Csepel 130

     Notes: This is a virtual copy of the US World War 2 Dodge WC-51 Weapons Carrier.  Design began in 1948, and production began in 1951, with production continuing until 1958. It is still in service in small numbers, but most have been scrapped or sold off to civilians.  The cargo area may be covered by a tarp and bows, and there is a weapon mount behind the front seats. Alternatively, a hard top may be installed; some of these have hatches in the roof. The drive is 4x4, switchable to 4x2 for road use, and the axles have locking differentials. The engine is a Csepel B-413 gasoline engine developing 86 horsepower; this is actually an Austrian engine produced under license. The front of the vehicle has a 3.5-ton-capacity winch for self-recovery or assisting in recovering another vehicle.

     The Csepel 130 is sometimes known as the Magyar Jeep or Hungarian Jeep. A very common variant is an ambulance.

Csepel K-800

     Notes: A variant of the M-2 artillery tractor used by the Soviets in World War 2, the K-800 is no longer in active Hungarian service.  It was also exported to China, but is not in active service there either; however, both countries still keep them in reserve status.  The K-800 was also license-built in Yugoslavia as the GJ-800, using a different (and less powerful) 120-horsepower FAMOS engine as well as the cab of a FAP-made truck of the period (1950s), but this vehicle is probably also in reserve status in the remnants of that country.

     Changes from the M-2 include a more powerful Csepel D613 130-horsepower diesel-burning engine and a roof hatch in the center of the cab roof (though it is not reinforced to allow a weapon mount).  The suspension is derived from that of the SU-76 assault gun, and other than being tracked, the layout is conventional, with an engine compartment at the front, cab center, and a cargo/passenger section to the rear.  The cargo section may be covered by a tarpaulin over bows.  The front windows of the cab hinge upwards if desired.  Meant for use as an artillery tractor, the K-800 and GJ-800 are capable of towing 8 tons.

KTJ Szöcske LSV

     Notes: This is the only Fast Attack type vehicle in the former Warsaw Pact, and Hungary uses it.  It is of conventional design, with an open construction fitted with a tubular frame and roll bars, and heavy-duty suspension.  The roll cage may mount several types of weapons, such as machineguns, grenade launchers, and recoilless rifles.  Two weapon mounts are provided, one on the center roll bar and one in front of the commander’s seat. The Szöcske did not enter service until after the Wall fell, and did not see large numbers of service until 1995. One variant is a medevac version, which carried two stretchers, a seated casualty, and a medic. Another is a tow vehicle/ammunition carrier for the 2B9 Vasilyek 82mm automortar. Engines are either an 88-horsepower gasoline engine or a 78-horsepower diesel engine.

     Szöcske translates to Grasshopper. The Szöcske has passed out of Hungarian military service in the early 2000s, with the survivors in museums or displays or sold off to civilian operators.