The XR311 was a prototype military vehicle of US origin, given the nickname G.I. Hotrod.
Development
Development of the XR311 commenced as a private venture in 1969 with the first of two prototypes being completed in 1970. As a result of the trials of these 2 prototypes the US Army purchased 10 improved or second generation models in 1971. Of these 10 vehicles, 4 had TOW missile installation for use in the anti-tank role, 3 had an M2HB machine-gun for use in the reconnaissance role and 3 had 7.62mm M60 machine guns and the crew armor kit for use in the escort/security role. These trials were completed in 1972. They were then tested by the 2nd Armored Division. In 1974 they were also tested in the 2nd Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle competition along with a number of vehicles including the original FMC and Lockheed Martin designs. It has been stated that an XR311 with TOW missile installation costs around $50,000. The XR311 has been designed to carry out a wide variety of roles including anti-tank, recce, convoy escort, command and control, medivac, military police, mortar carrier, internal security and forward air defense communications vehicle.
Variants
There are 2 models of the XR311:
1.A recoilless 106 mm rifle mounted above the crew compartment and a total of six rounds of ammunition,
2.TOW installation with a total of 10 TOW missiles
Reconnaissance: Fitted with a ring-mounted .50cal M2HB machine guns with a 360 degree traverse
Convoy Escort/ Security Vehicle: This can be provided with a pintle-mount 5.56mm/7.62 mmCal GPMG's, XM174 automatic grenade launcher's and various other similar weapons. These weapons can also be mounted on the reconnaissance model on the ring mount.
The following kits are available for the basic vehicle: Crew compartment armor kit, consisting of a high-hardness steel doors, side body panels, toe panel, firewall, bullet-proof windshield and bullet-proof side windows. Armored radiator, Armored fuel tank, Top and door kit (water-proof fabric with plastic windows and hinged doors) Various communications installations, High output alternators, 100 and 180 Amp, Litter-carrying kit ,Jump seat for two additional passengers., Explosion resistant reticulated foam fuel-tank filler, Radial ply tires or bullet-proof foam-filled tires, Extreme climate kits for winterization or desert temperatures, Tool kit and portable fire extinguisher.
Overview
The XR311 is built around a tubular-steel frame safety roll-cage which protects the passenger compartment if the vehicle turns over. This cage is covered by a heavy-gauge sheet metal. An electrical winch with a capacity of 5,000 kg (11,023 lb) can be mounted at the front of the vehicle if required, and the windshield can be removed. The passenger compartment is in the center of the vehicle with the driver on the left and two passenger seats to his right. There is space for 0.93 cubic metres (33 cu ft) of cargo behind the passenger seats. The engine and transmission are at the rear of the hull and there is a load-carrying space above this which can take a maximum load of 386 kg (851 lb) . A full length skid pan protects the hull and allows the vehicle to slide over obstacles. The transmission is a Chrysler A-727 fully automatic with a torque converter, there are 3F and 1R gears - the XR311 is in 4 x 4 drive all the time. Limited-slip clutches, in front and rear, and inter-axle differentials automatically distribute more torque to those wheels with the most grip. The independent suspension is of a double 'A' design with a torsion-bar spring and hydraulic telescopic shock absorber at each station. A stabilizer bar is provided for the rear suspension. The steering is power-assisted and the tubeless tires have a high-pressure tube inner tire which provides a built-in spare for each tube as well as eliminating rim leaks during high speed cornering. The tires are self-cleaning and disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels. The electrical system is 24V DC and two batteries with a capacity of 45 Amp/Hr are provided. The alternator is of the integral rectifier and regulator type. The XR311 is proved with a heavy duty towing pintle as well as a trailer wiring harness receptacle. It is air-transportable and can be air-dropped.
FMC XR311
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FMC XR311
I can really picture myself in one of these on the Gauteng roads!
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Re: FMC XR311
The Lamborghini Cheetah was Lamborghini's first attempt at an off-road vehicle. It was built on contract from Mobility Technology International, which in turn was contracted by the US military to design and build a new all-terrain vehicle. The basis of the design came from MTI, and was largely a copy of FMC's XR311 prototype developed for the military in 1970. This resulted in legal action from FMC against MTI and Lamborghini in 1977 when the Cheetah was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The XR311 and Cheetah could be considered progenitors of the current Humvee.
The Cheetah was built in San Jose, California. After initial construction, the prototype was sent to Sant'Agata so Lamborghini could put on the finishing touches. They decided to go with a large, waterproofed 180 bhp 5.9L Chrysler engine, rear mounted, with a 3 speed automatic transmission. The body was fiberglass, and inside there was enough room for four fully equipped soldiers as well as the driver.
The mounting of the engine in the rear gave the Cheetah very poor handling characteristics, and the engine choice was not powerful enough to be adequate for the heavy vehicle (2,042 kilograms (4,500 lb)), resulting in overall poor performance.
The US military tested the Cheetah and allegedly destroyed the only prototype. The remains were never returned to Lamborghini or MTI.
In the end, the military contract was awarded to AM General and their similar looking Humvee.
The failure of the Cheetah project, along with Lamborghini financial problems, led to the cancellation of a contract from BMW to develop their M1 sports car.
Lamborghini eventually developed the Lamborghini LM002 — a similar design, but with a 12-cylinder motor from the Lamborghini Countach mounted in the front.
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Re: FMC XR311
The LM002 is still one of my dream cars. There used to be 2 of them in Cape Town in the late 90s.
They are massive vehicles. And the amount of rubber in those rims is just crazy.
They are massive vehicles. And the amount of rubber in those rims is just crazy.
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Re: FMC XR311
Tire size = 325/65/17
That is 855mm in height. Try measure that against your beetle. Its higher than the bottom of the door windows - yes I had one next to me at a traffic light.
That is 855mm in height. Try measure that against your beetle. Its higher than the bottom of the door windows - yes I had one next to me at a traffic light.
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Re: FMC XR311
Nothing compared to those on the rears of the Lambo R 485Tony Z wrote:And the amount of rubber in those rims is just crazy.
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Re: FMC XR311
There was one in Kirstenhof that I saw a few years ago. Took a pic of it I am sure. Red. That thing was HUGE!Tony Z wrote:Tire size = 325/65/17
That is 855mm in height. Try measure that against your beetle. Its higher than the bottom of the door windows - yes I had one next to me at a traffic light.
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Re: FMC XR311
I am glad to hear it is still around. The other one is black.
I saw the red one on the road and also in viglietti for a service. Standing upright, the carburettors are almost eye level
I saw the red one on the road and also in viglietti for a service. Standing upright, the carburettors are almost eye level
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Re: FMC XR311
gonna check my mac at home for that photo.
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FMC XR311
I was wrong. It was grey
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Re: FMC XR311
Pine
that XR 311 looks cool ,almost mist the post --thought it was someting Ford like and Ive grown up long ago so .
I wonder if somebody will build one here but only in swb.
cheersbaron
that XR 311 looks cool ,almost mist the post --thought it was someting Ford like and Ive grown up long ago so .
I wonder if somebody will build one here but only in swb.
cheersbaron
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Re: FMC XR311
Shouldn't be too difficult to build one - as it is mostly angular lines?
Another pic
Another pic
XR-311 Military prototype, Michigan DNR Park Ranger, Silver Lake State Park. One of thirteen vehicles built by FMC as a prototype vehicle for the US Military. If I remember correct it seems like this particular unit was the 11th one built. The VIN/Serial numbers for them where consecutive 1 - 13. This XR-311 was acquired by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the early 1980's and after some modification was used to patrol the sand dunes at Silver Lake State Park. It was equipped with emergency lights, siren, two-way radios, and a spot light. A custom canvass top and clear vinyl side curtains were also added to allow for use in poor weather conditions. Later in its service life the XR-311 was repainted to a dark forest green. When taken out of service the XR-311 went to a military museum in Wisconsin.
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