel drive]] off-road vehicle, or jeep, and he found additional investors willing to fund a prototype.<ref name="Allen2018"/>

One investor arranged a 1951 demonstration for the [[United States Marine Corps]] (USMC) Equipment Board, which went so well that the investors quickly formed the Mid-America Research Corporation (MARCO) to develop the vehicle for military or commercial markets. That same year, MARCO presented it as the MARCO MM-100, making it the first clean-sheet {{1/4}}{{nbh}}ton vehicle to be designed for the U.S. military after [[World War II]]. The USMC executed a contract for ten test vehicles in August 1951. The vehicles were delivered in December 1952, and the USMC began the test program.<ref name="Allen2018"/> For further development, the company decided to hire [[Harold Crist]], [[American Bantam|American Bantam's]] original chief engineer on designing the original [[Bantam BRC]], on which [[Willys MB]] multi-role vehicle was based. Joining on 1&nbsp;January 1953 as project manager, Crist brought with him three of the main people who had worked on the original Bantam vehicle: Chet Hempfling, Ralph Turner, and Frank McMillan. From that point, the team included four of the original WW&nbsp;II vehicle engineers.<ref name=White2000/><ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.militarytrader.com/military-vehicles/g-843-mighty-mite |title=MV Spotlight: G-843 'Mighty Mite' |date=19 October 2019 |magazine=Military Vehicles Magazine |last=Doyle |first=David |orig-date=19 October 2016 |quote=.. Harold Crist, Ralph Turner, Frank McMillan, and Chet Hemphling. These four men had been instrumental in the creation of the jeep for American Bantam prior to WWII. |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> But Gregory, in turn, was eventually forced out of the company.<ref name="Doyle2019"/>

[[File:HR2S with jeep.jpg|thumb|[[Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave|HR2S-1 Duece]] (H-35) with jeep, it could carry up to three Mites]]

The MM-100 used a {{cvt|44|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, {{cvt|79|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[flat-four engine]] from the "S" version of the [[Porsche 356]], but this choice proved problematic, as using a foreign-built engine would violate regulations requiring U.S.-built equipment in U.S. military vehicles. Attempts were made to substitute the [[Lycoming O-145]], an American aircraft engine, but it was deemed too expensive and difficult to adapt to a ground vehicle. A solution presented itself when MARCO discovered that [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC) was developing a lightweight, air-cooled {{cvt|50|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, {{cvt|95|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[V4 engine]] for a proposed economy car to be sold under AMC's [[Nash Motors]] brand. AMC quickly became interested in the MM-100 because it needed a new product to keep a former [[Hudson Motor Company|Hudson]] commercial vehicle plant operating. By 1954, AMC had completely taken over the project.<ref name="Allen2018"/>

Problems were encountered with the designers' decision to save weight by not using a conventional exhaust system. The prototype did not have a muffler or pipe – rather the exhaust was routed through some frame tubes. This design was inferior because the condensation and acidic fumes caused premature frame failure.<ref name=forgotten>{{cite magazine|url= http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssues/0509-issue/050910d-old-iron.html |title=The Forgotten Marine: M422 Mighty Mite |last=Allen |first=Jim |magazine=Off-road Adventures Magazine |date=September 2005 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120820122824/http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssues/0509-issue/050910d-old-iron.html |archive-date=20 August 2012 |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> There was a competing prototype built by [[Willys]], the 1953 Bobcat or "Aero Jeep", which was to share as many parts as possible with the M38 and M38A1 to save costs.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=nNwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA140&dq=Willys+Aero+Jeep+Matches+Speed+and+Light+Weight&hl=en |title=Willy's Aero Jeep Matches Speed and Weight of Mighty Mite |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=March 1954 |page=140  |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> However, the Willys version was rejected in favor of the more advanced M422.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://cj3b.info/Poster/BC.html |last=Redmond |first=Derek |title=1953 BC Bobcat |work=The CJ3B Page |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> In April 1958, AMC and the USMC executed a contract for delivery of 250 production M422 vehicles contingent upon successful trials of the first seven.<ref name="Allen2018"/>

The vehicle was intended to be liftable, underslung the strongest helicopters of the era, the [[Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw|Sikorski H-19]] being the benchmark.<ref name="Allen2018"/> Although the vehicle was to be used only by the U.S. Marine Corps, it was evident from the beginning that production numbers would remain limited,{{refn |For comparison: during WW II, the Army ordered some 80,000 half-ton [[Dodge WC series]] trucks for 1941 alone, while the Marine Corps, a smaller and much more specialized U.S. defense branch, ordered a total of 1,123 International M-1-4 trucks from [[International Harvester]].{{sfnp|ref=DoyleCat11|Doyle|2011|p=46}} }} the vehicle was extensively engineered and incorporated many innovations.

==Engineering==
[[File:1961 M422 Mighty Mite.jpg|thumb|M422 Mighty Mite, 65-inch wheelbase with the early thin windshield]]
[[File:M422A1 Mighty Mite.jpg|thumb|M422A1 Mighty Mite, 71-inch wheelbase]]
{{external media
| float  = right
| width  = 220
| title  = Gregory car and M422 suspension
| headerimage= [[File:Axle - Trailing arm 42.gif|alt= Trailing-arms basic|220px]] <!-- "|x20px" example [[File:YouTube Logo 2017.svg|alt=YouTube logo|x20px|left]] or ...|right]] ---> 
| caption = Gregory's designs cantilever ¼-elliptic [[leaf-spring]]s, clamped to the hinged base of each arm, extending inwards, opposite to each [[trailing-arm suspension|arm's length from its hinges to the wheel-hubs]]
| image1 = [https://web.archive.org/web/20230831155418/https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/2/7/270eeb26a98f3eb6bd748fa7e95559187d1f9078.jpeg The Gregory Sedan's plan view (bottom left) shows the car's 4-wheel independent suspension, using leading- and trailing-arm suspension, with the front-wheels' leading-arms laid closer to the car's center-line.]
| image2 = [https://web.archive.org/web/20230906140201/https://www.super-hobby.nl/zdjecia/4/3/4/41846_223.jpg Photo of a correctly detailed M422 scale model, showing the space-use under its floor, with the front arms' ¼-elliptic leaf-springs laid inside those of the rear trailing-arms]<ref>{{cite book|last=Crismon |first=Fred W. |title=US Military Wheeled Vehicles |edition=Second |year=1994 |publisher=Motorbooks International |isbn=978-0-879389-07-9 |page=222}}</ref> }}

To keep the weight low, the M422 became the first U.S. jeep fitted with an [[aluminum]] body. At {{convert|1700|lb|kg|0}}, it is the lightest conventional U.S. military truck to date.<ref>Except for the bodyless [[M274 ½-ton 4×4 utility platform truck|M274 'Mechanical Mule']]</ref> Also, this was the first U.S. small military vehicle designed with [[independent suspension]] all around (front: [[trailing arm|leading arms/trailing arms]] rear), sprung by ¼-elliptical [[leaf spring]]s. Among the M422's many unique features were front and rear [[limited-slip differential]]s, inboard differential mounted drum brakes, center-point steering, and the aluminum "AMC AV-108-4" [[List of AMC engines#Air-Cooled 108|V4 engine]] developed by American Motors. The air-cooled {{convert|107.8|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} developed {{convert|52|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|90|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque, which propelled the vehicle to a top speed of {{convert|65|mph|0}}, with a {{convert|55|mph|0|adj=on}} military rating. As with the [[M151]], the single-speed transfer case only engages/disengages the front wheel drive and is part of the transmission. The full-[[Synchromesh|synchronization]] meant it could be shifted from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive on the fly.

Although a two-seater, the little vehicle could theoretically move six people. There were no conventional rear seats. Instead, the two additional seats are integrated into the functional tailgate, and two small folding backrests are placed on the top of the rear fenders.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.carsclassic.com/stock/1961%20AMC%20(JEEP)%20MIGHTY%20MITE%20M422A1.html |title=1961 AMC (Jeep) Mighty Mite M422A1 |work=Cars with Class |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070922235226/http://www.carsclassic.com/stock/1961%20AMC%20%28JEEP%29%20MIGHTY%20MITE%20M422A1.html |archive-date=22 September 2007 |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> Additionally, the M422 was rated to carry {{convert|850|lb|kg|abbr=on}} off-road, while all other standard military {{1/4}}{{nbh}}ton vehicles (even the [[M151]]) were rated at {{convert|800|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.

There was a version of the M416 trailer specially adapted for towing by an M422: the [[M416B1]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.jeepolog.com/UserFiles/downloads/TM_9-2330-251-14.pdf |title=Department of the Army Technical Manual – TM9-2330-251-14 |date=6 October 1970 |via=jeepolog.com |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://surfacezero.com/g503/showphoto.php?photo=20875 |title=M422A1 Mighty Mite and M416B1 Trailer |website=surfacezero.com |date=2006 |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> Early production M416B1 came with magnesium M151 wheels, that later switched to steel wheels as on the M422. Other features included USMC lifting rings and holders in front of the fenders to store aluminum water cans.

Like other [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] contract vehicles, the M422s came from the factory with all deep-water fording equipment installed, except for the pipes.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.steelsoldiers.com/archive/index.php/t-2940.html |title=Steel Soldiers |publisher=Steel Soldiers |date=5 January 2006 |access-date=17 August 2015}}</ref> In its early development stage the Marines developed a lightweight flotation kit that could easily be stored on the M422 when not in need, in which four large tubes inflated by exhaust encompassed the bottom part of the frame that allowed the vehicle to swim deeper waters. The vehicle's spinning wheels provided propulsion and steering in the water.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=8NsDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA79&dq=Mighty+Mite+Permit+Fording+of+Streams&hl=en |title=Water Wings for the Mighty Mite Permit Fording of Streams |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=August 1953 |page=79 |volume=100 |issue=2  |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref>

In 1958, seven prototypes passed grueling tests, and the first 250 vehicles were built by [[American Motors Corporation|American Motors]]. These units went into mass production in 1960, and AMC built 3,922 Mighty Mites through 1962 for the U.S. Marine Corps.<ref name=forgotten/> Over the years, the vehicle was produced in two model versions: the M422 and M422A1.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.lanemotormuseum.org/collection/cars/item/amc-m422-mighty-mite-1960 |title=AMC M422 Mighty Mite- 1960 |website=lanemotormuseum.org |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> The M422 had a short {{convert|65|in|adj=on}} wheelbase. After production of 1,045 units, the Mighty Mite evolved into the M422A1, {{convert|6|in|0}} longer in both wheelbase and overall length, as well as {{convert|80|lb|kg}} heavier. The first Mighty Mites with the 71-inch wheelbase were experimental models built from production M422s. They had an extended frame and aluminum bracing added behind the seat as well as crudely fashioned tool storage boxes. This model was the M422E1, of which only a few were made. Once put into production, the longer wheelbase model was designated the M422A1 and featured a reinforcing rib on the rear fender forward of the wheel opening.

The M422 came with 6.00-16 NDT tires on steel wheels. The vehicles did not come from the factory with spare tires, but kits were later produced that could be added. However, the rear-mounted spare tires rendered the tailgate unusable. There is no provision for a gas can carrier. Either model could be fitted with a sturdier windshield similar to the [[Willys M38A1]] that, along with top bows, would facilitate using a canvas winter top.

At over [[United States dollar|US$]]5,000 per unit ({{Inflation|US|5,000|1959|fmt=eq|r=-2}}), it was relatively expensive.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://cj3b.info/Poster/M422.html |title=The M-422 Mighty Mite |work=CJ3B Page |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> Development and certification of the M422 took through 1959. When the M422 debuted, it coincided with the adoption of helicopters like the [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois|Bell UH-1 "Huey"]] with much more carrying capacity than the Marine Corps' [[Sikorsky HRS]] with its {{convert|2650|lb|kg|0|adj=on}} cargo limit (including crew and fuel), for which the M422 had been developed.<ref name="Allen2018"/> Except for parachute airdrops, the vehicle became obsolete. These factors quickly rendered the Mite an outmoded, redundant [[supply chain]] complication, more expensive and largely less capable than a regular {{1/4}}{{nbh}}ton Jeep, which accounts for the short production period, as well as the small production total.<ref name="Allen2018"/>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Dimensions and weights
!
! M422
! M422A1
|-
!Wheelbase
| {{convert|65|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|71|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|-
!Length
| {{convert|107|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|113|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|-
!Width
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|60|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|-
!Weight
| {{convert|1700|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|1780|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
|}

==See also==
* [[Crosley#Crosley Farm-O-Road|Crosley Farm-O-Road]], a 1950 jeep-like, highway-legal utility vehicle that was under ten feet long
* The British Royal Navy equivalent in the same period was to use [[Citroen 2CV]] pickup trucks.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.citroenet.org.uk/foreign/slough/rn-pickup/pick-up.html |title = The 2CV Pick-ups supplied to the Royal Navy}}</ref>
* [[Land Rover 1/2 ton Lightweight]] – a 1960s British lightweight military vehicle designed for helicopter carriage
* [[Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig]] – a 1990s Netherlands lightweight military vehicle designed for helicopter carriage
* [[M1301 Infantry Squad Vehicle]] – 2020s USA lightweight military vehicle for aircraft carriage

==References==
{{reflist}}

==General references==
*{{cite book|last=Crismon|first=Fred W.|title=US Military Wheeled Vehicles |edition=Third |year=2001 |publisher=Victory WWII Publishers |isbn=0-970056-71-0 |pages=221–222}}
*{{cite book|last=Doyle |first=David |title=Standard catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles|year=2003 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=0-87349-508-X |pages=40–42}}
*{{cite book|ref=DoyleCat11|last=Doyle |first=David |title=Standard catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles |edition=Second |year=2011 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-1-44022-799-8|pages=37–39}}
*{{cite book|last=Ware |first=Pat |title=The World Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles |year=2010 |publisher=Lorenz Books |isbn=978-0-7548-2052-9 |page=221}}

==External links==
* {{imcdb vehicle|make=AMC|model=M422|AMC M422}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.vintagemilitarytrucks.com/M422%20Mighty%20Mite%20Page.htm| title=M422 Mighty Mite Page |last=Colwell |first=John |website=vintagemilitarytrucks.com |access-date=24 May 2024}}
* {{cite web|url= https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bz-n7H_Ed9pDYTNiZjkyMWEtOTMwMC00OTJmLTkxMjctYWMwYjRmYmJkNDVl&usp=sharing |title=TM 9-2805-217-35 Field and Depot Maintenance Manual: Engine and Clutch – AMC Model AV-108-4 |work=Department of the Army |date=May 1960 |access-date=24 May 2024}}
* {{cite book|chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Ljdma-SYU0gC&q=mighty+mite+military+vehicle&pg=PA42 |pages=40–42|title=Standard catalog of U.S. military vehicles |first=David |last=Doyle |publisher=Krause Publications |year=2003 |edition=Second |chapter=Quarter-ton Trucks M422 |isbn=9780873495080 |access-date=17 August 2015}}
* {{cite web|url= http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/mambo2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=31 |title=Jeeps Unlimited – The Mighty Mite |last=Wenderoth |first=Jason |date=30 November 2005|website=jeepsunlimited.com |archive-url=  https://web.archive.org/web/20130522201323/http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/mambo2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=31 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |access-date=24 May 2024}}
* {{cite web|url= https://www.memorialmuseum.org/collection/military-jeeps/item/mighty-mite |title=Mighty Mite |work=U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum |access-date=24 May 2024}}
* {{cite web|url= http://www.ewillys.com/category/airborne-lightweight-jeeps/ |title=Airborne Lightweight Jeeps Research Archives |website=ewillys.com |access-date=24 May 2024}}

{{Post-WWII US Soft Vehicles}}
{{American Motors}}
{{amc Timeline}}

[[Category:AMC vehicles|Mighty Mite]]
[[Category:Military light utility vehicles]]
[[Category:Military trucks of the United States]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1950s]]
[[Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States]]
[[Category:Off-road vehicles]]
[[Category:Soft-skinned vehicles]]
[[Category:Vehicles designed for aircraft carriage]]