Monsters on wheels. Today we will show you what the most powerful and potentially passable trucks exist in the modern world. Research teams from different countries have been developing and implementing them for decades. Military special vehicles, fire trucks, special trucks for transportation special cargo. There are many variations and each one is unique.
Their evolution began at the dawn of the automotive industry, and the most thoughtful designs have come down to our days and are still in use. It's nice to know that one of the most honorable places among trucks special purpose occupied trucks. The need to explore the impenetrable parts of the taiga and tundra, the development of the far north and unprecedentedly huge construction projects required great engineering solutions, both in terms of scale and technological complexity. Exactly at similar conditions such cars as KrAZ-255, various BelAZs and whole line multi-ton prototypes.
The designs of some cars included a huge number of axles, twelve, sixteen and even more than twenty. The other was distinguished by its cross-country ability or incredible carrying capacity. The total mass of the MAZ-7907 was 65 tons!
Truck capacities for difficult conditions were a match for their capabilities and dimensions. Russian, American and European production are also distinguished by high performance, often their power exceeds 500 hp.
And so, let's look at the most cool trucks recent years...
Military truck MZKT 600103
We start the review with a new military truck from the Belarusian manufacturer, MZKT 600103. Designed specifically for the military, the truck can be used for tactical maneuvers, delivery of manpower and field operations. Power 446 hp, 2011 Nm of torque, it's really off-road.
The MZKT 600103 can also be used as a radar post, bridge gunner or as a fuel carrier when used in various configurations with an extended chassis (6x6, 8x8 or 10x10). Equipped with all-wheel drive, it has an approach angle of 42 degrees and an exit angle of 44 degrees. A truck is able to go through almost any difficult terrain.
In addition to maneuverability in the field, its highway cruising speed of 105 km/h is impressive! The armored cab of the driver and front passenger differs not only in protection against bullets and shrapnel, but also in a noticeable level of comfort: heating can overcome even the most severe Siberian frosts, it will always be warm in the cab.
It is achieved using a seven-speed automatic transmission. "MZKT-600103" with a 6x6 wheel arrangement and an Allison 4500SP hydromechanical transmission and a curb weight of the vehicle from 14,000 to 17,000 kg became latest chassis series "MZKT-6001".
If it seemed to you that the Belarusian truck reminds you of some foreign car, you will be right. Visual resemblance to the military MAN vehicles It is no coincidence that since 1997 the parent company MAZ has maintained close ties with specialists from Munich.
Light armored vehicle MZKT 490100
Another development of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, the MZKT 490100 vehicle, MRAP classification (protected from undermining and ambush attacks, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle). The machine has a V-shaped bottom, four-wheel drive and independent double wishbone suspension.
The weight of the armored car is 10 tons. both from explosions (up to six kilograms of TNT), fragments, and from bullets, for example, from a Kalashnikov assault rifle.
As motor units, YaMZ and Cummins engines with power from 215 to 248 hp are installed.
The car has a high geometric cross-country ability, is able to overcome steep slopes. In addition, MZKT 490100 is very maneuverable. In addition to the driver and front passenger, the armored car can take on board up to eight soldiers.
Thanks to two 130 liter tanks, it is able to cover up to 1000 km without refueling, even when driving over rough terrain.
Due to its compact dimensions (6.40x2.55x2.66 m) it is suitable for transfer on all types of large transport aircraft.
Wheel chassis MZKT 6922
The main difference between the MZKT 6922 is the use of not a frame, but a body chassis. Body sheets are additionally reinforced to protect the crew. With dimensions: 9.5 meters, height 2.3 meters and width 3 meters, 6922 has very good maneuverability, as evidenced by its turning radius - only 12.5 meters. Wheel layout 6x6, with all-wheel drive.
The car is equipped with a heater and air conditioning, so that the crew of 4 people can comfortably carry out military service in any conditions. And this service implies completely different tasks, both air defense and radar detection installations and anti-aircraft missile systems are put on the platform.
It should be noted that a unique hydropneumatic independent suspension. The high mobility of the machine is ensured by the GMP-400 hydromechanical transmission, a two-speed transfer case, a powerful YaMZ-7513.10 eight-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine (420 hp) and 525/70R21 tires with improved performance. All this technical set allows the car to easily move on the most difficult terrain.
The newest foreign military trucks
Scania P 440 8x6
Swedish truck designed for dangerous missions in areas with ongoing hostilities. Scania for war differs from its civilian counterparts with an armored cab, weapons on the roof, a wheel inflation system, eight axles with six-wheel drive. In addition to the driver and passenger, other fighters can be accommodated in the car; an armored compartment for soldiers is provided behind the cab.
A trailer weighing up to 22 tons can be attached to the truck. This car can carry various cargoes, including fuel.
Other key data about the P440 8x6: 13 liter engine, 446 Horse power, maximum speed 90 km/h For convenience, the machine comes with a standard air suspension and air conditioning.
Another Scandinavian truck Volvo FMX
This time we will talk about. This is not exactly a military version of the truck. Rather, it can be called a truck for extreme conditions operation. Its main goal is to deliver cargo to places where 90% of other trucks will not pass. For increased cross-country ability, engineers used a number of modern technologies. These include four-wheel drive, automatic traction control, steep hill start assist mode, and other electronic assistants and systems.
Even if the Volvo is bogged down, no time to panic, off-road assist functions, drive configuration (6x4) and 507 hp. will be able to quickly take out all 27 tons on solid ground.
NATO countries are declared the main potential adversary of Russia.
It is all the more interesting to study what technique the Europeans are ready to oppose domestic technology new generation.
Let's make a reservation right away that the site is a publication outside of politics, and in this topic we are interested in cars and nothing but them.
Now it's time to get to know military equipment EU countries.
Since the production of military vehicles has been put on a grand scale in the EU, in the first publication we will focus exclusively on trucks.
France: Renault Sherpa
This car was built, as you might guess, on the basis of a 1997 Renault Kerax mining truck. Sherpa truck line (not to be confused with passenger SUVs Sherpa, which will be discussed separately) debuted in 2004.
There are four options in total. The two-axle Sherpa 5 and Sherpa 10 are designed primarily for the transport of people. They have an all-wheel drive layout, are suitable for transportation by aircraft (like, for example, our legendary GAZ-66) and are optionally equipped with machine guns. Under the hood they have a diesel 10.8-liter in-line "six" with a capacity of 295 to 340 hp, and a payload varies from 6 to 12 tons.
Three-axle Sherpa 15 is used for freight transport. In addition to the 6x6 layout, there is a 6x2 mono-drive version. Carrying capacity - up to 15.7 tons. The engine has been boosted to 370 hp. The most powerful modification for military container transportation already has eight driving axles, the same engine, "overclocked" to 450 hp, and is capable of carrying up to 19.4 tons.
The fact that the cabs are equipped with air conditioning, and instead of an 8-speed mechanical box optionally installed automatic transmission, not surprising. After all, in Russian armored vehicles"" all this is also there. Another thing is interesting: all motors comply with Euro-5 standards, although there are versions for Euro-3. These are the tendencies in Europe: war is war, but the air must not be polluted.
Germany: Mercedes-Benz Zetros
This car became a hit at the Eurosatory Paris defense exhibition in 2008. The Germans pay attention to the fact that, like any Mercedes, a military truck is made with great attention to driver comfort. The cabin, in particular, is maximally unified with the flagship Actros of the previous generation.
The all-wheel drive transmission is borrowed from the construction model Arocs, and the 7.2-liter diesel with 326 hp. - at the Unimog truck. Tellingly, the motor can also be tuned to Euro-3 or Euro-5 standards. Impressive ground clearance (381 mm under rear axle and 428 mm under the front) allows you to storm the ford up to 1.2 meters.
There are two modifications - “short” with index 1833 and 4x4 drive, and “long” 2733 with 6x6 wheel arrangement. Both models can be transported in the bowels of transport aircraft with minimal preparations.
In addition to selling to the Bundeswehr, Mercedes are actively promoting these cars on the civilian market. By the way, there are dealers in Russia. You can buy "bare" chassis, then retrofit them to your liking, for example, equip a motorhome with all the amenities or mount some equipment. A good alternative to our Urals for wealthy citizens who are not too burdened with patriotic feelings and who are looking for transport to travel without borders.
Italy: Iveco-Astra
With the names of these military trucks, everything is complicated. Them, as well as a line of related mining trucks Trakker, does not do it herself Iveco company, and their "colleague" in the Fiat concern is the Astra plant in Piacenza. In the Italian army, vehicles serve under the "original" name Astra with their own index system, and are already exported under the Iveco brand.
There are three versions, and among themselves they are unified by 66%. Basic version 4x4 Iveco M170 has a Cursor-8 turbodiesel with a return of 310 hp. and a 5-speed "automatic" with an optional 16-speed "mechanics". It, like the six-wheeled M270, is designed for air transport. Option 6x6 is completed for more than powerful motor Cursor-13 about 450 forces.
Iveco-Astra, as we have already said, is very actively sold for export. The 8-wheel version of the Iveco M320 with the same 450-horsepower engine is most in demand. It is supplied not only to Spain, Ireland and Belgium (where there is no developed "cargo" industry), but also to France. Since 2011, the Renault Sherpa 20 8 × 8 has not been produced - obviously, its place in the army was taken by enterprising Italian trucks.
Already at the Astra plant, they offer a lot of options for equipping trucks: tractors for artillery, vehicles for personnel, truck cranes, container carriers ... There is even a version of the M1100 - a truck for transporting tanks with eight driving axles and boosted to 500 hp. turbodiesel.
Czech Republic: Tatra T815
"Tatras" of the 815th series have been produced since 2004. As you might guess, in the list of modifications there are two-, three- and four-axle options. But the technical "stuffing" is worthy of special mention. First, in the "base" it has a diesel supercharged V8 with mechanical injection and air-cooled own Czech development. Such motors have been the hallmark of the company for the past 90 years. Secondly, it has a unique independent suspension, which allows the Tatra to show outstanding off-road capabilities even against the background of other army trucks.
At the request of the client, however, the Tatra diesel engine can be replaced with a Cummins or Caterpillar engine, although the “air vent” can also ensure compliance with Euro-2 to Euro-5 standards.
In the summer of 2014, the Czechs at the annual Eurosatory exhibition already mentioned here presented an armored version of 4x4. The cab for the car, protected according to the 3rd international class, was made by the Israeli company Plasan. Armor provides protection from both small arms and mines.
Finland: Sisu E13TP
Yes, yes, even small Finland with a population half that of Moscow has its own well-developed military industry. Interestingly, Sisu remains owned by Finnish investors and is not part of any major concern, although it could have been under the control of, for example, Volvo Trucks for a long time. Moreover, in the summer of 2014, the Finns bought their competitor, the Serbian truck manufacturer FAP.
Last Friday, February 15, marked another date for the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Now, at the present time, in the countries of the Middle East and in Afghanistan, among other things, another army, the NATO one, is stuck. Let's leave the entire political background of the current situation to specialists, there are many of them, everyone wants to eat bread, and it's not interesting to me. Today, after reading about the M35 army truck from Amonov, I became interested in this veteran and found a good review of it in Club 4x4 magazine.
Original taken from amonov in the steel wagons of the messengers of democracy.
The life of a carrier of democracy is hard and unsightly. It is necessary to carry the torch of freedom to the ignorant peoples, but the ignorant peoples are in no hurry to illuminate themselves with the light of democracy, and worse than that, they strive to shoot down the torch-bearers.
The headache of any army in any local conflict is communications. The villains do not want to enter into an open confrontation with the army, but strive to burn and rob supply columns. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan was no exception. The Americans quickly realized that the convoys needed to be protected. I had to remember the forgotten experience of the Vietnam War, repair battalions quickly built gun trucks to accompany the columns. And the equipment is still the same as in Vietnam - M35 trucks. The technology of the case is simple - the armor on the body and the cabin was welded on, 2-3 machine guns were put into action.
And where are the vaunted MRAPs? As where? Pictures and news. MRAP is not enough for everyone. Moreover, the first MRAPs did not show their best side. Here it is necessary american army use what is simpler and cheaper.
Machine guns mounted on some trucks deserve special attention. These are the good old German MGs. Already, the American army has 65 percent of foreign-made weapons.
The M35 military truck was created by the now unknown REO Motor Car Company and was in service with the US Army for 40 years... “Military vehicles are widely used in all armed conflicts and “small wars” unleashed by reactionary forces.
The big imperialist states willingly supply automobiles to rotten anti-people regimes, stranglers of freedom. American RIOs were an integral part of the dirty war in Vietnam ”(Leonid Gogolev,“ Cars in Combat Formation ”).
Actually, this was the most important and basic thing that an ordinary Soviet person was supposed to know about the military equipment of the decaying West. Specialists - military and automotive engineers - had access to somewhat different literature, which contained no ideology, but contained very interesting details. Including the experimental technique of the most potential adversary. However, even there, the authors constantly got confused in details, trying to explain on their fingers how the A1 modification differs from A2, not to mention A5. Alas, it was completely unrealistic to see and feel the cars alive. If civilian foreign cars from the end of the 80s flowed first in a stream, and then in a continuous stream, then with the “army men” everything turned out to be more complicated.
HUMANITARIAN AID
It so happened that in the early 90s, some regular American charitable foundation, the leadership of which had clearly read the then, already post-Soviet newspapers and was utterly horrified, decided to urgently save the starving Ukraine. The money was enough for two army trucks with humanitarian aid. At the same time, trucks, as obsolete (60s of production), were passed off as “packing” goods. In other words, there was no need to return them. Somehow very quickly both cars ended up in the hands of connoisseurs vintage cars. One of them is now in the museum of vintage cars "Phaeton" in the city of Zaporozhye.
TWO AND A FIFTY
After the end of World War II, the Americans decided to replace with one thing the entire motley fleet of all-wheel drive three-axle vehicles with a carrying capacity of 2.5 tons off-road (4.5 tons on asphalt), which during the war years were produced by several companies at once. A competition was held, which in 1949 was won by the REO Motor Car Company, which presented a model with single wheels on all axles, a gasoline engine, an automatically connected front axle and an easy-to-make canvas-topped cab. However, they also released it with an all-metal cabin.
The new car was standardized as the M34 and went into production in 1950. However, soon the military also wanted to get a modification with dual tires, more suitable for use in Europe. This is how the M35 model appeared. And the production of the M34 was transferred to Studebaker. Until 1962, the M34 and M35 were produced exclusively in a gasoline version, then they acquired a new LDS427 multi-fuel engine, developed by Continental together with the German company MAN.
The improved version was named M35A1. Further, the engine acquired a turbocharger, and as the only option the gearbox was adopted 5-speed (before that it was not installed on all M35). The car received the designation M35A2, and with this index, having undergone many changes, it was produced by different companies (REO ceased to exist in 1975) until 1989.
Fun fact about the American notation. The tow truck based on the M35 had the designation M60. However, the main tank and a single machine gun were also called! Not otherwise to confuse the enemy, who managed to eavesdrop / decipher the negotiations. For example, an American officer will say: “Send me three M60s tomorrow.” And our military adviser in Vietnam can only guess what was meant - machine guns, trucks or tanks right away?
Easy access. Raising the hood, you can fold the sidewalls. Pay attention to the air intake of the preheater |
POUR EVERYTHING THAT IS BURNING!
The car moves in space thanks to the inline six-cylinder multi-fuel engine White LDT427, where LDT stands for something like "turbo clean air". The motor is running on diesel fuel(main mode), as well as on gasoline, kerosene and, as it is written in one smart Soviet book of 1967, “on all types of fuel jet engines with cetane number from 18 to 60". In general, which warehouse we capture from the enemy during the offensive, such fuel will be filled. That's just the power when running on gasoline drops significantly - up to 113 hp. With.
So that the American Bosch high-pressure fuel pump does not accidentally deteriorate due to a lack of oil (gasoline does not have lubricating properties), it is advisable to mix gasoline with engine oil in a ratio of 60:1. Almost like in two-stroke motor. And in order to avoid vapor locks when driving on gasoline, a powerful electric pump is installed directly on the fuel tank. The engine itself works according to the MAN-process known in narrow circles, i.e. film formation combustible mixture. Fuel is injected onto the surface of a spherical combustion chamber located directly in the piston and evaporates slowly and in layers, which ensures smooth combustion.
The working volume is 7.8 liters. Power - 134 liters. With. at 2600 rpm. Torque - 461 Nm at 1400 rpm. The museum car has a motor in a winter version with starting preheater air, quite naturally interlocked with heavy duty autonomous stove. If necessary, you can quickly install the snorkel by removing the special cover from the nozzle air filter. Equipped in this way, the M35 easily overcame a ford up to two meters deep.
RACING TRUCK
I don’t remember if ergonomics was declared pseudoscience in the USSR, but in the USA the creators of the M35 clearly didn’t even remember it. Devices, buttons, toggle switches and levers are scattered almost in random order. The engine start button is microscopic. Apparently, so that the enemies could not find her and steal a valuable truck. However, if you do not activate the electric fuel priming pump, then pressing this button is useless. The motor will not start.
It's funny that at the same time, the car that I happened to get acquainted with seems to have been operated somewhere in the southern latitudes. Windows and power windows were dismantled along with the cabin insulation. Thanks to this, during the inspection, it was possible to get to the only plate with the manufacturer's data that was preserved under the ceiling. Judging by the date stamped on the aluminum rectangle, I was dealing with an M35 assembled in late 1963. Although it is possible that this is the date of manufacture of the cab, which was moved from another truck during repairs.
Sitting behind a huge steering wheel, I squeezed out a rather tight long-stroke clutch (ideal for a not very experienced soldier who is used to a typical American automatic transmission in civilian life) and immediately turned on the second gear. The first is off-road. No double squeezes (the Americans were not too lazy to install synchronizers), although many M35s also have selective semi-automatic devices with pneumatic switching. Feelings when “sticking in” the transmission are approximately the same as on the Soviet ZIL-157K or GAZ-63. You really feel like you're overcoming resistance. metal parts Checkpoint.
Diesel breaks the car from a place downright with light acceleration. Even somehow unexpectedly. True, he does this with an incredible roar, which at high speeds even drowns out the piercing whistle of the turbine. It is understandable. vertically mounted exhaust pipe located almost exactly above the passenger's right ear. By the way, a long journey as a second crew member is dangerous to health. I tried it, and after 10 minutes of the trip, the roar of the diesel made my ear stuffy. And after 15 minutes it began to ache. It would be necessary to take protective headphones with you, as the huge yellow plate on the passenger door honestly warns about.
The steering wheel, to my delight, turned out to be unusually light for such an ancient truck. But not because a hydraulic booster is installed there, but because the gear ratio of the steering gear reaches some incredible values. back side medals - you need to turn the steering wheel very quickly and vigorously, otherwise it is easy to lose your lane or fly out of the turn at full speed. And it reaches 90 km / h.
Antique pedals - floor. You can immediately see in what years the designers who designed the M35 worked. Hydropneumatic brakes are not heavy at all and stop the truck smoothly, without the sharp setting inherent in pneumatics of the 40-50s of the last century. And they don't hiss. Fun fact: thanks to this design of the brake system and a gross weight of less than 26 thousand pounds (about 12 tons), according to American rules, the M35 can be driven with ordinary rights in many states. And what? The speed and dynamics are quite decent, visibility is excellent, except that the hood is too long, handling is acceptable, the suspension is moderately stiff, the car does not “goat” even when driving empty. It is not surprising that decommissioned from the army, but still quite alive, the M35 is very popular among American military enthusiasts, collectors, firefighters and farmers. Ordinary carriers disdain them. Not economical, and comfort is not the same. Army, you know...
Author Yuri Golubovsky, photo by the author.
AM GENERAL(AM GENERAL). South Bend, USA.
Formed in the process of centralization of the American military-industrial complex, AM General Corporation was the leading manufacturer of a wide range of standardized vehicles for the armed forces of the United States and many countries of the world. She considers her ancestor to be Overland, which became the basis of Willys Overland in the early 20th century. After the war, she joined the Kaiser Jeep group, which in 1964 at the Studebaker plant in South Bend launched the production of army trucks of 2.5- and 5-ton classes, previously manufactured different firms USA. In 1967, the Defense & Government Products Division was formed there. In the winter of 1970, when Kaiser Jeep was bought by American Motors Corporation, it became the Product Division general purpose(General Products Division), and on April 1, 1971 received the status of AM General. The abbreviation AM indicated the official owner - the American Motors concern, although from the very first days of its existence, AM General, which carried out mainly government military orders, was actually an independent company.
So at the disposal of "AM General" was almost the entire range of standardized military vehicles. It was led by the M151A2 jeep and its derivatives - the M718A1 ambulances, the M107 / M108 headquarters and the M825 chassis for a recoilless gun. Until the end of the 80s. 95 thousand cars of the M151 series were assembled. The range of M715 pickups was converted into the AM715 series, which also included the AM724 chassis and the AM725 ambulance. They differed increased to 150 hp. power, brake booster, increased base (3327 mm) and a number of details. In 1978-79. together with Pace Industries, the AM330 and AM331 (4x4) armored vehicles with 20- and 25-mm cannons were developed, as well as the AM301 armored personnel carrier, equipped with a 300-horsepower V6 diesel engine and automatic transmission gears. Over time, they served as the basis for the armored vehicles "Dragoon" (Dragoon), produced by the company "A-V Technology" (AV Technology). In 1985, AM General began serial production of its most famous car, the Hummer, to which a separate article is devoted here.
The standardized 2.5-ton M35 (6x6) series until 1989 was produced in the A2 version with a multi-fuel 140-horsepower Continental LD-465-1C engine (Continental) and a 5-speed gearbox. It included the M44A2 and M45A2 chassis, M34A2, M35A2 and M36A2 trucks with an extended base, M49A2 and M50A2 tanks, M109A3 van, M275A2 truck tractor, M342A2 dump truck, M185A3 workshop and various special chassis. Their development was the M600 series with 12-volt electrical equipment, designed for NATO units in Europe. It includes M602 and M621 trucks (analogues of M35 and M34 models), M610 and M611 (M50 / M49) tanks, M607 (M275) truck tractor, M613 (M109) van, M624 (M342) dump truck, etc. In total, South Bende assembled over 150,000 trucks of the 2.5-ton class. As part of their re-equipment program in 1993, AM General began production of a reconstructed M35A3 car with a 170-horsepower Cummins diesel engine, an automatic 4-speed gearbox, tire pressure control, new chassis components and front cladding. Until April 1999, 5484 cars were assembled.
The standardized 5-ton M54 series was produced by AM General for a short time, having assembled the last of 112 thousand vehicles of this range. Back in 1970, her predecessors began to develop a new family, but this work was completed at AM General. At the end of 1971, South Bend began manufacturing a new 5-ton range M809 (6x6) with a gross weight of 14.0-15.2 tons, equipped with a Cummins NHC250 diesel engine (14.0 l, 243 hp), mechanical 5-speed gearbox, double final drive, hydropneumatic braking system, power steering and 24-volt electrical equipment. The base chassis were M809, M810 and M811/812 with wheelbases 4547, 4242 and 5461 mm, respectively, on which the M813 and M814 trucks with metal bodies with removable benches for 26-30 soldiers, the M815 engineering chassis, the M816 and M819 repair and recovery vehicles, the M817 dump truck with a 3.8-cc body, saddle M818 tractor and M820/820A2 vans. The development of the M139 series was the M821 model.
In January 1977, together with 6 American firms, AM General took part in a competition for the creation of heavy army vehicles with a gross weight of 23-34 tons. Already in June, she became the winner, presenting the cheapest machines, which were based on the Centaur crane chassis of the CCC (CCC) company. Based on them, 14-ton M915 (6x6), M916 (6x6) and 20-ton M920 (8x8) truck tractors were developed, which worked as part of road trains with a gross weight of 48-61 tons, as well as 20-ton M917 dump trucks, M918 bitumen distributors ( 6x6) and chassis M919 (8x8) for concrete mixers. They were equipped with a 6-cylinder Cummins NTC400 diesel engine (14.0 l, 400 hp), a semi-automatic 16-speed Caterpillar gearbox, a single-stage Oshkosh transfer case with pneumatic drive, a rear bogie "Hendrickson" (Hendrickson) and tires with a landing size of 20 or 22 inches. Since January 1983, M915A1 (6x6) tractors and M920A1 (6x6) tow trucks with an Allison automatic 5-speed gearbox were produced. Until the end of 1984, 7.3 thousand units of cars of this model range were assembled.
In 1975, AM General developed a replacement for its own 5-ton truck series. The first order for them was received only in April 1981, and the production of the M939 (6x6) family began in 1982. Structurally, this range did not differ much from the M809 series, except for the use of the new Allison automatic 5-speed gearbox, 2 - stepped transfer box, pneumatic brakes and the installation of more reliable axles "Rockwell" (Rockwell). For the first time on these machines, a diagnostic system and a cabin with enhanced sound insulation appeared, and a new front panel with integrated lighting devices replaced the unpretentious cladding of standardized trucks. The family included the base chassis M939, M940 / M941 and M942 / M943 / M944 with a winch, which respectively had the same wheelbase dimensions as their counterparts from the M809 series. On their basis, an even more extensive range of machines was created: flatbed trucks M923, M924 and M927 with different types of bodies and their variants M925, M926 and M928 with winches, M933 / M936 recovery vehicles, M929 / M930 dump trucks, M931 / M932 truck tractors, M934 / 935 vans and M942 / M945 chassis for special equipment. They had a total mass of 14.2-21.0 tons, developed a speed of 84 km / h and overcame climbs with a steepness of up to 60%. Since 1985, an updated A1 range has been produced for operation in snowy and desert regions, equipped with a closed all-metal cab or an open one with soft top, centralized system tire inflation and ABS. Until 1992, 21 thousand copies of this range were manufactured. At the end of the 80s. the AM General company, having taken part in the competition for the NO tank tractor, built a prototype M1A1 (8x8), but the Oshkosh company was declared the winner. Since the end of the 90s. AM General's main concern is the serial production of Hummers, as well as the reconstruction of previously produced trucks.
The turbulent activity of the AM General company, which turned into the 80s. in the American monopoly in the field of military vehicles, has always attracted attention large corporations. On September 20, 1983, AM General was bought out by the aerospace company LTV (LTV), and after its bankruptcy in April 1992, AM General is part of the Renco Group steel group. In the 90s. AM General received the status of a corporation (AM General Corporation, AMG). The abbreviation AM now has an impersonal meaning: the word Automotive (automobile) is encrypted in it, so its full name can now be translated in two ways - "Automotive Corporation for General Purpose Products" or "General Automobile Corporation".
From this post you will learn about the new army truck, which will enter serial production in the near future and join the ranks of our army. Automatic transmission, air suspension, air conditioning - and this is far from full list mandatory equipment to be installed on Typhoon-U.
"Typhoon-U" ("Ural" -6309)
Length: 9265 mm.
Ground clearance: 400 mm.
Engine: 7 liter diesel, turbocharged.
Maximum torque: 1,650 Nm at 1,400 -1,600 rpm.
Fuel consumption: 42 l/100 km.
Cost: 38 million rubles.
"Typhoon" is a completely new type of military wheeled equipment for Russia. It is not intended to participate in hostilities (unlike the armored personnel carrier), but is able to protect personnel transported in the back from a surprise attack from an ambush.
Attempts to make armored versions based on serial trucks have been made repeatedly. But all these handicraft modified cars could not stand the test of explosions and shelling. Therefore, the Ministry of Defense decided to order an armored truck created from scratch. Moreover, two at once - one was ordered to be made by KamAZ, the other - by the Ural plant in Miass. The enterprises remained true to their traditions: KAMAZ produced a cabover version of the Typhoon-K (we will discuss it below), and the Urals produced a bonneted Typhoon-U.
"Typhoon-U" is armored according to the highest standard GOST 6a and withstands shelling from a sniper rifle and a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Moreover, the bottom of the car has a V-shape - the walls, located at an angle to the ground, dissipate the shock wave if the Ural hits a mine. Most of the seats in the cabin (except the driver's and the far right) are suspended from the ceiling, which reduces the risk of injury during explosions, and those that are screwed to the floor are on anti-mine supports.
Unlike the ancient "Urals" developed in the 50s, here is a very advanced technical "stuffing", which until recently was unthinkable for heavy army trucks. The gearbox is a hydromechanical "automatic" MZKT of Belarusian production with push-button activation of the differential lock and a lowering row in the "razdatka". Suspension - hydropneumatic, which is able to "tighten" the wheels when passing bumps, just like on range rover last generation.
The engine is a Yaroslavl in-line "six", but it could not do without imported components from countries with which Russia is waging a "war of sanctions". It is not yet clear how to replace the Bosch injection system and the Borg Warner turbine in the event of a trade embargo.
Typhoon-U is a whole family of armored vehicles. The first to be released was a 6-wheeled version with a cab separated from the passenger compartment. Next in line is a two-axle 4-wheel modification with a shortened body, as well as a 6-wheel "armored bus", where the cabin and interior are located in a single armored module. Later will appear long version with four axles and eight wheels.
"Typhoon-K" (KamAZ-63968)
Length: 8990 mm.
Ground clearance: 400 mm.
Engine: diesel, 7 liters turbocharged.
Maximum power: 450 hp at 2,300 rpm.
Maximum torque: 1,650 Nm at 1,400 - 1,600 rpm.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission with 2-speed transfer case. Permanent four-wheel drive.
Fuel consumption: 42 l/100 km.
Cost: 48 million rubles.
The armored KamAZ is a more expensive competitor and at the same time the closest relative of the Typhoon-U. The cabover layout, as you know, is relevant for civilian trucks because, with the same overall length, it allows you to install a longer cargo platform. When it comes to explosion-proof machines, the advantage of "bonnetless" is lost. Engine compartment, brought forward, plays the role of a buffer when hitting a mine, and in the event of a Typhoon-K detonation (as well as any other cabover truck), the entire impact will fall on the cab.
The engine of the truck from Naberezhnye Chelny is the same YaMZ, although in the future a diesel V8 of KamAZ's own design could be installed here. Suspension is also air, and the drive axles are arranged differently: one at the rear and two at the front to compensate for the hefty weight of the front. Moreover, both front axles are steerable, which the Ural does not have.
But with the gearbox - the problem. KAMAZ decided to use not the Belarusian MZKT, but ... the American Allison. In addition, armor plates are ordered in Germany, and wheels are ordered in France. Of course, the supply contracts were concluded before NATO was recognized in the military doctrine of the Russian Federation as the main potential adversary.
"Typhoons-K" have already been put into service and even released to the parade in honor of Victory Day on May 9th. However, for now (unlike the Typhoon-U), the vehicles are classified and inaccessible to journalists. What will happen to the cars because of the complicated relations with the West is not yet clear. But KAMAZ has already developed a prototype of an eight-wheeled truck codenamed "Tornado" with its own 550-horsepower turbodiesel and the same cab as the Typhoon-K.
By the way, at the August exercises of the Ministry of Defense in the south of Russia, where promising equipment was tested, there were no Typhoons-K. It is too early to draw far-reaching conclusions, but there are obvious difficulties with the implementation of the project.
"Ural-VV" and "Federal-M"
Length: 8990 mm.
Ground clearance: 400 mm.
Engine: 14.9 liter V8 diesel.
Maximum power: 240 hp at 2,100 rpm.
Maximum torque: 883 Nm at 1400-1600 rpm.
Fuel consumption: more than 32 l / 100 km (calculated).
Cost: 8-10 million rubles.
Two versions of the same vehicle. One is assembled in Miass at UralAZ, the other at the Moscow Institute of Special Equipment. These armored vehicles are much simpler and cheaper than Typhoons and are designed for internal troops. Instead of a fundamentally new hydropneumatic suspension - an old chassis from "Ural" -55571, which we already talked about in a previous publication about old military equipment. Under the hood is an old YaMZ-236 diesel engine. Instead of a "automatic" box, there is a traditional "mixer" with five steps.
Nominally, at the request of the customer, "Federals" and "Urals-VV" can be equipped with protection according to the same sixth security class as the "Typhoon". The salon here is combined with the cabin in an armored capsule, and the bottom is also capable of dispersing the blast wave. However, serial trucks, albeit heavily armored, cannot protect against explosions as effectively.
"Ural-VV" and "Federal-M" differ from each other in a number of layout solutions, and those who had a chance to study them live say that the Moscow truck was designed more intelligently than the Ural one. In addition, the estimated price of "Federal" is 2 million rubles less. And yet, it was the Ural-VV that participated in the military exercises mentioned above in August.
"Scorpion" LSHA-2
Length: 4 890 mm.
Ground clearance: 300 mm.
Engine: diesel.
Maximum power: 136 hp
Maximum torque: 300 Nm.
Transmission: 5-speed manual with 2-speed transfer case. Permanent four-wheel drive.
Fuel consumption: 13.2 l / 100 km.
Cost: no data.
Little is known about this car. The manufacturer, CJSC Zashchita Corporation, is stingy with technical data. "Scorpio" is clearly assembled on foreign units, since the company is not a full-fledged automaker and specializes in booking production cars.
KamAZ in the service of the Russian Army.
The importance of military trucks as a means of ensuring the mobility of law enforcement agencies is increasing from year to year. Today, this type of transport differs from ordinary trucks in the multi-purpose nature of use, and Russian military trucks also have increased reliability and ease of operation, which has been proven more than once in military operations with their participation. Modern trucks adapted for the transportation of materiel and soldiers, towing artillery systems, installation of weapons and direct participation in hostilities.
The war is not won only on the battlefield, and modern means of transportation, thanks to the good supply of the army and the rapid movement of the material base, make it possible to win battles even before they begin. The issues of the vehicle fleet in the Armed Forces of Russia are directly dealt with by the Main Armored Directorate. The management, in turn, closely cooperates with domestic automotive enterprises and design bureaus.
The perfect truck
The Soviet army divided military trucks into two types: rear and tactical. The first were essentially modernized or ordinary civilian trucks, such as the first Soviet truck - AMO-F-15. The latter were developed on the same chassis, but directly for the army, and their main difference was high cross-country ability. Such, for example, is the YAG series, which eventually became the ancestor of the first Soviet three-axle truck, the YAG-10. To meet the needs of the armed forces, the modern fleet of military trucks in Russia includes the following varieties:
- special wheeled chassis;
- tracked vehicles;
- multi-purpose vehicles;
- wheel tractors;
- trailers and semi-trailers;
- container bodies and multipurpose van bodies.
Comparison with Soviet Union can be continued in terms of possibilities. The limited possibilities of the first decade of the USSR were expressed in the fact that Soviet engineers did not hesitate to remake the products of the rotten West “for themselves”. Alteration, however, almost always went to her advantage. It's no secret, for example, that the GAZ-62 is a Dodge WC-52 completed for difficult conditions, and the GAZ-AAA is built on the basis of Ford.
Fragments of tests of military equipment:
The legendary trucks of the past Ural-375, GAZ-66, UAZ-469 and ZIL-131 were the basis of the designer, from which, by adding various cabins and superstructures, vehicles for various purposes were obtained. The principle of development today remains the same, because in fact Russian military trucks are expanded Soviet developments. True, today the emphasis is not on a wide fleet of vehicles, but on a multi-purpose one. An ideal, but not yet built truck of the Russian army should have the following advantages:
- design versatility;
- the possibility of transporting goods;
- adaptability to the installation of weapons;
- trailer towing;
- solution of problems both in wartime and in peacetime.
Second wind
The Bryansk plant, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, was in limbo in the 90s, like many other manufacturers. However, today Russian military trucks continue to be replenished with products from this plant. The Voshchina-1 car made in Bryansk has good performance. The truck has a lock and center and center differential and a curious tire pressure adjustment system.
New BAZ models 6306 and 6402 are also in demand. For military chassis, the plant offered BA3 69506, equipped with a 300-power YaMZ engine 238 and a bridge transmission power distribution scheme. New samples of military trucks are being developed on the basis of already standardized families. good example 80% unified models serve trucks"Ural" and "KamAZ".
Ural-375, developed in the 60s, became the basis for such machines as the Ural-4320 and the modern Ural-43206.
The experience of modern combat operations proves the need to create highly protected and highly mobile vehicles. Additional armor was successfully implemented on the Ural 4320 car. Cabin "Ural" is equipped with external armor and armor plates. Also installed a bulwark for protection rear wheels and radiator protection. Additionally, protection of the roof and floor of the cabin and engine was installed due to the reservation of the elements of the plumage and hood. When glazing the windshield and doors, 33 mm armored glass is used.
Implementation additional protection for Ural-4320.
The same approach to protection has been developed for ZIL 4320, KamAZ 43101 and others. Increasing the survivability of military trucks is achieved by using armored glass, bullet-resistant fuel tanks and combat-resistant tires made from the best modern materials. Interesting developments are being promoted to the fleet of Russian army trucks by KRAZ. The model with the number has a three-axle bogie connected to the cab axle, i.е. formula "3 + 1". The truck drives a 400-hp YaMZ-7511.10 engine.
Jüterbog Festival of military equipment (2013):
KZKT 8014
The Kurgan plant of multi-axle tractors has a glorious history of almost half a century. Products from Kurgan began to enter the Soviet troops in 1963 - the four-axle tractor "Hurricane", built on the basis of the MAZ-537 - the plant's own design, became the pioneer. To replace the same MAZ-537 in the 90s, KZKT is developing the lineup"Rusich", the first truck of which bore the identifier 7428. Distinctive features new truck - transmission on hydromechanics and powerful engine YaMZ-64011 (650 hp)
Having experienced difficult times in the 90s and renaming to Rusich JSC, the company was able to return to the list of the main suppliers of the Russian army. Based on the unification of 7428 tractors produced by the plant since 1990, a range of chassis KZKT 8003 (6x6), KZKT 8005 (8x8) and KZKT 8014 (10x8) with a carrying capacity of up to 13, 27 and 40 tons, respectively, was developed. Other specifications KZKT-8014:
- Wheel formula - 10x8;
- Curb weight - 26 tons;
- Carrying capacity - 40 tons;
- Fuel tank capacity - 900 liters;
- Motor - 4-stroke V-shaped or in-line diesel engine with powers of 470 and 475 hp;
- Maximum speed - 60km / h;
- Number of seats in the cabin - 2.
Trucks are designed to transport various weapons systems, as well as heavy oil and gas equipment and platforms. Power units TMZ and Cummins have a large margin of safety, and the five axles of the truck allow you to wade through the most severe off-road. The commercial use of Rusich ballast tractors is also developing.
Multi-purpose chassis KZKT-8014 (10x8)
Cargo armored car "Typhoon"
In June 2011 in Bronnitsy were presented latest armored vehicles family "Typhoon", not inferior, and in some respects superior to foreign MRAR. Typhoon is the first development created from scratch, not a modification. The Ural and KamAZ plants are engaged in the project. The armored vehicle is being developed in several directions - 3-wheeled formulas (6x6, 4x4, 2x2) and 3 body modifications (hooded, cabover frame and cabover body).
Armored car based on KamAZ - 63968 "Typhoon"
It is assumed that the machine will deliver military units to the place of hostilities and participate in them. The curb weight of the car is nine and a half tons, the gross weight is seventeen tons. Fuel consumption - 35 liters. Typhoon can travel about 630 km without refueling. The maximum developed speed is 80 km / h. Typhoon calmly overcomes slopes with a slope of 23º and fords up to 1.75 meters deep (the driver is already sitting waist-deep in water)
Another Typhoon representative based on Ural-63095.
armored personnel carrierDT-30PM "Vityaz"
In 1986, the DT-30PM Vityaz tracked armored personnel carrier was adopted. The Vityaz model is the only vehicle that can overcome the off-roads of the Far North, Siberia and even the Arctic. In addition, they can work perfectly both in the highlands and in places with high humidity. The maximum developed speed on land is 45 km / h, afloat - 5 km / h, engine power - 800 hp, cruising range - 700 km. The mass of the conveyor in running order is 29 tons, carrying capacity is 30 tons, capacity is 5 people.
In fact, this machine is the answer to American developments, although Russia, as usual, goes its own way: successful projects with an articulated tracked base can be counted on the fingers, and that is why the DT-30 is unique machine. The truck is able to overcome water obstacles up to 180 cm deep. At the same time, the amphibian modification (the prefix "P" in the name) is able to move on any surface, whether it be water, snow, stone.
The Vityaz two-link transporter is designed to transport military equipment, weapons, ballistic missiles and personnel.
Floating conveyor PTS-4
In the near future, the PTS-4 floating conveyor will go into service. The floating conveyor is designed to move oversized cargo, armored vehicles and personnel through water barriers. The previous model (PTS-3) had a unique self-digging installation and could transport up to 16 tons of cargo through water obstacles at low speed (12-15 km/h).
PTS-4 is based on elements of the Russian T80 tank: torsion bars, tracks, tracks, and the gearbox and clutches are taken from the T72. The conveyor is equipped tank engine at 840 hp The PTS-4 is equipped with an anti-aircraft gun of 12.7 mm caliber with remote control. The new model will be equipped with an anti-aircraft machine gun with a reserve of 400 rounds, the machine gun is controlled remotely.
Floating conveyor PTS-4.
Loading equipment on the PTS-4 conveyor.
The transporter was created by the Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering of the Uralvagonzavod Corporation. The total weight of the machine is 33.1 tons, the maximum speed on land / water is 60/15 km / h. The length of the transport is 8.3 meters, the width is 3.3 meters, the range is 600 km.
Conclusion
There were periods in our history when military engineering developed the civilian transport industry. It would be logical to assume that with the transition to the capitalist system, the opposite should happen: commercial interest should spur military development. Unfortunately, today everything moves by inertia: the military department has no money, and trucks continue to be created.
Against this background, it seems especially surprising that Russian military trucks are entirely represented by vehicles made in our country. A good example is the hooded KamAZ, which won first place at the Motor Show 2003. Our army needs such machines, and recent hostilities prove this. However, KamAZ is primarily known for its participation in rally races.
