January 29, 1932 on Gorky Automobile Plant the first truck GAZ-AA, the legendary "one and a half", rolled off the assembly line. He became one of the first legendary Soviet trucks that our country can be proud of. Many of these cars are still driving on the streets of Russia.
AMO-F-15 - the first Soviet truck
The first Soviet truck appeared in 1922. Then for the first time the small and angular AMO-F-15, created on the basis of the Italian cargo car FIAT 15 Ter, which was produced at the AMO plant (the current ZIL) in 1917-1919. But at the same time, the design was noticeably changed by local engineers. 
The first ten copies of the AMO-F-15 took part in a demonstration on Red Square, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Revolution. And three of them a few days later were sent to a test rally along Russian off-road. Trucks during this long race showed themselves from the best side, so the plant began their mass production. In total, in the period from 1924 to 1931, 6285 copies of the AMO rolled off the assembly line. 
This car got its nickname "lorry" (and also "polundra") due to the load capacity of 1.5 tons, for which this truck was designed. Initially, GAZ-AA was created on the basis of ford car Model AA, but then upgraded several times, eventually becoming an independent vehicle. 
GAZ-AA was produced from 1932 to 1950, eventually becoming one of the most massive trucks in the history of the USSR (985 thousand copies). The finest hour of the "lorry" fell on the times of the Second World War - this unpretentious, simple, but reliable truck became the main "horse" of the Red Army. Including, and during the breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad, when relatively light "gaziki" in large quantities they carried food to the besieged city on the ice of Lake Ladoga. 
ZiS-5 - three-ton
Another legendary participant in the Great Patriotic War was the ZiS-5 truck (aka "three-ton", aka "Zakhar", aka "Zakhar Ivanovich"). 
Serial production of the ZiS-5 began in 1933. In fact, this truck became the heir to AMO-3. It was assembled entirely from domestic components, and during the war its design was simplified as much as possible - in harsh years, quantity was more important than quality. By the way, the legendary Katyusha was also created on the basis of this truck, albeit a slightly modernized one (officially called the ZiS-6). 
GAZ-51 - a truck for virgin soil
The first copy of the GAZ-51 truck was created and shown to the public back in 1940, but the war prevented him mass production. So serial production began only in 1946, when the country needed equipment for post-war reconstruction. 
Having become the most massive truck in the country in the fifties, the GAZ-51 was actively used in the development of virgin lands - untouched fertile steppes in the north of Kazakhstan. For the participants of this "great campaign", he became one of the symbols new era, the growth of the economic power of the USSR in those years. 
Good design and enough low price turned the GAZ-51 into an export product that the Soviet Union supplied abroad. Moreover, not only to the countries of the Eastern bloc, but also to the capitalist states.
ZiS-150 - a successful "clone" american truck
Outwardly, the domestic truck ZiS-150 is very similar to american car International Harvester K-7, however, it cannot be considered a "clone". In fact, this car had only an American cabin - during the war, Soviet representatives were able to agree with the United States on the supply of body stamping presses. The technical basis of the novelty is local development and production. 
At first, the body of the ZiS-150 was made partially of wood - the country devastated by the war did not have enough metal. However, over time, this shortcoming was corrected. The truck was produced between 1947 and 1957. A total of 771,883 units of this car were produced. 
ZIL-130 - universal truck
ZIL-130 is probably the most versatile truck domestic production. On the basis of this machine, over its half-century history, not only trucks, but also dump trucks, tractors, fire trucks and snowplows, garbage trucks, etc. were created. The secret of this versatility is a successful design that allows you to change the purpose vehicle without changing it technical part, relatively small cost production and reliability, allowing the truck to operate for decades. 
Trucks are still produced on the ZIL-130 chassis. True, now they are called AMUR. However, hundreds of thousands of ZILs Soviet-made still drive on the roads of Russia and other countries. In total, more than three million copies of this truck were produced. 
GAZ-66 - cargo SUV
GAZ-66 was created to travel on the most extreme conditions where no other vehicle can pass. Four driven wheels allow the car to drive over dirt, rough terrain, rocks, rocks and other nasty surfaces. This is the reason why the GAZ-66 has become almost the main army truck. 
What's the Soviet and Russian army! Even Jean-Claude Van Damme's character in the action movie The Expendables 2 drove a GAZ-66! Isn't that a real worldwide recognition? 
Ural-375 - six-axle SUV
Ural-375 - another one four wheel drive truck, which was massively used not only for civilian, but also for military needs. Three driving axles and huge wheels, as well as a large carrying capacity, made it possible to carry it on the most bad roads and in the absence of these, not only people and goods, but even systems salvo fire"Grad". However, significant technical shortcomings, for example, unreliable, but costly Gas engine, as well as problems in brake system led to the fact that the Ministry of Defense already in 1982 began to replace this truck with the Ural-4320. 
In the civilian sector, the Ural-375 truck, produced until 1992, is still used in the oil and geological exploration industries. 
KrAZ-255 - Ukrainian hero
KrAZ-255 is a true legend of the Ukrainian and Soviet automotive industry. During its existence (since 1967), it received from the people, probably, more nicknames than any other domestic car, for example, “lappet”, “bast shoes” and even “moon rover”. There are legends about the traction power and ubiquitous cross-country ability of this truck. It is believed that this car can pull seven wagons loaded with coal straight along the sleepers. 
More interesting fact – individual models KrAZ-255 can be refueled not only with gasoline, but also with kerosene. Partly because of this, it was used as a tractor on airfields. However, being a driver on this truck is a real torment (which is only the lack of power steering!). No wonder another of his nicknames is "cannibal" 
KamAZ - the king of Soviet trucks
In principle, the KamAZ brand itself can be called the “main Soviet truck” as such! After all, since the mid-seventies, it was these vehicles that took over a significant part of civilian cargo transportation in the country. And the first model produced by the plant in Naberezhnye Chelny in 1976 was the KamAZ-5320. 
KamAZ-5320 did not have a berth in the cab, which later became a branded element of this brand, but was a reliable and powerful truck. In subsequent models, such a constructive addition appeared, which turned the truck not just into a car, but into a real motor home. 
KAZ-606 "Colchis"
In the old days, our country was in dire need of vehicles capable of transporting big loads. Simply put, in trucks. Soviet truck models have interesting story. That is why at the Kutaisi plant they began to produce a car, which later received the name "Colchis". The history of USSR trucks begins with prototypes presented to the Ministry of Motor Transport, which were developed in 1958. And already in 1959, the cars of the Kutaisi Automobile Plant were demonstrated at the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy.
In total, the plant presented two types of car, one of which was onboard and had the abbreviation KAZ-605, and the other was manufactured according to the principle truck tractor and was called KAZ-606. After getting acquainted with the products of the Georgian automobile plant, the Ministry automotive industry approved serial production of only one model. Priority was given to the KAZ-606 project. Trucks of the USSR were replenished with a truck tractor.
Advantages of the car
The KAZ "Colchis" car had an excellent glazing area of the driver's cab, which made it convenient to control and perform maneuvers. Unlike previously produced cars, the cabin of which was partially wooden, KAZ "Kolchis" was made with an all-metal cabin. In the cockpit, in addition to the driver's, there was only one passenger seat, but the small capacity was compensated by the presence bed. Such a decision at that time was revolutionary in the domestic automotive industry.
This car did not have the usual hood, which at that time was a novelty. The power unit was under the cab, and this was very pleasing in the winter and upsetting in the summer. Appearance The truck was modern and stylish, because the designers moved the location of the headlights to the lower part of the cab.
Disadvantages of the car KAZ-606
The main drawback of the Colchis truck was frequent breakdowns and high fuel consumption. For a hundred kilometers, the car consumed 50 liters of gasoline. Due to the power unit located under the cab, it was difficult to drive the truck for a long time in summer. Not only because of elevated temperature interior, but also due to the accumulation of exhaust gases.
Conclusion
Despite all the advantages, the Colchis truck did not become popular with drivers. And they turned their eyes to other models.
Truck "Ural"
Pride domestic automotive industry created since the time of the Great Patriotic War. The task of the truck is to transport the harvested timber from the mining area. Given the remoteness of such places, strict requirements were put forward for Ural vehicles (timber trucks) for cross-country ability and operation in difficult conditions. Thanks to the painstaking work of Soviet engineers and designers, it was possible to achieve all the tasks set for timber trucks.
Advantages of timber carriers "Ural"
Timber carriers of domestic production have a phenomenal cross-country ability and high quality manufacturing.
The country has always needed such machines especially urgently, given the presence of rich forest resources. Trucks of the USSR have always been in great demand both within the country and abroad.
The structural feature of the timber carriers "Ural" is a different wheel formula - from 4x4 to 8x8. Thanks to this formula, legendary patency. The operating temperature range is -40 ... + 40 ° C. Such a spread allows the use of machines of this type in different climatic conditions.
The maximum length of the transported cargo is almost 25 meters. The trailer, attached to the timber carrier, has a swivel mechanism, which increases maneuverability during transportation. "Ural" is a timber carrier, which is equipped with powerful power units over 200 Horse power.
Modern timber carriers "Ural" are equipped with a special hydraulic loader-manipulator, which allows you to load timber without using a crane. The design of the lift and the control system are simple and reliable. This method allows you to reduce the cost and time for logging.
The engines comply with European standards, which means that the machines practically do not pollute the environment.
Disadvantages of timber carriers "Ural"
Perhaps the only drawback of the Ural timber carriers can be attributed high flow fuel. Although, given the operating conditions of these machines, we can say that such a phenomenon is fully justified.
Conclusion
The developed concept of a truck for transporting forest resources, which required many years of painstaking work, is still in the service of man. Timber carriers continue to perform their task throughout Russia and abroad. Operating in harsh climatic conditions, they still remain reliable assistants of people.
Mining trucks
By creating cars, he aimed to ensure the efficient removal of minerals from the place of extraction. Developing the concept of such big car, engineers and designers have gained invaluable experience in this industry. Our country is known for large volumes of extraction of natural resources. Only large and reliable machines. The Ministry of Automobile Industry of the USSR decided to create production capacity for the development and creation heavy vehicles to work in the quarries of the country. This is how Belarusian appeared car factory, where they began to create BelAZ cars.
Production started in 1948 mining trucks won worldwide recognition. Constantly developing and introducing new technologies in the automotive industry, the plant has become one of the leaders in the heavy-duty vehicle market.
The first brainchild of the Belarusian Automobile Plant was the BelAZ-540 that rolled off the assembly line in 1961. This 27-ton monster was the pride of the Soviet people. From the moment of manufacture with the first brainchild of the BelAZ auto concern, a large number of necessary tests.
Now Belaz-540A began its official working "career" in 1965. Of course it's old soviet trucks, and they are far from modern mining dump trucks, the newest of which is BelAZ-75710. In pursuit of efficiency, the Belarusian concern has created, perhaps, the most load-lifting mining dump truck in the world. The weight of the transported cargo is 450 tons!
The designers of BelAZ-75710 are already preparing an application for entering this miracle of technology into the Guinness Book of Records. In fact, the success of this model was the sum of all the achievements of the automotive industry in this area. The workers of the plant have devoted 65 years to the development and improvement of their products.
The new model differs from the previous ones by using eight wheels instead of six. This decision allowed to take on board more payload. The turning radius of this giant is about 20 meters, which, given its overall dimensions, is very small. The engineers also worked with the maneuverability of the car. By applying the principle of two rotary axles, it was possible to improve the overall maneuverability of the truck.
A lot of work has been done with power plant cars. The type of power unit used in the dump truck is diesel, coupled. The power produced by the power plant is 4600 l / s. All BelAZ-75710 systems were subjected to deep modernization, which ultimately improved and secured the handling of the car. In addition, the loading and unloading of cargo has also become more convenient and easier, the smoothness of the ride and the maneuverability of the dump truck have improved. The pride of Belarusian engineers, BelAZ-75710, turned out to be an extremely balanced and reliable car.
Summary
Despite the impressive size and huge weight, each element of the truck we are considering meets the most stringent safety and reliability requirements. Truly, the list of "Trucks of the USSR" would be incomplete without BelAZ mining dump trucks. But on this machine, our review does not end there. We go further.
Truck ZIL-131
In 1966, the automobile began production of the updated ZIL-130 model. The car was a truck off-road with improved performance compared to its predecessors. The designers of the plant decided to leave the bonnet scheme, modifying only some parts of the cab.
Advantages of the car ZIL-131
Thanks to the excellent passage on almost any off-road, the ZIL-131 has become good helper in various fields of human activity.
The nodes and mechanisms of the model, which showed their reliability on previous samples, were modernized and continued to serve reliably further.
The car turned out to be surprisingly hardy and tenacious. The operating temperature range is more than impressive. ZIL-131 can operate at air temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius.
The machine was actively used in military units and performed various tasks. On its basis, modifications of vehicles designed to transport personnel of the armed forces, field kitchens and mobile hospitals were created.
On the basis of ZIL-131 placed Various types weapons and radio equipment. The car was actively used in the aviation sector as a vehicle for refueling aircraft, helicopters and other aviation flight support mechanisms.
The machine was used in geological exploration, the construction industry and even snow removal.
Disadvantages of ZIL-131
Judging by the reviews, the car eats a lot. However, fuel consumption of 40 liters per 100 km can be attributed to the shortcomings rather conditionally.
Conclusion
Like all trucks of the USSR, ZIL-131 inherited its own "character". There is no doubt about the reliability of such cars. Even today, after many decades, ZIL-131 continues to fulfill its difficult mission.
Trucks Soviet period and today you can meet on the roads Russian Federation. Such vehicles have whole line positive characteristics and are the pride of a great power.
The first Soviet truck was created back in 1896, but in those days, until the First World War, the domestic auto industry was not in demand. Only closer to 1916 did the Soviet government decide that the whole country was in dire need of freight transport. At that moment, considerable funds were allocated for the construction of 6 factories. Unfortunately, only AMO in Moscow was completed before the revolution. It was such a factory that began to produce the first mass-produced Soviet cargo-type vehicles.
As soon as the machine kits imported before the revolution ran out, production stopped. Only in the 23rd year of the last century, the Russian auto industry resumed again. The Italians went towards the Great Soviet Power, European state provided technical documentation for a Fiat car, model 15. Having slightly corrected the foreign copy, a truck appeared on the territory of Russia - AMO-F-15. The length of such a car was 5050 mm, and the height reached 2250 mm. The engine was a 4-cylinder carbureted engine F-15. In such a motor, the valves were at the bottom, and the cylinders were located vertically. The speed of such a truck could reach 50 km. per hour is, of course, the maximum figure. Average figure speed limit along the gravel highway was 30 km. Such an engine was started using a special handle. The ignition spark was produced thanks to the magneto, and the battery was then needed only to power the headlights. Such a battery was not even enough for the full operation of the signal, so a manual horn was used everywhere. The motor was cooled by air, a flywheel with specially attached blades created a cold air flow.
The wheelbase of a car called AMO-F-15 was quite interesting. The size of such a part of the car was equal to - 880 X 185 mm. Semi-elliptical springs were located longitudinally and made up the front and rear dependent suspensions the entire vehicle. The truck was characterized high level patency. The front wheels were single-sided, and the rear wheels were double-sided for remote pressure on the ground and high-quality traction.
The assembly of the very first such car was completed on November 1, 1924, and after 5 days ten such vehicles were defiantly presented on Red Square. The government decided to arrange a test drive for such trucks, the route had a clear direction from Moscow to Leningrad, then Smolensk and Moscow. The path was completed without breakdowns in just 62 and a half hours.
Unfortunately, only 2 legendary AMO-F-15 vehicles have survived to this day. One on this moment is located in the Polytechnic Museum, and the second one is on the territory of ZIL.
GAZ-AA
GAZ-AA was produced from 1932 to 1950. Such a unit was called a "one and a half" because of the peculiarities of the weight (the car weighs 1500 kg). This model of the Soviet truck is considered the most massive; in the history of the Union, about 1000 of them were produced. It was GAZ-AA that was the workhorse of the entire Red Army during World War II.
Such a three-ton car was also a legendary participant in the global war of the 40s. He was affectionately nicknamed "Zakhar Ivanovich". Serial production of such a unit began in the 33rd year of the last century. The military version was simplified as much as possible. Then it was the quantity of technology that mattered, not its quality.
GAZ-51 is an ideal transport for Virgin Lands. Such a unit began to be produced in the 40th year. Unfortunately, the military situation in the country prevented the serial production of such a truck. Large-scale car building unfolded after 46 years. GAZ-51 was used for the development of virgin lands.
Such cargo unit is a successful clone of the American representative from the world of cargo transportation. Of course, it’s not worth talking about complete similarity; these two vehicles were united only by identical cabs. The technical equipment of the ZiS-150 is clean water domestic development. Initially, the car body was made of wood in places. This technique was produced from 1947 to 1957.
The ZIL-130 truck in the past acted not only for the transport of goods, but was also produced in the form snow blower, a tractor and even a dump truck. Good design and affordable price allowed to change the purpose of the transport unit. It was easy to operate such a car for decades, although what can I say if there are instances that still work today.
This machine is designed specifically for extreme conditions. This is the first Soviet SUV. In this model, all 4 wheels are driving. Therefore, driving through the mud does not make it difficult to move the truck at all. This is the best military apparatus of the last century.
The Ural-375 truck had three drive axles. Such a vehicle was massively used for various purposes. Carrying capacity and endurance of the car were decent. But due to minor errors, the government already in 1982 began to replace the SUV with the new Ural-4320 model. Ural-375 is good, but problems with the brake system and not economical engine played a fatal role. Of course, the car was produced for civilians until 1992, but it no longer took part in military events.
Traction power and cross-country ability of the KrAZ-255 are worthy of the highest praise. Such a unit is a kind of legend. Truck production was launched in 1967 and today such "assistants" are widely used in civilian enterprises and military units. You can even fill KrAZ-255 with kerosene. In part, such a machine was used as a tractor at airfields.
KAMAZ
Soviet trucks, or rather their leader - KamAZ. The first car was a model - KamAZ-5320. Initially, the version was simple and inexpensive. Every year the car was transformed and supplemented with new ones. technical specifications. And today such a truck can be safely called the "King" of Soviet cargo transportation.
82 years ago, the first serial "lorry" came off the assembly line of the Nizhny Novgorod Automobile Plant - famous car GAZ-AA, which for several decades became a real "king" Soviet roads. By this date, "RG" remembered 7 legendary models trucks, which the domestic auto industry was rightfully proud of.
History of creation."Automobile Moscow Society", established in 1916, began its activities with the assembly of the Italian "one and a half" FIAT 15 Ter. Shortly after the October Revolution, the plant was nationalized, and then reoriented to the production of AMO-F-15 cars - the first Soviet trucks. However, they outwardly differed little from the "FIATs", although the "stuffing" was largely domestic. Absolutely soviet car became only in 1933, changing its name to AMO-3. And it was this model that was later taken as the basis for the production of the popular ZIS-5 trucks.
Peculiarities. The car was created on the basis of Italian trucks and many components for a long time were imported. In the engine ignition system, for example, the mechanisms of the company Bosch, already well known at that time, were used; in the electrical system, Scintilla parts were used.
By the way. Despite the noble European origin of the machine proved to be inconvenient to use. The driver's seat was located right of the center and too close to the steering wheel, so that the drivers experienced discomfort, almost resting their feet on the steering wheel. In addition, to the feet due to design features acted cold air which was especially felt in winter.
History of creation."Lutorki" became the first cars that were created at the Nizhny Novgorod (Gorky) Automobile Plant, opened on January 1, 1932. The authorities made a serious bet on NAZ, gigantic by the standards of the young Soviet republic, which by the end of 1932 had turned into a more familiar GAZ, but decided to start production with the "cloning" of the American Ford-AA truck. However, the agreement with the Ford empire allowed Soviet engineers some "liberties", and they partially changed the steering gear and clutch housing, and side body and completely made it unique. Since 1933, GAZ began to make do with only domestic components, and after that the gradual improvement of the car began. In total, up to October 1949, over 820 thousand of them were released. Thus, GAZ-AA is considered the most massive Soviet truck in the first half of the 20th century.
Peculiarities. Experts say that GAZ-AA was quite modern car, while he could drive on almost any fuel, even tractor naphtha. Although the "lorries" got their nickname for their carrying capacity of one and a half tons, working on large Soviet construction sites, they had to transport much more - up to thirty centners.
By the way. Due to the constantly failing starter with battery, drivers, as a rule, started GAZ-AA engine special crank, "crooked starter". However, this turned out to be not only a disadvantage, but also an advantage of the "one and a half" - any frosts were nothing to her. This helped especially during the years of the Great Patriotic War, when "gaziki" were valued higher than captured foreign cars.
History of creation. Prototypes of the new GAZ 51st modification were presented to members Soviet government in May 1945 of the year (the car was created back in 1937, but to run mass production did not have time before the war). After the Victory, the country needed new trucks. "Lorries" honorably fulfilled their military mission, but more were needed to restore the economy. powerful machines. The previously developed model came to court - and after a while they began to make it even in Poland, China and the DPRK. Until 1975, almost 3.5 million of these trucks hit the roads. But still main model Gorky Automobile Plant in the second half of the 20th century became GAZ-52 and GAZ-53, which were easy to confuse with each other because of the same cab. They began to be assembled back in the 60s, and the last 53rd, although already modified, rolled off the assembly line in 1993.
Peculiarities. GAZ-52 was able to carry cargo weighing up to 2.5 tons, and its older "brother" - up to three, and later up to four tons, when the front axle of the car was strengthened and replaced cardan transmission. Meanwhile, an eight-cylinder engine with 115 horsepower allowed the truck to accelerate to 85 kilometers per hour.
By the way. Gorky engineers managed to create a machine that worked equally well in hot Laos and in snowy Finland, where 53rd GAZs were willingly purchased. No wonder this particular truck became the hero of the development of virgin lands in Kazakhstan and the corn projects of the then General Secretary of the Communist Party Nikita Khrushchev.
History of creation. The famous 130th ZIL replaced the morally and technically obsolete 164th model. The first car at the capital's automobile plant was assembled in December 1956, the last - in 1994. During this time, the car has firmly won domestic market bonnet trucks, being considered the "calling card" of ZIL. The class of the car was also recognized by international experts: for example, in 1963 new model was presented at the International Fair in Leipzig and received gold medal, and in 1971 she was awarded the State "Quality Mark".
Peculiarities. ZIL-130 for several years, as they say, brought to mind. Engineers assembled almost four dozen prototypes, repeatedly tried to optimize power unit, tested about 70 engines and about 100 gearboxes. Of course, such a thorough approach made it possible to create a car that for three decades was quite competitive even by world standards. In the 130th, there were amazing for those times the power steering and the pre-heater of the engine. An eight-cylinder V-shaped overhead valve carburetor engine with a capacity of 150 horsepower allowed the car to reach speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. In addition, the ZIL-130 became the first truck in the USSR with a carrying capacity of 6 tons.
By the way. A version is circulating on the Internet, according to which the Soviet Union received a drawing of the ZIL-130 car from Japan as a reparation. Apparently, this bike became an element of the advertising campaign of the capital's plant, although the design of the car was indeed innovative for the USSR (which is worth only the alligator-type hood) and strongly resembled American bonneted trucks of the 50s of the last century.
History of creation. The "five hundredth" MAZ in the 60s of the last century made about the same impression on the roads as the five hundredth "Mercedes" in the 90s. It was the first Soviet cabover truck. It remains to be surprised at the persistence of the designers and engineers of the Minsk Automobile Plant, who were able to prove to officials the need to hide the diesel engine under the cab. The decision turned out to be correct - it became easier for the driver to control such a machine and perform the necessary manipulations with the motor, and the body became more spacious. As a result, the carrying capacity of MAZs increased from 4.2 tons, as it was in the bonneted 200 model, to 6 tons, and then to 7.5. Note that the first prototypes of new machines were made in 1958, and serial ones - only in 1965.
Peculiarities. MAZ-500 in the 1960s was to a certain extent unique machine. Not only did it use a new structural diagram the location of the engine, and the motor itself was installed unusual. The modern YaMZ-236 diesel engine seemed simply silent compared to the previous one. two-stroke motor, which caused a lot of inconvenience with its roar. In addition, the "five hundredth" received a power steering, telescopic shock absorbers and even the so-called planetary gearboxes in the rear wheel hubs.
By the way. One of the most difficult tasks for MAZ designers was to reduce the "vibration load" driver's seat, which was located exactly above the left front wheel. Both engineers and testers were tormented with this question, who literally had to "shake" all day, winding hundreds of kilometers around the test site. Before the start of the serial production of the "five hundredths", the necessary suspension elements seemed to have been found, but the designers decided to continue the optimization. All the shortcomings in the operation of the suspensions were eliminated only after a German vibration stand was purchased at the Minsk Automobile Plant.
History of creation. The Kama Automobile Plant is perhaps the only large enterprise in the industry that has never produced bonneted trucks. The very first model of a huge production, opened in Tatarstan in 1969, was a car of a modern layout - with a cab located above the engine. It should be noted that until 1980, at KamAZ, they worked according to the drawings created, in particular, at ZIL, where they did not launch for a long time own production cabover trucks. Knowing the tenacity with which the Likhachev Plant approached improving the quality of cars, it is not surprising that the KamAZ-5320, created, in fact, like the ZIL-170 back in the late 1960s, was recognized as one of best cars XX century in its class. In Naberezhnye Chelny - after many years of refinement - the conveyor with these trucks was launched only in 1976, and the last 5320 left it only in 2000.
Peculiarities. The very first KamAZ trucks were literally crammed with equipment unique for the Soviet automotive industry. Take only a 5-speed gearbox with extra box- divider, active-reactive muffler, nitrided crankshaft and the presence of four brake systems at once (working, parking, auxiliary and spare), and a clutch pedal pneumatic booster was added to the power steering already familiar from the ZIL-130. Note that KamAZ-5320 had a record load capacity of 8 tons at that time.
By the way. The transfer of the first five KamAZ trucks in February 1976 from Naberezhnye Chelny to Moscow was a real test for the factory workers and their brand new, not yet run-in cars. On the way, one of the cars had a casting defect, due to which all the antifreeze leaked out of the tank. Resourceful drivers plugged the hole with a knot, and instead of antifreeze, they poured water - and set off on a further journey. And yet, one of the cars did not reach Red Square - the clutch lever failed. However, this rally only helped KAMAZ engineers to identify weak spots new products.
BelAZ-540 (7522)
History of creation. The BelAZ-540 mining dump truck was developed at a plant in the Belarusian city of Zhodino in just a year - the Soviet industry urgently demanded to replace the 525th model, which was outdated in many respects. In 1961, a prototype appeared, and in 1965, after some refinement, the mighty truck left the assembly line and literally went to the quarry. It should be noted that the Belarusian giants came to court in many countries of the world, including not only Eastern Europe but also China, Argentina, Pakistan.
Peculiarities. The carrying capacity of the car was unimaginable at that time 27 tons, while the car itself weighed almost 21 tons. Surprisingly, with these parameters, BelAZ could accelerate to 55 kilometers per hour thanks to a V-shaped four-stroke 12-cylinder diesel engine 360 horsepower. The steering wheel with a screw rather than a ball mechanism, and a hydromechanical transmission helped the driver to manage such a colossus.
By the way. The huge BelAZ-540 seems very tiny against the background latest development Zhodino machine builders with an index of 75710. This machine is capable of transporting 450 tons of cargo at a time, while its full mass with loading will be 810 tons. BelAZ-75710 is recognized as the most big truck in the world.
On January 29, 1932, the first GAZ-AA truck, the legendary "one and a half", rolled off the assembly line at the Gorky Automobile Plant. He became one of the first legendary Soviet trucks that our country can be proud of. Many of these cars are still driving on the streets of Russia.
AMO-F-15 - the first Soviet truck
The first Soviet truck appeared in 1922. Then, for the first time, the small and angular AMO-F-15, created on the basis of the Italian truck FIAT 15 Ter, which was produced at the AMO plant (the current ZIL) in 1917-1919, entered the streets. But at the same time, the design was noticeably changed by local engineers.
The first ten copies of the AMO-F-15 took part in a demonstration on Red Square, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Revolution. And three of them a few days later were sent to a test rally on Russian off-road. Trucks during this long race showed themselves from the best side, so the plant began their mass production. In total, in the period from 1924 to 1931, 6285 copies of the AMO rolled off the assembly line. 
GAZ-AA - the legendary "one and a half" 
This car got its nickname "lorry" (and also "polundra") due to the load capacity of 1.5 tons, for which this truck was designed. Initially, GAZ-AA was created on the basis of the Ford Model AA car, but then it was modernized several times, eventually becoming an independent vehicle. 
GAZ-AA was produced from 1932 to 1950, eventually becoming one of the most massive trucks in the history of the USSR (985 thousand copies). The finest hour of the "lorry" came during the Second World War - this unpretentious, simple, but reliable truck became the main "horse" of the Red Army. Including, and during the breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad, when relatively light "gaziki" in large quantities carried food to the besieged city on the ice of Lake Ladoga. 
ZiS-5 - three-ton
Another legendary participant in the Great Patriotic War was the ZiS-5 truck (aka "three-ton", aka "Zakhar", aka "Zakhar Ivanovich"). 
Serial production of the ZiS-5 began in 1933. In fact, this truck became the heir to AMO-3. It was assembled entirely from domestic components, and during the war its design was simplified as much as possible - in harsh years, quantity was more important than quality. By the way, the legendary Katyusha was also created on the basis of this truck, albeit a slightly modernized one (officially called the ZiS-6). 
GAZ-51 - a truck for virgin soil
The first copy of the GAZ-51 truck was created and shown to the public back in 1940, however, the war prevented its mass production. So serial production began only in 1946, when the country needed equipment for post-war reconstruction. 
Having become the most massive truck in the country in the fifties, the GAZ-51 was actively used in the development of virgin lands - untouched fertile steppes in the north of Kazakhstan. For the participants of this “great campaign”, he became one of the symbols of the new era, the growth of the economic power of the USSR in those years. 
A successful design and a fairly low price turned the GAZ-51 into an export product that the Soviet Union supplied abroad. Moreover, not only to the countries of the Eastern bloc, but also to the capitalist states.
ZiS-150 - a successful "clone" of the American truck
Outwardly, the domestic truck ZiS-150 is very similar to the American International Harvester K-7, but it cannot be considered a “clone”. In fact, this car had only an American cabin - during the war, Soviet representatives were able to agree with the United States on the supply of body stamping presses. The technical basis of the novelty is local development and production. 
At first, the body of the ZiS-150 was made partially of wood - the country devastated by the war did not have enough metal. However, over time, this shortcoming was corrected. The truck was produced between 1947 and 1957. A total of 771,883 units of this car were produced. 
ZIL-130 - universal truck
ZIL-130 is probably the most versatile truck of domestic production. On the basis of this machine, over its half-century history, not only trucks, but also dump trucks, tractors, fire trucks and snowplows, garbage trucks, etc. were created. The secret of this versatility is a successful design that allows you to change the purpose of the vehicle without changing its technical part, a relatively low production cost and reliability that allows you to operate the truck for decades. 
Trucks are still produced on the ZIL-130 chassis. True, now they are called AMUR. However, hundreds of thousands of Soviet-made ZILs still drive on the roads of Russia and other countries. In total, more than three million copies of this truck were produced. 
GAZ-66 - cargo SUV
GAZ-66 was created to drive through the most extreme conditions, where no other vehicle can pass. Four driven wheels allow the car to drive over dirt, rough terrain, rocks, rocks and other nasty surfaces. This is the reason why the GAZ-66 has become almost the main army truck. 
Why is there a Soviet and Russian army! Even Jean-Claude Van Damme's character in the action movie The Expendables 2 drove a GAZ-66! Isn't that a real worldwide recognition? 
Ural-375 - six-axle SUV
Ural-375 is another four-wheel drive truck that was massively used not only for civilian, but also for military needs. Three driving axles and huge wheels, as well as a large carrying capacity, made it possible to carry on it on the worst roads and in the absence of these, not only people and cargo, but even the Grad multiple launch rocket system. However, significant technical shortcomings, for example, an unreliable but expensive gasoline engine, as well as problems in the brake system, led the Ministry of Defense to begin replacing this truck with the Ural-4320 already in 1982. 
In the civilian sector, the Ural-375 truck, produced until 1992, is still used in the oil and geological exploration industries. 
KrAZ-255 - Ukrainian hero
KrAZ-255 is a true legend of the Ukrainian and Soviet automotive industry. During its existence (since 1967), it received from the people, probably, more nicknames than any other domestic machine, for example, “lappet”, “bast shoe” and even “moon rover”. There are legends about the traction power and ubiquitous cross-country ability of this truck. It is believed that this car can pull seven wagons loaded with coal straight along the sleepers. 
Another interesting fact is that some KrAZ-255 models can be refueled not only with gasoline, but also with kerosene. Partly because of this, it was used as a tractor on airfields. However, being a driver on this truck is a real torment (which is only the lack of power steering!). No wonder another of his nicknames is "cannibal". 
KamAZ - the king of Soviet trucks
In principle, the KamAZ brand itself can be called the “main Soviet truck” as such! After all, since the mid-seventies, it was these vehicles that took over a significant part of civilian cargo transportation in the country. And the first model produced by the plant in Naberezhnye Chelny in 1976 was the KamAZ-5320. 
KamAZ-5320 did not have a berth in the cab, which later became a branded element of this brand, but was a reliable and powerful truck. In subsequent models, such a constructive addition appeared, which turned the truck not just into a car, but into a real motor home. 
