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41-695: The AMC M422 'Mighty Mite', or G-843 by its supply catalog designation , is an extra lightweight ¼-ton 4x4 tactical truck, designed for the United States Marine Corps , to be suitable for helicopter airlift and manhandling. It is noted for its exceptionally short length, and resulting very tight turning circle , while still highway approved for a top speed of 55 mph (89 km/h) (U.S. military), and capable of 65 mph (105 km/h) according to its manufacturer, American Motors Corporation (AMC). From 1959 through 1962, just under 4,000 M422 Mighty Mites were built by American Motors for

82-637: A 130 hp (97 kW) two-stroke V4 to the US market with what was called "precision blend" oil injection. Most of the outboard motors are usually two-stroke engines with a carburetor. In 1935, the Wisconsin Motor Manufacturing Company began producing petrol (gasoline) V4 engines for industrial, agricultural, and stationary applications, with several farm equipment manufacturers using the Wisconsin V4 engines. In 1950,

123-549: 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-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-arms suspension , in

164-519: A ground vehicle. A solution presented itself when MARCO discovered that American Motors Corporation (AMC) was developing a lightweight, air-cooled 50 hp (37 kW), 95 cu in (1.6 L) 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 commercial vehicle plant operating. By 1954, AMC had completely taken over

205-628: A heavier flywheel. Using split crankpins in a 60° V4, as used on the Ford Essex V4 engine and Ford Taunus V4 engines , results in an even firing order. The earliest automotive use of V4 engines were in Grand Prix racing (later called 'Formula One') cars. One of the pioneering V4 engines was in the 1898 Mors rear-engined car built in France. At the time, the lack of vibration from the V4 engine

246-511: A more modern four-wheel drive off-road vehicle, or jeep, and he found additional investors willing to fund a prototype. 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

287-489: A narrower V-angle could be utilized, such as 60 degrees. Although a 60° V4 is more compact than a 90° V4 engine, the 60° design does not have perfect primary balance (if the crankpins are not split) and, therefore, often require a balance shaft to reduce vibrations similar to the V6 engines . Additionally, any (four-stroke) V4 engine with shared crankpins will fire unevenly which will result in more vibration and potentially require

328-428: A perfect primary balance and offers the additional advantage of better secondary balance that reduces vibration. The shorter crankshaft of the V4 engine is less susceptible to the effects of torsional vibration due to its increased stiffness and also because of fewer supports suffers less friction losses. Disadvantages of V4 engines include its design being inherently wider compared to inline-4 engines, as well as

369-537: A regular 1 ⁄ 4 ‑ton Jeep, which accounts for the short production period, as well as the small production total. List of U.S. military vehicles by supply catalog designation#G800 to G899 This is the Group G series List of the United States military vehicles by (Ordnance) supply catalog designation, – one of the alpha-numeric "standard nomenclature lists" (SNL) that were part of

410-480: Is also included, being numbered G-1 . Generally, the G-series codes tended to group together "families" of vehicles that were similar in terms of their engine , transmission , drive train , and chassis , but have external differences. The body style and function of the vehicles within the same G-number may vary greatly. The July 1943 Ordnance Publications for Supply Index (OPSI); page 68) sums up in detail,

451-427: Is popular for outboard marine applications due to its short engine length. In 1958, both Johnson and Evinrude introduced 70.7 cu in (1,159 cc) V4 outboards rated at 50 hp (37 kW) and weighing 200 lb (91 kg). By 1972, the same basic V4 block was producing more than double the horsepower in stock form because of the experience manufacturers gained from racing. In 1988, Yamaha introduced

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492-400: Is usually supported by three main bearings in this type of engines. However this arrangement results an uneven firing engine. Split crankpins are preferred for even firing intervals. Compared to the more common inline-four engine layout, a V4 engine is much shorter. Although different V angles can be used, if the two pistons are at a 90° V-angle with shared crankpins, the engine also achieves

533-568: The M416B1 . 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 Marine Corps contract vehicles, the M422s came from the factory with all deep-water fording equipment installed, except for the pipes. In its early development stage

574-561: The French Grand Prix after just four laps, however, it later set a speed record of 164 km/h (102 mph). The first V4 engine used in production cars was the Lancia V4 engine that was first used in the 1922 Lancia Lambda . The Lancia engine was a narrow-angle design with an angle of 20 degrees between the banks and a single cylinder head with one overhead camshaft shared by both banks. It also used aluminium for both

615-642: The M422 debuted, it coincided with the adoption of helicopters like the Bell UH-1 “Huey” with much more carrying capacity than the Marine Corps' Sikorsky HRS with its 2,650-pound (1,202 kg) cargo limit (including crew and fuel), for which the M422 had been developed. 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

656-641: The MARCO MM-100, making it the first clean-sheet 1 ⁄ 4 ‑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. For further development, the company decided to hire Harold Crist , American Bantam's original chief engineer on designing

697-582: 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. In 1958, seven prototypes passed grueling tests, and the first 250 vehicles were built by American Motors . These units went into mass production in 1960, and AMC built 3,922 Mighty Mites through 1962 for

738-517: The Taunus engine, the Essex also was a 60-degree V4 with water cooling, overhead valves, and designed for use in front-engined cars/vans. The Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 racing car used in the 2014–2017 seasons used a 2.0 L (122 cu in) 90-degree turbocharged V4 engine that was mid-mounted. One of the first motorcycles powered by a V4 engine was the 1931–1935 Matchless Silver Hawk built in

779-626: The U.S. Marine Corps. Over the years, the vehicle was produced in two model versions: the M422 and M422A1. The M422 had a short 65-inch (1,700 mm) wheelbase. After production of 1,045 units, the Mighty Mite evolved into the M422A1, 6 inches (152 mm) longer in both wheelbase and overall length, as well as 80 pounds (36 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

820-471: The U.S. Marines. During World War Two , many prototypes were already developed for a 1 ⁄ 4 ‑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 1 ⁄ 4 ‑ton Jeep . They were intended for transport in small (glider) aircraft and such, but none went into production. However, after

861-540: The United Kingdom. The Silver Hawk used a narrow-angle 16-degree V4 engine with a single cylinder head, pushrod valve actuation, and air cooling. The 1936–1938 Puch P800 was built in Austria for both civilian and military uses. The P800 used a very wide-angle 170-degree V4 engine (therefore being close in appearance to a flat-four engine) with two cylinder heads and air cooling. V4 engines were used during

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902-432: The benchmark. 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, the vehicle was extensively engineered and incorporated many innovations. To keep the weight low, the M422 became the first U.S. jeep fitted with an aluminum body. At 1,700 pounds (771 kg), it is the lightest conventional U.S. military truck to date. Also, this

943-531: The block and head (which was unusual for the time). Lancia produced V4 engines until 1976, when they were replaced by flat-four engines. The 1960–1994 ZAZ Zaporozhets is a Soviet city-type car that used a rear-mounted V4 engine. This engine was based on the design used in the LuAZ-967 amphibious military vehicle. It featured air-cooling with a magnesium block and was produced in displacements from 0.7–1.2 L (43–73 cu in). The AMC Air-cooled 108

984-562: The company. The MM-100 used a 44 hp (33 kW), 79 cu in (1.3 L) 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

1025-465: The coverage of Group G as: No numbers in the G-400 to G-499 range were ever used. Note , these are largely unused, or unknown. Never used V4 engine The V4 engine is less common compared to straight-four engines . However, V4 engines have been used in automobiles, motorcycles, and other applications. Some V4 engines have two crankpins that are shared by opposing cylinders. The crankshaft

1066-469: The largest Wisconsin V4 engine was the VR4D with a displacement of 255 cu in (4.2 L) and a power output of 56.5 hp (42 kW) at 3000 rpm and a peak torque of 162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m) at 1250 rpm. The company produced V4 engines until 2019. In the mid-1940s, Turner Manufacturing in the United Kingdom produced a diesel water-cooled V4 engine for industrial and marine uses. This engine

1107-422: The mid-to-late 1980s, especially in transverse-engined Honda motorcycles that had a 90-degree V4 engine with water cooling. The majority MotoGP manufacturers chose the V4 configuration for their bikes since 2020. These include: The reasons for this are that compared to traditional firing order inline four engines, V4 engines Another use of the V4 engine is in outboard motors for boats. The V4 configuration

1148-410: The original Bantam BRC , on which Willys MB multi-role vehicle was based. Joining on 1 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 II vehicle engineers. But Gregory, in turn, was eventually forced out of

1189-870: The overall list of the United States Army weapons by supply catalog designation , a supply catalog that was used by the United States Army Ordnance Department / Ordnance Corps as part of the Ordnance Provision System, from about the mid-1920s to about 1958. In this, the Group G series numbers were designated to represent "tank / automotive materiel" – the various military vehicles and directly related materiel . These designations represent vehicles, modules, parts, and catalogs for supply and repair purposes. There can be numerous volumes, changes, and updates under each designation. The Group G list itself

1230-419: The project. 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. There was a competing prototype built by Willys , the 1953 Bobcat or "Aero Jeep", which

1271-484: 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 US$ 5,000 per unit (equivalent to $ 52,300 in 2023), it was relatively expensive. Development and certification of the M422 took through 1959. When

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1312-613: The requirement of two exhaust manifolds, two-cylinder heads, and two valvetrains (thus needing two sets of camshafts for overhead cam engines) rather than only one cylinder head, one manifold, one valvetrain, and one set of camshafts for an inline-four engine. Having two separate banks of components increases cost and complexity in comparison with inline four engines. Because V4 engines are wider than inline-four engines, incorporating auxiliary drives, inlet systems, and exhaust systems while maintaining an overall compact size may be more difficult like other V-type engines. In order to reduce width,

1353-504: 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,

1394-537: The two additional seats are integrated into the functional tailgate, and two small folding backrests are placed on the top of the rear fenders. Additionally, the M422 was rated to carry 850 lb (390 kg) off-road, while all other standard military 1 ⁄ 4 ‑ton vehicles (even the M151 ) were rated at 800 lb (363 kg). There was a version of the M416 trailer specially adapted for towing by an M422:

1435-485: The vehicle to a top speed of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h), with a 55-mile-per-hour (89 km/h) 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- 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,

1476-452: 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". The Mighty Mite was first conceived between 1946 and 1947, by a self-taught engineer, pilot, and auto racer from Missouri, Ben F. Gregory . Gregory designed several front-wheel drive cars after World War I , but was unsuccessful in marketing them. He turned to commercial aviation, but

1517-578: Was a 108 cu in (1.8 L) engine built from 1960 to 1963 for use in the lightweight M422 Mighty Mite military vehicle. The M422 developed was by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in the United States and specifically designed to be transported by helicopter. Beginning in the 1960s, Ford's European divisions produced two unrelated V4 engines. The first was the Ford Taunus V4 engine , produced in Germany from 1962 to 1981. The Taunus

1558-518: Was a 60-degree V4 engine with water cooling and overhead valves. Initially designed for use in front-engined cars, it was used in various Ford models and also used in the front-wheel-drive Saab 95 , Saab 96 , and Saab Sonett models. It was also used in the mid-engine Matra 530 sports car. The second Ford V4 engine was the Ford Essex V4 engine , produced in the United Kingdom from 1965 to 1977 and used in several Ford Corsair, Capri, Consul, Zephyr, and Transit models. Although designed separately from

1599-402: Was a key selling point. However, the car's V4 engine was replaced by a conventional inline-four engine by 1901. In the 1907 French Grand Prix , the car entered by J. Walter Christie used a 19,891 cc (1,214 cu in) V4 engine, the largest engine ever used in a Grand Prix race. The engine was mounted transversely in the front and the car was front-wheel drive. The car retired from

1640-546: Was the first U.S. small military vehicle designed with independent suspension all around (front: leading arms/trailing arms rear), sprung by ¼-elliptical leaf springs . Among the M422's many unique features were front and rear limited-slip differentials , inboard differential mounted drum brakes, center-point steering, and the aluminum "AMC AV-108-4" V4 engine developed by American Motors. The air-cooled 107.8 cu in (1.8 L) developed 52 bhp (39 kW) and 90 lb⋅ft (122 N⋅m) of torque, which propelled

1681-586: Was to share as many parts as possible with the M38 and M38A1 to save costs. However, the Willys version was rejected in favor of the more advanced M422. 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. The vehicle was intended to be liftable, underslung the strongest helicopters of the era, the Sikorski H-19 being

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