Automotive equipment was the most massive part of military equipment. A car was understood as a ground self-propelled wheeled trackless vehicle driven by its own energy source, having at least four wheels and intended for the transport of goods or towing vehicles on the roads, transporting people, delivering equipment mounted on a vehicle or performing special operations. The use of a car for military purposes allows these cars to be classified as military. It should be noted that such vehicles could include both civilian vehicles and vehicles specially designed for military purposes. Often, civilian vehicles, with prolonged use by the military, were repainted in protective, camouflage matte colors that eliminate glare, and camouflage was installed. lighting fixtures and other specific military devices, and sometimes weapons. At the same time, despite the same functions performed by civilian vehicles and specially designed ones, the latter differed significantly from civilian vehicles. So, specially designed vehicles for the military had more a high degree reliability, simplicity Maintenance, unpretentiousness in storage and transportation. In addition, they could be universal for operation in temperate climates, or special for use in specific climatic conditions(tropics, desert, mountains, north). Military vehicles were designed to move off-road on rough terrain or columns, along forest and country roads, which in turn required an increase in the strength of machine parts and mechanisms. A feature of the operation of military vehicles was the need special training personal and command personnel. Cars did not include agricultural tractors and motorcycles.
The classification of cars is quite diverse and was carried out according to many criteria.
So, by appointment vehicles were divided into combined arms and special, among which cars and trucks. Trucks were divided into: onboard, tractors, truck tractors, dump trucks and delivery vans. Among the special vehicles, they distinguished: staff vehicles, ambulances, passenger and staff buses, wheeled transporters and vehicles with special equipment (tankers, firefighters, tanks, aircraft launchers, and others). These cars, as a rule, were modified models (modifications) of trucks.
By engine type cars were divided into: carburetor - running on gasoline; diesel - powered by diesel fuel; gas generating - working on gas produced by a gas generator.
By passability cars were divided into three groups; normal (road) cross-country ability, increased and high cross. The first of them were intended for movement, mainly on roads. Off-road vehicles could move along roads and separate areas of the terrain. Off-road vehicles are able to move on roads and off roads. The main evaluation parameter of the car's cross-country ability was its wheel formula (4×2, 4×4, 6×4, 6×6), in which the first digit shows the total number of wheels (not counting the spare), and the second - how many of them are driving. The drive wheel is the wheel that receives the torque from the engine. Cars with all-wheel drive are called all-wheel drive. These included vehicles of increased and high cross-country ability.
By number of axles distinguished: 2-x axle; 3 axles, 4 axles and 6 axles.
The design of the car, in fact, has not changed significantly since its invention. Despite the wide variety of cars produced, three main parts can always be distinguished in their device: engine, chassis and body. An engine is a source of mechanical energy that drives a car. Chassis - was a set of mechanisms designed to transmit torque from the engine to the drive wheels to move the car and control it. The chassis consists of the following components: transmission - transmits torque from the engine to the drive wheels; chassis - allows the car to move, smoothing out vibrations and consists of a frame, axle beams, front and rear suspension, wheels and tires; control mechanisms - (steering and braking system). The body serves to accommodate people or goods. bodywork cars and buses - consist of a salon for people, the body of trucks - consist of cargo platform and cabins for people. The bodies of buses and cars perform the function of a frame in the carrier system of a car.
If about 140 thousand cars took part in the First World War, and they did not prevail during the war. Then in the Second, millions of vehicles were already involved, which to a large extent determined not only the success of individual military operations, but also the course of the war. The rapid development of the military automotive technology started in the late 30s.
In Germany, a system of state planning of military production and distribution of orders for military vehicles was introduced, and thanks to government programs for standardizing army vehicles, ranks of relatively inexpensive and fairly advanced machines of the same type, produced simultaneously by several companies selected by the military department.
Italy and Japan, following the model of Germany, also tried to introduce their own standardization of automotive technology, but weakness production capacity not allowed to do it to the fullest the lineup military orders. In France, only huge plans were devoted to standardization.
In the prewar years, the Axis countries (Berlin-Rome-Tokyo) launched mass production of fundamentally new categories and types of military vehicles, which did not yet exist in the warring countries. They were treated special types light command vehicles, floating cars and all-wheel drive SUVs, first created in Germany, Japan, France and ahead of the famous American Willys by several years. On the chassis of army trucks, special-purpose military vehicles with various add-ons appeared, as well as military equipment with weapons from a simple machine gun to gun systems.
In the 1930s, Germany, Italy, France and other countries later drawn into the orbit of the Third Reich began to introduce diesel engines in military trucks. At the final stage of the war, as a rule, transport trucks, has found wide application of gas-generating plants that worked on wood chocks or coals. Military vehicles began to use new types of multi-stage transmissions, cardan shafts and special tires for moving over rough terrain, sand or snow, a combined wheel-rail course for driving on ordinary roads or on rails, as well as bulletproof tires with disk inserts or with a special compound. , tightening holes from bullets and shrapnel.
Particular attention was paid to the creation of military vehicles of increased and high cross-country ability in any terrain and in any climatic conditions. Convinced of the low efficiency of three-axle vehicles with two rear drive axles, the designers switched to the creation of all-wheel drive two- and three-axle vehicles with single wheels with the same track. The machine builders of Czechoslovakia and Austria used a spinal frame in the form of a longitudinal pipe and an independent suspension of all wheels. In Germany all-wheel drive vehicles had simplified hinges of equal angular velocities. In Italy and France, military vehicles were equipped with all driving and steered wheels, which provided them with increased survivability in the event of failure of several driving wheels at once. On French SUVs, an onboard transmission was also used to drive the wheels of the right and left sides of the car, and some German light cars were equipped with two engines at once and two drive systems for the front and rear wheels. At the same time, the high cost of manufacturing such machines and the urgent need for their high-quality maintenance, taking into account large combat losses, was inferior to the American concept mass production cheap, simple and powerful cars.
Great Britain, having a sufficient number of production capacities, established the mass production of military vehicles only after 1940, covering the missing amount with supplies from Australia, Canada and the USA. Cars by their own design features were close to the American Automotive School, though individual models and differed original designs.
IN THE USSR automotive engineering based on improvement foreign models interwar period (Italian, American, French), which were produced at two or three large factories. A distinctive feature of Soviet automotive technology was ease of manufacture and maintenance, bordering on primitivism, relative endurance and low cost of production. The lack of resources in the USSR did not allow, even by the end of the war, to produce the required number of vehicles for the army, not to mention the needs of the country.
United States, with a developed automotive industry, the production of military vehicles began only with the beginning of the war and by the middle of it they had become their largest manufacturer, providing not only their army, but also all their allies. Numerous automotive companies in the United States allowed to produce machines for various purposes of all types needed by the military.
In total, about 8.5 million vehicles of all countries participating in the war took part in the war, incl. 5.5 million trucks and special vehicles and 3 million cars and SUVs. The largest number of cars were built in the USA (3.6 million), in Germany (1.3 million, half of them pre-war construction), in France (715 thousand), in the USSR (690 thousand) and Great Britain (630 thousand ). Except own production the warring parties had supplies from other countries and captured cars. Thus, 477.8 thousand vehicles (including 300 thousand trucks) were delivered to the USSR under lend-lease agreements from Great Britain, Canada and the USA, not counting spare parts, from which another 52 thousand vehicles could be assembled. As of May 1, 1945, the Red Army had approximately 61,000 captured vehicles. During the war, the United States supplied its allies with about 800,000 vehicles of all kinds. After the occupation of Europe, Germany received both captured cars and those produced in the occupied territory, in a total of about 505 thousand. The United States, Britain and Canada during the war supplied their allies with tens of thousands of vehicles.
Approximately 60% or 4.2 million vehicles were lost during the fighting during the war.
The car was produced in 1931-1935. and served both as a vehicle and for the equipment of radio and wire communication machines. In total, 2.6 thousand cars were produced. performance characteristics of the machine: length - 5.4 m; width - 2.3 m; height - 2.3-2.8 m; curb weight - 3.1 tons, gross weight - 4.6 tons; wheelbase - 2.7 m; wheel formula - 6x4; clearance - 225 mm; load capacity - 1.5 t; engine type - 4-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 65 hp; transmission - 3- step box gears with 2-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 60 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 125 l; fuel consumption - 45 l / 100 km.
By the Büssing-NAG company in 1938-1942. the truck was produced in two modifications: "Bussing-NAG 500-A" (all-wheel drive) and "Bussing-NAG 500-S" (rear-wheel drive). In 1942, the cars were upgraded and received the designation "Bussing-NAG 4500-A" and "Bussing-NAG 4500-S". They were produced with various bodies and superstructures. Buses were also produced on the basis of the chassis. In total, until the end of the war, 15 thousand cars were produced. TTX machines: length - 8 m; width - 2.4 m; height - 2.8 m; wheelbase - 4.8 m; clearance - 290 mm; wheel formula - 4x2 or 4x4; curb weight - 5.2 tons; engine type - 6-cylinder, diesel; engine power - 105 hp; load capacity - 4.7 tons; transmission - 4-speed gearbox; fuel tank capacity - 110 l; fuel consumption - 28 l / 100 km; power reserve - 440 km; maximum speed - 65 km / h.
A series of two-axle trucks "Bussing-NAG 550" (capacity 5.5 tons) and "Bussing-NAG 650" (capacity 6.5 tons) were produced in 1935-1939. Buses were also produced on truck chassis. Part of the trucks were transferred to the railroad. TTX machines: wheel formula - 4x2; wheelbase - 4.1 m; engine type - 6-cylinder, diesel; engine power - 145 hp
Flatbed truck Büssing-NAG 900
The civilian car was used by the Wehrmacht in 1937-1939. It served to transport guns, light tanks and install engineering equipment and anti-aircraft guns. A total of 80 vehicles were adopted. TTX machines: length - 10 m; full mass- 18 tons; wheel formula - 6x4; load capacity - 9.5 tons; engine type - 6-cylinder, diesel; engine power - 130 hp; transmission - 4-speed gearbox.
The bus was produced in 1037-1939. A total of 9 cars were built. TTX machines: length - 12 m; width - 2.5 m; height - 3.2 m; wheelbase - 6 m; wheel formula - 6x4; engine type - 6-cylinder, diesel; power - 135 hp; maximum speed - 44 km / h; number of seats - 29.
The car was produced in 1931-1938. and served both for the transport of soldiers and for the equipment of communication vehicles. A total of 300 cars were produced. TTX machines: ground clearance - 300 mm; wheel formula - 6x4; gross weight - 9.5 tons; load capacity - 3.5 tons; engine type - 6-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 90 hp; transmission - 5-speed gearbox.
The truck was produced in 1939-1943. and served for the delivery of small goods. Communication machines and ambulances were built on its basis. The car had all single-wheel "passenger" wheels. TTX machines: length - 4.6 m; width - 1.5 m; height - 1.8 m; wheelbase - 2.7 m; wheel formula - 4x2; curb weight - 2.5 tons; engine type - 4-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 33 hp; load capacity - 1.2 t; transmission - 4-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 80 km / h.
The truck was produced in 1938-1944. with an all-metal or open cab with a soft top. The car was produced with petrol or diesel engine two series. The first - in 1938-1941. with a gasoline engine (65 hp) or diesel (64 hp). The second was produced in 1942-1944. with a gasoline engine (78 hp) or diesel (75 hp). A total of 30 thousand cars were produced. TTX machines: wheel formula - 4x2 (B-3000S) or 4x4 (B-3000A.); engine type - 6-cylinder; transmission - 5-speed gearbox; load capacity - 3 tons.
In 1937-1939. the company produced a series of "L900" heavy trucks. "Faun L-900 D-567" served to transport light tanks and tow heavy guns and trailers. On the L-900 D-87 chassis with a 170-horsepower engine, 5- and 7-ton construction and repair-evacuation cranes were mounted, as well as a 9-ton LK-5 diesel-electric crane from Demag. Some of the vehicles were converted to run on railroad tracks. Versions were produced with an open cabin equipped with a folding canvas awning, as well as with an all-metal closed cabin. In the evacuation modification, the car was equipped with a nine-ton winch. In total, about 100 cars were built. TTX machines: curb weight - 8.9 tons, full - 18.4 tons; wheelbase - 5.5 m; wheel formula - 6x4; load capacity - 9.5 tons; engine type - 6-cylinder, diesel; engine power - 150-200 hp; transmission - 4-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 50 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 200 l; fuel consumption - 50 l / 100 km; cruising range - 360 km.
The truck was produced by the German branch of Ford in 1939-1941. with all-metal closed or open cab and standard oval grille. He was modified civil car. A total of 19.2 thousand cars were produced. TTX machines: length - 6.2 m; width - 2.2 m; height - 2.2 m; clearance - 250 mm; curb weight - 2.7 tons, gross weight - 5.7 tons; wheelbase - 4 m; wheel formula - 4x2; engine type - 8-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 90 hp; load capacity - 3 tons; transmission - 4-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 80 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 105 l; fuel consumption - 45 l / 100 km.
The truck was produced by the German branch of Ford in 1939-1945. A well-known version of an all-wheel drive truck under the designation "G-198-TWA" with rear dual wheels. It was additionally supplied with a two-stage transfer case, and also had an increased wheelbase. In total, 6 thousand cars were produced, incl. 758 all-wheel drive. TTX machines: length - 6.2 m; width - 2.2 m; height - 2.2 m; clearance - 250 mm; curb weight - 2.7 tons, gross weight - 5.7 tons; wheelbase - 4 m; wheel formula - 4x2; engine type - 8-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 98 hp; load capacity - 3.3 tons; transmission - 4-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 80 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 105 l; fuel consumption - 45 l / 100 km.
The truck was produced by the German branch of Ford in 1941-1942. TTX machines: length - 6.2 m; width and height - 2.2 m; clearance - 250 mm; curb weight - 2.7 tons, gross weight - 5.7 tons; wheelbase - 4 m; wheel formula - 4x2; engine type - 4-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 52 hp; load capacity - 3 tons; transmission - 5-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 80 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 105 l; fuel consumption - 35 l / 100 km.
The truck was produced in 1936-1938. in the back flatbed truck and a van. Performance characteristics of the machine: carrying capacity - 1 t; engine type - 4-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 27 hp
In 1929-1936. Hansa-Lloyd produced a series of Merkur commercial trucks, which were also purchased by the army. TTX machines: length - 6.9 m; width - 2.3 m; height - 2.6 m; wheelbase - 4.5 m; wheel formula - 4x2; curb weight - 4.1 tons; load capacity - 2 - 5 tons; engine type - 4-cylinder petrol or 6-cylinder diesel; power - 55 - 90 hp; transmission - 4-speed gearbox.
The truck was produced in 1930-1937. In 1934 and 1936 underwent modernization. TTX machines: engine type - 4 or 6-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 31 - 36 hp; load capacity - 1 - 1.5 tons; maximum speed - 55 km / h.
In 1930-1936. the company produced a series of Bremen trucks. TTX machines: load capacity - 1.5 - 2.5 tons; engine type - 4- or 6-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 40 - 90 hp
In 1930-1937. the company produced a series of trucks "Europa". Performance characteristics of the machine: carrying capacity - 2 - 4 tons; engine type - 6-cylinder, carburetor or diesel; engine power - 65 - 82 hp
The civilian truck has been produced since 1935 and, after refinement, was used in the engineering and construction and railway troops. TTX machines: length - 8.3 m; width - 2.6 m; height - 2.5 m; wheel formula - 4x2; curb weight - 8 tons, gross weight - 14 tons; load capacity - 6.5 tons; engine type - 6-cylinder, diesel; engine power - 125 hp; maximum speed - 65 km / h.
The truck was produced in 1933-1942. Since 1937, a modified version of the Henschel 33-G1 was produced with a 100-horsepower Lanova diesel engine. The truck had a wooden side body with an awning and a 6-ton side winch. They served artillery tractors and base for various vans and special vehicles. A total of 22 thousand cars were produced. TTX machines: curb weight - 9.3 tons, full - 12.8 tons; wheelbase - 3.7 m; wheel formula - 6x6 load capacity - 3 tons; engine type - carburetor; engine power - 100 hp; transmission - 5-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 52 km / h; towed weight - 3.5 tons.
The car "L-3H-63" was produced since 1931 with a 90-horsepower engine. In 1936, after modernization, it received the designation "L-3H-163". It was equipped with a rectangular cabin, a 3-ton winch. The chassis was equipped with various bodies and superstructures. In total, 2 thousand cars were produced. TTX machines: length - 7.4 m; width - 2.5 m; height - 3.2 m; clearance - 260 mm; wheelbase - 3.7 m; wheel formula - 6x4; curb weight - 5.7 tons; carrying capacity - 3 tons; engine type - 6-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 90 - 110 hp; transmission - 4 speed gearbox; maximum speed - 50 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 150 l; fuel consumption - 45 l / 100 km.
A standardized truck was produced in 1934-1937. with rear twin wheels and an open cab. Some cars were equipped with free-wheeling side spare wheels. Mobile radio stations and armored vehicles, as well as airfield fire engines, were equipped at its base. A total of 1080 cars were produced. TTX machines: length - 5.5 m; width - 2.2 m; height - 2.4 m; wheelbase - 2.7 m; wheel formula - 6x4; clearance - 240 mm; curb weight - 3.2 tons; load capacity - 1.5 t; engine type - 6-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 70 hp; transmission - 4-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 62 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 110 l; fuel consumption - 25 l / 100 km.
The truck was produced in 1941-1943. in two versions: "S-3000" (4x2) and "A-3000" (4x4). A total of 16.6 thousand cars were produced. TTX machines: length - 7.5 m; width - 2.4 m; height - 2.9 m; wheelbase - 4.6 m; clearance - 320 mm; wheel formula - 4x4; load capacity - 3 tons; engine type - 4-cylinder, diesel or 6-cylinder, carburetor; engine power - 80/110 hp; transmission - 5-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 67 km / h; fuel consumption - 20 l / 100 km.
The truck was produced in 1941-1943. in two versions: "S-4500" (4x2) and "A-4500" (4x4). They were made with all-metal cabins, wooden side bodies, vans and firefighting equipment. A total of 700 cars were produced. TTX machines: load capacity - 4.5 tons; engine type - 6-cylinder, diesel; engine power - 125 hp; maximum speed - 85 km / h; fuel consumption - 20 - 26 l / 100 km.
A series of 3-ton trucks was produced in 1933-1938. TTX machines: curb weight - 4 tons; engine type - diesel; engine power - 90 hp
3-ton truck produced in 1933-1937.
A series of 5-ton trucks was produced in 1930-1938. in four versions: "F-1H6", "F-2H6", "F-3H6" and "F-4H6". The first option had a wooden body with longitudinal benches and an awning. In 1934, the machine was upgraded and learned the designation "F-2H6". In 1935, the frame was lengthened, the diameter of the wheels was increased. The truck became known as "F-3H6". In 1938, another modification was carried out and the car received the designation "F-4H6". Performance characteristics of the machine: load capacity - 5 tons; engine type - "MAN D-2086"; engine power - 100 - 110 hp; transmission - 4-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 40 km / h.
In 1936-1939. the MAN F-4 truck was mass-produced. After its modernization in 1939-1942. the MAN F-5 model was produced with a carrying capacity of 9 tons and a new engine of the same power. A total of 1325 cars were produced. TTX machines: engine type - 6-cylinder, diesel; engine power - 150 hp; load capacity - 6.5 tons; transmission - 4- or 5-speed gearbox; maximum speed - 54 - 66 km / h.
The 2.5-ton truck has been produced since 1935. A distinctive feature of this model was the inclined radiator. In 1937, the carrying capacity increased to 2.75 tons. The truck became known as the "E-2".
The 3-ton truck "E-3000" was produced in 1939-1943. with an all-metal cabin. In total, 2 thousand cars were produced. TTX machines: wheelbase - 4 m; engine type - 4-cylinder, diesel; engine power - 70 hp; fuel consumption - 20 l / 100 km; load capacity - 4.5 tons.
In 1940-1943. 2.8 thousand army buses with a simplified body were produced on the basis of the E-3000 chassis. These buses were distinguished by angular outlines of bodies with roof racks, three side doors (two symmetrical front and right rear). In addition, there was another wide door in the stern of the saloon. TTX machines: wheelbase - 4-4.7 m; engine power - 70 hp; the number of passengers is 27 - 31.
A three-axle 2.5 ton truck was produced in 1937-1940. with single wheels on all axles. The truck was produced at the factories of the companies: Büssing-NAG, Daimler-Benz, Faun, Vomag, Henschel, Krupp, Magirus, MAN and Borgward. In addition to trucks, based on the Einheits Diesel chassis, special machines telephone communication, sound reconnaissance and a radio communication vehicle with a mast antenna. In total, 17.5 thousand cars were produced, incl. 1795 by MAN. TTX machines: wheelbase - 3.1 m; wheel formula - 6x6; clearance - 250 mm; engine type - 6-cylinder diesel; engine power - 80 hp; transmission - 4-speed gearbox with 2-speed transfer case; fuel tank capacity - 125 l; fuel consumption - 30 l / 100 km; power reserve - 360 km; towed weight - 1.5 tons; number of passenger seats - 24.
When they say that the Second World War was a war of engines, they remember, first of all, tanks and planes. However, the most a large number of engines in the armies of the fighting states set in motion cars, among which, in turn, the bulk were trucks. Even in the rifle division of the Red Army, according to the pre-war state of April 5, 1941, there should have been 558 different vehicles.
The saturation of tank and mechanized formations with vehicles was even greater
Soviet soldiers are photographed near a Ford truck ( Ford G8T, American-made, supplied under Lend-Lease to the USSR) on the side of the road during the holidays. On the left - a truck-based repair shop GAZ-AA
In the interwar period, the armies of most states were content with ordinary "civilian" trucks, at best slightly redesigned for military needs. However, it was obvious that during the war trucks would not only move along good roads. The fighting armies needed reliable, high-quality and unpretentious cars with the highest possible throughput. However, the scale of the war and the ever-increasing need for trucks gave rise to another requirement, which often contradicted the previous ones - a wartime vehicle in a warring country had to be also cheap. The designers solved this problem by simplifying the pre-war models as much as possible and “throwing out” everything from the cars that could somehow be dispensed with, including one or even both headlights and windshield wipers.
Ursus A, Poland. Issued since 1928. Produced from 800 to 1200 vehicles, including 375 for the Polish army. Wheel formula 4 × 2, weight 2.5 tons, engine 35 hp. Speed up to 60 km/h. Load capacity up to 2 tons
Opel Blitz, Germany. The first generation of this model, which took part in the Second World War, was produced from 1930 to 1954. During this time, more than 82 thousand cars were produced. Wheel formula 4 × 2 and 4 × 4, weight 2.5 tons, engine 54–75 hp. Speed up to 90 km/h. Load capacity up to 3.5 tons
Bussing-NAG G31, Germany. Produced from 1931 to 1935. About 2600 cars were built. Wheel formula 6 × 4, weight 1.5 tons, engine 65 hp. Speed up to 60 km/h. Load capacity up to 1.5 tons
ZIS-5("Zakhar Ivanovich", "three-ton"), USSR. Produced from 1933 to 1948. At only one car factory. Stalin in Moscow during this time, more than 570 thousand ZIS-5 and ZIS-5V vehicles were produced. It was also produced at the Ulyanovsk and Ural automobile plants. Wheel formula 4 × 2, weight 3.1 tons, engine 73 hp. Speed up to 60 km/h. Load capacity up to 3 tons
Truck-based fuel tanker ZIS-6 refuels the DB-3 bomber. ZIS-6 was produced from 1933, until the fall of 1941, 21,239 vehicles were produced. Wheel formula 6 × 4, weight 4.2 tons, engine 73 hp. Speed up to 55 km/h. Load capacity up to 4 tons
GAZ-AAA, THE USSR. From 1934 to 1943, about 37 thousand trucks and vehicles based on them were produced (including 3331 armored vehicles). Wheel formula 6 × 4, weight 2.5 tons, engine 40–50 hp. Speed up to 72 km/h. Load capacity up to 2 tons
Polski Fiat 621L, Poland (in the photo - reconstruction). From 1935 to 1939, about 13 thousand cars were built. Wheel formula 4 × 2, weight 2.4 tons, engine 56 hp. Speed up to 55 km/h. Load capacity up to 2.5 tons
Alfa Romeo 500DR, Italy. In production from 1937 to 1945. Wheel formula 4 × 2, engine 75 hp Load capacity up to 4.5 tons
Bussing-NAG 500, Germany. Produced from 1938 to 1941. Wheel formula 4 × 2, engine 105 hp Load capacity up to 4.75 tons
GAZ-MM ("lorry"), THE USSR. Produced from 1938 to 1949. The photo shows a simplified wartime modification of the GAZ-MM-V with a wooden cabin and one headlight. Wheel formula 4 × 2, weight 1.8 tons, engine 50 hp. Speed up to 70 km/h. Load capacity 1.5 tons
A.E.C. Matador, Great Britain. It was produced from 1938 to 1953, about 9 thousand cars were built. Wheel formula 4 × 4, engine 95 hp, weight 7.75 tons. Speed up to 60 km/h
38 M. Botond, Hungary. It was produced from 1938 to 1948, 2554 cars were built. Wheel formula 6 × 4, engine 65–72 hp Speed up to 60 km/h. Load capacity 1.5 tons
FIAT 626, Italy. Produced since 1939. Wheel formula 4 × 2, engine 65 hp Speed up to 63 km/h. Load capacity 3 tons
Austin K2/Y, Great Britain. medical vehicle based on the Austin K30 truck. Trucks of the Austin K30 / K2 / K3 / K4 family with a 4 × 2 wheel formula and a payload of 1.5 to 3 tons were produced for the British army from 1939. They were equipped with 60–63 hp engines.
Bianchi Miles, Italy (a British soldier captures the crew of an Italian truck in the Western Desert in June 1942). About 10,000 vehicles were built from 1939 to 1945. Wheel formula 4 × 2, engine 65 hp Speed up to 64 km/h. Load capacity 3 tons
Bedford OYD, Great Britain. Produced from 1939 to 1945. 72,385 vehicles built. Wheel formula 4 × 2, engine 72 hp Speed up to 65 km/h. Load capacity 3 tons (a shortened version of the Bedford OXD with a load capacity of 1.5 tons was also produced). 1772 Bedfords QLD, OYD and OXD were sent to the USSR (275 of them did not reach their destination)
Chevrolet G506, USA. Produced from 1940 to 1945. 168,603 vehicles were built, of which from 47,700 to 151,053 (according to various sources) were sent to the USSR. Wheel formula 4 × 4, engine 83 hp Speed up to 77 km/h. Load capacity 1.5 tons
Austin K5, Great Britain. Produced from 1941 to 1945. 12,280 cars were produced. Wheel formula 4 × 4, weight 3.7 tons, engine 85 hp. Speed up to 65 km/h. Load capacity 3 tons
GMC CCKW, USA. From 1941 to 1945, 562,750 vehicles were produced, of which about 6,700 were delivered to the USSR. Wheel formula 6 × 6, engine 91 hp Speed up to 72 km/h. Load capacity 2.5 tons
Mack NR, USA. In the photo - transporting a disguised British tank "Valentine". From 1941 to 1945, 26,965 N-series Mack army trucks were built (including 16,548 NR), of which more than 800 were delivered to the USSR. Wheel formula 6 × 4, engine 131 hp Speed up to 70 km/h. Load capacity 10 tons
Fordson WOT6, Great Britain. Produced since 1941. Wheel formula 4 × 4, engine 85 hp Speed up to 70 km/h. Load capacity 3 tons. About 30,000 vehicles of this model were produced (and about 2,500 WOT8s with a shortened base and a payload of 1.5 tons). 868 WOT8 was sent to the USSR, 731 trucks reached the goal
Ford G8T("Ford-6"), USA. commercial truck, almost without alterations got into military service. From 1941 to 1945, about 78 thousand cars were produced, of which about 61 thousand were delivered in the form of car kits to the USSR. Wheel formula 4 × 2, engine 90 hp Speed up to 88 km/h. Load capacity 2 tons
- Published: March 28, 2017, 13:00
An article about the most interesting military vehicles of World War II - their interesting features and characteristics. At the end of the article - a video about the machines of the Second World War.
The content of the article:
More than 70 years ago, the most bloody war in the history of mankind - the Second World War - ended. People defending their homeland were helped not only by weapons, but also by cars, sometimes strange, not always successful, but brick by brick adding up the victory of one side or another. Soviet, German and American troops fought not only on their own transport, but also on Lend-Lease supplied from other states, as well as on captured from the enemy.
"Three-quarters" - this is how the Soviet soldiers respectfully called this powerful american SUV just the carrying capacity? tons. Produced since 1941, the next year it already began to be supplied under Lend-Lease to our troops as allied assistance.
The off-road vehicle became indispensable in military units: mobile medical stations were installed on its base, communication lines were laid, and weapons were transported. By the way, it was the transportation of ammunition that formed the basis for the creation of an SUV, whose abbreviation stands for Weapon Carrier (“carrying a weapon”).
Items such as 280-kilogram mortars were beyond the power of even the American Willys and domestic gases, A big trucks type ZIS or Studebaker were not suitable for a number of reasons:
- were too scarce;
- required a lot of fuel;
- their size and power attracted the attention of enemy troops.
Already in the 30s, German automakers began to produce light, medium and heavy all-wheel drive military vehicles. This unification, in contrast to the Soviet Union, where such a strategy was caused by saving scarce resources, was based on rational calculation.
The frame, the locks, the equal width of the front and rear track - all German SUVs were designed this way, and the Horch 901 was no exception.
The manufacturer produced not only comfortable transport for the commanding staff, but also combat vehicles who regularly participated in Wehrmacht campaigns. Due to the huge ground clearance and off-road tires, the model had good cross-country ability, was used for a mobile field hospital, transportation of ammunition and towing cannons and machine guns.
In general, the car can be called an analogue of the Dodge WC-51, but Horch could also boast of having a parade-commander model Typ Kabriolett.
Ferdinand Porsche designed the first prototype of the army model back in 1938. After the Polish campaign, the car received a number of improvements and became a worldwide famous model type 82.
Unpretentious, reliable, having an open, lightweight body made of tin plates, 290 mm ground clearance, cross-axle differential, folding windshield, the car won universal respect in the army. The model even had a heating system, which was greatly appreciated by the soldiers who used this car more often.
With its help, it was always possible to ensure an uninterrupted supply of parts with ammunition, fuel and spare parts. Its maintainability eliminated any trouble, and the lightness of the design made it possible, if necessary, with the help of three people to transfer it from one place to another. Porsche even received a personal thanks from Rommel when a heavy Horch took off in a minefield, while the commander himself on Tour 82 remained unharmed.
The car was developed in a short time, with the task of becoming the most passable and unified with other cars.
The entire range of GAZ-61 is quite large, from a pickup truck and a tractor to a phaeton, but the world's first all-wheel drive passenger model with closed body sedan.
Despite the fact that it was intended for the commanders of the troops, it did not differ in enviable comfort. Unlike the same Typ 82, the car did not even have a heater, but it received powerful engine, reliability, high speed movement and maintainability.
The success of the VW Typ 82 was the impetus for new development ordered by Porsche - an amphibious vehicle.
The model, which appeared in 1941, received an affectionate nickname for the ability to force not only expanses of water, but also mud. Schwimmwagen - "floating car". The Eastern Front really needed such cars, and therefore production was carried out at two factories at once - in Stuttgart and Wolfsburg.
He became the most mass car war years of this type, surpassing even the Ford GPA and having a production volume of 15,000 copies.
Success was due to an unusual design - rear wheel drive car had the shape of a boat and had a very small mass. Moreover, after landing on land, the amphibian turned into a front-wheel drive model.
In the post-war period, the car continued to be used for a variety of purposes - for example, Ferdinand Porsche used it to go fishing.
It is impossible not to mention the direct competitor - the American amphibian in the "Ford" version. The state order involved the manufacture of a floating machine with a lightweight body, but at the same time with a carrying capacity of at least 250 kg. She had to carry out engineering work in any water area, and also be silent enough for reconnaissance.
Ford's development, based on the popular Willys MB, has become an excellent replacement for the small boats traditionally used for organizing pontoon crossings.
The advantage of the amphibian was the absence of the need to transport it to the place of work, launch it into the water and then lift it to land. Given this convenience, since 1942, the car began to be sent to American troops.
However, in the process of participating in battles, the car showed itself not from the best side: on the high seas, it proved to be clumsy and heavy, and also too unstable on high waves. With a heavy workload, the amphibian settled so low that there was a serious possibility of flooding. Finally, often the car had to be pushed out of the coastal sand, where it sank due to its weight.
The US Army refused to use the Ford GPA, sending it under Lend-Lease to Soviet Union where he did remarkably well. The Soviet troops did not need to cross the seas, and the car was quite stable on rivers and lakes.
Armored cars BA-64 and BA-10
After analyzing their own design experience, having studied captured German technology and given the catastrophic lack of resources and time, Soviet automakers developed the BA-64 in just 6 months.
The chassis from the GAZ-64 and unified parts made the car as maintainable as possible, and a large ground clearance, the ability to overcome a meter ford, increased fuel tank with economical fuel consumption and unpretentious taste, a good speed of 80 km / h made it possible to successfully use the car during reconnaissance, infantry protection and as an escort vehicle.
The disadvantages included the weak power of 7.62 mm DT machine guns, overheating at elevated summer temperatures, lateral instability and better reliability. Although during the European liberation campaign, the troops highly appreciated the possibility of shelling high points.
To develop the BA-10 model, the GAZ-AAA truck was taken as the basis, whose chassis was made shorter, while at the same time strengthening its front part, and the body was made of armored sheets.
Increased permeability provided with tracks of the "Overall" type, as a weapon the machine received a 45 mm cannon and two 7.62 mm DT machine guns, which could even fight with small tanks.
In the 30s, the Stever brothers firm signed a contract for the manufacture of a light all-wheel drive army car for personnel.
Stever's development emphasized a fully steerable chassis to enhance maneuverability, and all-wheel drive allowed for blocking the inter-wheel and center differential. The light SUV received a 1.8-liter 43-horsepower engine, open body with a soft top, and a real sensation for 1936 was independent suspension on all wheels.
Despite such advanced design, in combat conditions, there were many complaints about the car. It turned out to be too complicated and capricious to maintain, there was not enough power to complete the tasks, and because of the fully controlled chassis at high speed, the car simply overturned.
After the release of 5000 copies, the manufacturer refused to further manufacture this model. Taking into account all the shortcomings, the engineers replaced the revolutionary chassis with a standard one, and the engine was strengthened to 2 liters, increasing the power to 50 hp.
But even this option turned out to be impractical, since the suspension quickly fell into disrepair in off-road conditions, and the power was still insufficient. Given that the Nazis had a proven Typ 82 at their disposal, the Stoewer did not find a use for itself.
ZiS-21 and GAZ-42
Already before the start of the war, the USSR was experiencing an acute shortage of liquid fuel, and therefore, for the needs of the army and supply, it was necessary to create gas-generating trucks.
In order to equip the ZiS-21 with the NATI G-14 gas generator, it was necessary to reduce the space for the passenger, as well as sacrifice the carrying capacity. For the "brother" - GAZ-42, a different design was used - the gas generator was placed behind the driver's seat, and they also provided the opportunity to refuel with gasoline.
At design differences The shortcomings of the models turned out to be the same: excessive consumption fuel, long "cold" start, reaching an hour even in summer period, low power and carrying capacity, increased fire hazard. In addition, the wood turned out to be too sensitive to moisture, already at 30% humidity causing a decrease in motor power, overheating and potentially failure.
However, all these nuances did not prevent the trucks from contributing to the victory of the Soviet army.
A strange design, reminiscent of a symbiosis of a motorcycle with a tractor, was developed as a tractor. With a small weight of 1235 kg and a top speed of 70 km / h, having payload at 325 kg, caterpillar drive and a special transmission mode, the car was able to pull out any equipment from Russian swamps, pits and mudslides.
The car had a very simple design and maintainability, which was so important in difficult field conditions. Additionally, a special tank was installed in it, filled with ether for quick launch at low temperatures.
Placed in the heart of the car power plant from Opel by 1.5 liters, and maneuverability was provided by the steering wheel connected to the tracks in such a way that when it was deflected by 5 degrees, one of the tracks slowed down, performing a turning action.
During the Second World War, battles were fought not only between people, but also between automotive vehicles. Some of the models of that era rightfully took their place in history and on the pedestals of military exhibitions. And another part can still be seen in working condition thanks to enthusiasts who restore and proudly exhibit heroic models.
Video about World War II cars:
World War II was the first real "war of machines" - a record amount of equipment was involved. What transport did the USSR and opponents use?
Industrialization in the late 1930s in the Soviet Union was in full swing: the USSR produced more military equipment than any other country in the world. By June 22, 1941, the Soviet Union had a huge number of military vehicles - 272,600 units. Plus, in the very first weeks of the war, another 160 thousand 300 vehicles were mobilized from the national economy. The fleet of German troops, in turn, consisted of no more than 150 thousand vehicles.
The seemingly huge advantage was quickly lost - in the very first days of the war, the Soviet Union lost tens of thousands of vehicles. Nevertheless, the Soviet troops managed to recover from this blow and respond to the enemy with an offensive.
Wheels for Katyusha
On June 17, 1941, at a military training ground near Moscow, the government delegation was shown the latest weapons - rocket launchers salvo fire BM-13, which later received the name Katyusha. Three days later, on June 21, an order was issued for the serial production of these units. There were only a few hours left before the start of the war.
Thanks to this weapon, the Soviet Union managed to win many battles. Katyusha was mounted on the chassis of the most different machines- tanks, tractors, cars. However caterpillar transport had some significant drawbacks - low speed and high flow fuel. Yes, and the asphalt was thoroughly destroyed during transportation, so special tractors were needed for transportation. That is why most Katyushas were installed on trucks.
spectechnika.com
The first vehicle to carry such a rocket launcher was the Soviet ZIS-6, based on the ZIS-5 (4x2 formula). This four-ton truck with a 6x4 wheel formula had excellent cross-country ability and, together with a rocket launcher, received a “baptism of fire” on July 14, 1941 in the city of Rudnya captured by the Germans.
A large amount of German military equipment has accumulated on one of the central squares of this city. From the steep bank of the Malaya Berezina River, a ZIS-6 vehicle with a BM-13 rocket launcher dealt a crushing blow to the enemy. When the volleys of the installation subsided, one of the soldiers sang the song Katyusha, which was popular at that time. Hence, according to a common legend, the popular name BM-13 came from.
Deutscher Friedensstifter @ flickr.com
Katyusha was installed not only on ZISs. Many cars that were supplied to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease (mainly British and American) were also used as chassis for Katyushas. Moreover, it was the American Studebaker US6, the world's first truck with three drive axles, that became the most massive owner of this weapon.
Throughout its history, Studebaker has traveled to many places around the globe, but, ironically, has never been used in the United States. Studebakers were the most common vehicles supplied to the USSR under Lend-Lease. During the war years, the Soviet Union received almost 200,000 US6.
militaryimages.net
American truck thanks all-wheel drive could boast of excellent cross-country ability and carrying capacity, which favorably distinguished it from its Soviet counterparts. Compared to the "three-ton" (ZIS-5), Studebaker could carry two tons more - despite the fact that the Americans recommended not to load it with more than two and a half tons. In addition, the car could overcome small river fords without fear of damaging vital parts, as they had a high location.
Thanks to all these qualities, an improved rocket launcher with the BM-13N index began to be installed on the Studer. In addition, Studebakers were used by the Soviet Army as ordinary trucks, gun tractors, dump trucks and cranes. The car turned out to be so successful that some trucks regularly served the Soviet Union until the 1980s.
In the expanses of the USSR there are many monuments to the Katyusha, but not all of them correspond to historical facts. For example, there is a monument to "Katyusha" based on the ZIS-5, on which this installation was never installed, or even on the basis of the ZIS-150 - a car that began to be produced after the war. Of course, this was done solely from the point of view of patriotism, since Studebaker has always been and remained an American. Nevertheless, this car was regularly filmed in numerous Soviet films about the war.
off-road
In 1940, the US Army needed a light reconnaissance vehicle that would effortlessly overcome off-road conditions. Having won the tender, Willys-Overland Motors presented a car that met all these requirements - Willys MA. After the entry of the United States into the Second world war full-scale production of this car began, and in 1942, Ford began producing Willys, but of a different model - Willys MB. From the Ford conveyors, these cars came out under the name Ford GPW. By the way, due to the consonance of the first two letters of the index - Ji, Pi - the name jeep came about, which later became a household name.
autoguru.at
Since 1942, the Jeeps began to arrive in the USSR under the Lend-Lease program. different modification. The car proved to be excellent in the conditions of hostilities. Depending on the type of troops and the military situation, the vehicle served both as a reconnaissance-commander and as a cannon tractor. Machine guns and other small arms were installed on many Willys. There were also cars for medical care - stretchers were installed in them. There was even a very unusual modification car - with railway wheels - for movement on rails.
The all-wheel drive car had a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 54 Horse power s. The maximum speed was 104 kilometers per hour. But still, the main task of an SUV is to overcome various kinds of obstacles. Willis did a great job with this and felt confident on the roads (he could overcome the ford up to half a meter deep, and some modifications even up to 1.5 meters). During the war years, the Soviet Union received about 52,000 Jeeps.
army.mil
The American car has become an indispensable assistant and favorite of Soviet soldiers, as well as one of the symbols of the Great Patriotic War. In global terms, Willys has become a model for the creation of light, but at the same time hardy cars.
There were also military jeeps in the USSR. In January 1941, the Soviet government, looking at American cars, instructed two enterprises at once - GAZ and NATI - to develop a light, inexpensive, and most importantly unpretentious SUV. Two months later, two cars were tested at the military training ground at once - GAZ-64 and NATI-AR.
GAZ-64 showed results better than competitor, but the main thing was that its production did not require large financial and time costs. Many components of this car were already installed on the models produced by the plant - the GAZ-61 sedan and the GAZ-MM truck. Serial production began immediately, and already in August 1941 the first Soviet off-road vehicle, the GAZ-64, rolled off the assembly line.
autoclub-gaz.ru
Before the appearance of the American Jeep in the Soviet army, the GAZ-64 was an indispensable military assistant. He could easily overcome steep climbs, mud, sand and snow. On a flat road, the car reached speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour, and on impassable roads - up to 25 kilometers per hour, which no other Soviet car could do.
In 1943, the plant developed new model SUV - GAZ-67 (modernized version of GAZ-64). It differed from its predecessor by a wider track and reinforced suspension. The engine power was also increased, however, due to the increased width, the SUV lost dynamic performance, and the maximum speed dropped to 88 kilometers per hour.
W Grabar @ flickr.com
In 1944, the GAZ-67 received some design changes, after which it was assigned the index B. Among the people, he received his "indexes". He was lovingly called a goat, a goat, a pygmy, a gazik, Chapaev, a flea-warrior, HBV (I want to be "Willis" and Ivan-Willis. The Soviet SUV showed its best on the war fronts. It was more unpretentious to fuels and lubricants and more maintainable, unlike his American brother Willis.
Zakhar and his team
A truly iconic truck in the war was the ZIS-5. Among the people, he received the names Zakhar, Zakhar Ivanovich, Trehtonka. His reliability was unmatched. The 5.5-liter engine started easily in any weather and was unpretentious to the quality of gasoline. At own weight at 3 tons on board, he could take the same amount. We must also pay tribute to Zakhar's cross-country ability - with a 4x2 wheel formula, the truck overcame various obstacles, and behaved almost like an all-wheel drive vehicle on military off-road. The flexible frame of the ZIS-5 deserves special attention - when it hits an obstacle, it bends, helping the car to drive through the bumps more gently. The maximum speed of this truck was 60 kilometers per hour. By 1941, ZIS-5 trucks accounted for almost half of the Soviet Union's military fleet.
W Grabar @ flickr.com
In the first months of the war, a large number of cars were destroyed. Partial mobilization of vehicles of the national economy temporarily solved the problem, but the front and rear urgently needed trucks in large quantities.
To save material, ZIS-5 trucks began to make the most simplified modifications. Instead of an iron cab, they put a plywood one, there were no front brakes, they also installed only one headlight (driver's) on the truck, and for some time these cars were produced without any headlights at all! The plant saved 124 kilograms of metal on each truck.
W Grabar @ flickr.com
A huge number of cars were built on the basis of the ZIS-5 special purpose. These are fire trucks, buses (named ZIS-8 and ZIS-16), mobile printing houses, meat processing plants, snow plows and even armored vehicles. Behind the cockpit of the ZIS-5 one could see huge air defense searchlights, as well as anti-aircraft guns.
But the most common truck during the Great Patriotic War was the GAZ - AA, popularly referred to as the "lorry". Essentially, it was upgraded version American truck Ford - AA. The production of this car began long before the war - in 1932. Until 1933, cars were assembled from American car kits, but their quality was not entirely suitable for use in our road conditions. Specialists Gorky Automobile Plant made a number constructive changes in GAZ-AA, and since 1933 the car began to be assembled entirely from Soviet components.
W Grabar @ flickr.com
In 1938, the car received new engine volume of almost 3.3 liters with a capacity of 50 horsepower, and became known as GAZ-MM. The car boasted maximum speed at 100 kilometers per hour, was faster than its "colleague" - ZIS-5. But the carrying capacity was two times lower than that of the "three-ton". Hence the nickname - "one and a half".
During the war years, the truck lost almost the same components as Zakhar. Only one headlight and one wiper on the driver's side were installed on the GAZ-MM. The front brakes were missing. The wings of the car were made from ordinary roofing iron. In the rear of the car, instead of four, only two wheels were often placed. The roof and doors of the cabin were made of tarpaulin, which was a plus: in case of fire, flooding or shelling of the car, you could quickly jump out of it.
denisovets.narod.ru
These truly heroic cars were the first to cross the frozen Lake Ladoga to bring food to besieged Leningrad. On the way back, GAZ-MM took out people, industrial equipment and cultural values. But not all "one and a half" and Zakharov had a way back. Many cars fell through the ice, going to the bottom of Lake Ladoga.
Over the long years of the war, the "lorry" managed to win the hearts of soldiers. A trouble-free engine started with half a turn, however, often manual starter, since a working battery in a war is a rarity. The motor was unpretentious and to gasoline. Fuel was poured of any quality - the car even ran on kerosene and alcohol.
