The U.S. M59 Armored Personnel Carrier: A Step Forward and a Step Back in Military Mobility

In the mid-20th century, the demands of mechanized warfare began to reshape the nature of military vehicles. As armies around the world looked for ways to improve the mobility, protection, and firepower of their infantry units, the armored personnel carrier (APC) became a crucial part of their arsenals. The United States military, always keen on advancing technological innovation, introduced the M59 Armored Personnel Carrier in 1954. This vehicle was designed to replace the aging M75 APC, which had served in previous conflicts but was proving inadequate for the rapidly changing tactics of the Cold War.

While the M59 APC represented an important leap forward in some areas, it also highlighted the challenges of designing military vehicles that balanced mobility, protection, and cost. The M59 was amphibious, capable of crossing water obstacles with ease, and cheaper to produce than its predecessor, the M75. However, its design also brought with it several significant shortcomings, particularly in terms of engine reliability and armor protection. These issues, combined with the vehicle’s cumbersome size and weight, meant that the M59 would only remain in service for a relatively short period before being replaced by the M113 in 1960—a lighter, more reliable APC that would come to define U.S. mechanized infantry for decades.

The story of the M59 is not just about the vehicle itself but also about the broader evolution of armored warfare during the Cold War. It’s a tale of experimentation, trial and error, and the rapid evolution of military technology in response to both technological advancements and shifting geopolitical tensions. While the M59 ultimately fell short of meeting all the expectations set for it, its introduction marked an important moment in the U.S. Army’s push to create more efficient and capable mechanized forces.

The M59 Armored Personnel Carrier: Design and Features

The M59 APC was designed with the primary goal of transporting infantry units safely across the battlefield, allowing soldiers to quickly deploy from the vehicle and engage in combat. Unlike earlier models like the M75, which had been heavier and less maneuverable, the M59 was intended to provide greater mobility and versatility. The M59 could carry a squad of 10 dismounts, along with two crew members—the driver and the vehicle commander—making it well-suited for mechanized infantry and reconnaissance units.

One of the standout features of the M59 was its amphibious capability. The M59 could float and move across water, which was a significant advantage for units operating in areas with rivers, streams, or other water obstacles. In an era where mobility on various types of terrain was essential, the ability to cross water bodies without having to dismount was a powerful tactical asset. The vehicle was powered by an 8-cylinder gasoline engine, which gave it a top speed of around 30 mph on land. On water, the M59 could travel at a modest 4 mph, allowing for strategic movements in coastal and riverine environments.

In terms of armament, the M59 was equipped with a single .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun, mounted on the vehicle’s turret. While this provided sufficient firepower to defend the vehicle from infantry and light vehicle threats, it was not particularly effective against heavier armor or more advanced enemy weaponry. The focus of the M59 was not necessarily on offensive firepower, but rather on providing protection and mobility for the infantry it carried.

The M59’s steel hull, which measured just over 21 tons, offered some protection against small arms fire and shrapnel, but its armor was not sufficient to withstand more serious threats such as anti-tank weapons. The vehicle’s profile was also large—nearly as large as that of a tank—making it a relatively easy target on the battlefield. The combination of its weight, its vulnerability to higher-caliber weaponry, and its size made the M59 a less-than-ideal choice for the evolving demands of modern warfare.

While the M59 was designed with some advanced features for its time, it was not without its flaws. One of the most significant issues was its engine reliability. The vehicle’s engine was prone to mechanical failures, making it difficult to maintain and operate in the field for extended periods. This problem limited the M59’s overall effectiveness and led to a number of logistical challenges, as it could not always keep up with the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of modern warfare.

The Limitations of the M59: Why It Fell Short

While the M59 was an improvement over its predecessor, the M75, it had several limitations that ultimately led to its short tenure in service. Despite its amphibious capability and the relatively low cost of production, the vehicle’s size and armor made it less effective in combat situations. The M59’s weight of 21 tons was significant, particularly considering that the armor provided limited protection against higher-caliber weaponry and artillery.

The M59’s large profile was another drawback. On the battlefield, where stealth and maneuverability were critical, the M59’s relatively cumbersome design made it an easy target for enemy forces. The vehicle’s size not only made it vulnerable to direct hits but also made it harder to maneuver in tight spaces or rough terrain. In an era where speed and flexibility were becoming more important in combat, the M59’s design ultimately limited its effectiveness as a mobile platform for infantry.

Another issue was the engine’s reliability. The M59 was powered by a gasoline engine, which was prone to mechanical issues and required constant maintenance. In combat conditions, where reliability is paramount, the M59’s engine could be a significant liability. The difficulty in maintaining the vehicle in the field made it less suitable for the fast-paced operations of modern warfare, especially as military technology continued to advance.

Perhaps most significantly, the M59 was overshadowed by its successor, the M113. The M113 was a lighter, smaller, and more reliable vehicle that addressed many of the shortcomings of the M59. It was equipped with improved armor protection, a more reliable engine, and a design that allowed for greater maneuverability and speed. The M113 quickly replaced the M59 in U.S. Army service and would go on to become the standard armored personnel carrier for decades.

The Transition to the M113: Lessons Learned from the M59

The development of the M59 and its subsequent replacement by the M113 marked an important shift in the evolution of military armored vehicles. While the M59 was a step forward in some ways, it became clear that its limitations—particularly its weight, engine reliability, and armor protection—made it less suitable for the evolving nature of warfare.

The M113, introduced in 1960, addressed many of the M59’s flaws. It was lighter, faster, and more maneuverable, and it featured improved armor that made it more effective in combat. The M113’s engine was also more reliable, reducing the logistical challenges that had plagued the M59. In short, the M113 was a more practical, versatile vehicle that met the demands of modern warfare more effectively than the M59 ever could.

The lessons learned from the shortcomings of the M59 played a crucial role in shaping the future of armored personnel carriers. The M113 became the standard APC for the U.S. Army, and its design would influence many future military vehicles. Its success also highlighted the importance of balancing mobility, firepower, and protection—elements that would continue to be at the forefront of military vehicle development for years to come.

Legacy of the M59: A Footnote in the Evolution of Armored Warfare

While the M59 was only in service for a relatively short period, its impact on the development of armored personnel carriers cannot be understated. It was part of a broader evolution in military vehicle design, one that sought to provide infantry units with greater mobility and protection. The lessons learned from the M59’s shortcomings paved the way for future innovations in armored vehicles, most notably the M113.

For those who served in the M59, the vehicle will always be remembered as a symbol of a transitional period in armored warfare—a time when the U.S. Army was moving away from the heavy, cumbersome vehicles of World War II and embracing the more agile, reliable, and versatile designs that would define the post-war era.

While the M59 may not be as well-known or as iconic as other military vehicles, its legacy lives on in the vehicles that followed. The M59’s contribution to the development of modern armored vehicles, particularly in terms of amphibious capabilities, armor design, and infantry transport, laid the groundwork for the vehicles that would go on to define the U.S. military’s ability to project power and protect its soldiers in future conflicts.

 The M59 and Its Place in History

The M59 Armored Personnel Carrier may have had a brief service life, but its role in the evolution of armored warfare is undeniable. It marked a significant step forward in the design of military vehicles, offering amphibious capability and a cost-effective solution for transporting troops. However, its limitations—particularly its size, weight, and engine reliability—ultimately led to its replacement by the more efficient M113.

The M59’s legacy is one of experimentation and learning. It was an attempt to balance the needs of mobility, protection, and cost in an increasingly complex and fast-moving world of modern warfare. Its shortcomings provided invaluable lessons for future vehicle design, lessons that would lead to the development of the vehicles that would dominate the battlefields of the next decades.

In the grand history of military vehicles, the M59 may be remembered as a stepping stone, a vehicle that didn’t quite live up to the expectations of its time but helped pave the way for the vehicles that would follow. In the end, the M59’s contribution to military vehicle design is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of warfare, where every failure becomes an opportunity for innovation and every mistake leads to a new chapter in the story of technological progress.