GAZ-66

GAZ-66
GAZ-66
Overview
Manufacturer	GAZ
Production	1964-1998
Body and chassis
Class	Truck
Layout	F4 layout
Powertrain
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,300 mm (129.9 in)
Length	5,805 mm (228.5 in)
Width	2,322 mm (91.4 in)
Height	2,520 mm (99.2 in)
Curb weight	3,440 kg (7,584 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	GAZ-63
Successor	GAZ-3308

The GAZ-66 is a Soviet and later Russian 4x4 all-road (off-road) military truck produced by GAZ. It was one of the main cargo vehicles for motorized infantry of the Soviet Army and is still employed in former Soviet Union countries.^[1] It is nicknamed shishiga (шишига), shisharik (шишарик)/shehsherik (шешерик), trueman (in Siberia).

History

After tests and trials, in 1969 GAZ-66 received the state quality mark of the USSR. It was the first USSR truck to receive such an award.^[2]

Almost one million vehicles of this type were built for both military and civilian use. The GAZ-66 has gained legendary status in many countries due to its reliability, simplicity and off-road capability.^[3] Since the 1960s, the GAZ-66 has been popular with armed forces and off-road enthusiasts.^[4] Production ceased in 1999, with the GAZ-3308 being produced instead.

Basic versions

GAZ-66-1 (1964–1968) - the first model with no centralized system for adjusting the air pressure in the tires
GAZ-66A (1964–1968) - with a winch
GAZ-34 - a 6×6 prototype
GAZ-66B (1966) - Paratrooper version with telescopic steering column, folding roof and folding windshield frame
- BM-21V "Grad-V" (Vozdushnodesantiy – 'airborne') (NATO designation M1975): Developed for airborne troops in 1969. A GAZ-66B 4x4 truck chassis is fitted with a 12-round 122 mm rocket launcher. The vehicle is sturdy enough to be air-dropped. Parts of the vehicle such as the canvas cab roof can be taken off or folded down to reduce its size during transit. Like the BM-21, the BM-21V has stabilizing jacks on the rear of the vehicle for support when firing. The launch vehicle has the industrial index of 9P125.
GAZ-66D (1964–1968) - the chassis with a power take-off
GAZ-66P - tractor (experimental)
GAZ-66E (1964–1968) - with shielded electrical equipment
GAZ-66-01 (1968–1985) - the base model with a centralized control system for tire pressure
GAZ-66-02 (1968–1985) - with a winch
GAZ-66-03 (1964–1968) - with shielded electrical equipment
GAZ-66-04 (1968–1985) - the chassis with shielded electrical equipment
GAZ-66-05 (1968–1985) - with shielded electrical equipment and a winch
GAZ-66-11 (1985–1996) - upgraded base model
GAZ-66-12 (1985–1996) - with a winch
GAZ-66-14 (1985–1996) - the chassis with shielded electrical equipment and a power take-off

Military versions

GAZ-66-15 (1985–1996) - with shielded electrical equipment and a winch
GAZ-66-16 (1991–1993) - modernized version with ZMZ-513.10, reinforced tires (wheels - lean), completed the brakes, the platform without intruding wheel niches (also installed on GAZ-66-11 and GAZ-66-40 ), load capacity 2.3 tons
GAZ-66-21 (1993–1995) - the national-economic modification with the dual tires and rear axle wooden platform GAZ-53, load capacity 3.5 tons
GAZ-66-31 - chassis for trucks
GAZ-66-41 (1992–1995) - a naturally aspirated GAZ-544 diesel engine
GAZ-66-40 (1995–1999) - with a GAZ-5441 turbodiesel
GAZ-66-92 (1987–1995) - for use in the far north
GAZ-66-96 - chassis for shift buses

Export versions

GAZ-66-51 (1968–1985)
GAZ-66-52 (1968–1985) - with a winch
GAZ-66-81 (1985–1995) - for countries with a temperate climate
GAZ-66-91 (1985–1995) - for countries with a tropical climate

Specialised versions

AP-2 - aid station, the main transport unit regimental aid station.
AS-66 - ambulance, designed to evacuate the wounded.
DDA-2 - disinfecting shower installation, is used in the military (sometimes civil) sanitary-epidemiological units.
GZSA-731, 983A, 947, 3713, 3714 - Vans "Mail", "bread" and "Medicine"
MZ-66 - Lube.
3902, 3903, 39021, 39031 - mobile workshops to provide technical assistance to agricultural machinery.
2001, 2002, 3718, 3719, 3716, 3924, 39521 - mobile clinics
NZAS-3964, Volgar-39461 - watch buses
GAZ-SAZ-3511 - tipper for agricultural purposes on the GAZ-66-31 (build - Saransk).
GAZ-KAZ-3511 - tipper for agricultural purposes on GAZ-66-31 (build - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)

Operators

Angola^[5]
Armenia^[6]
Belarus - Armed Forces of Belarus^[7]
Bulgaria^[8]
China
Cuba^[9]
Egypt^[5]
Georgia^[10]
Guinea-Bissau
Hungary
Iran^[5]
Iraq^[11]
Libya^[12]
Moldova - Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova^[13]
North Korea
Laos
Poland: Only specialized variants in use.
Syria
Romania - Romanian Armed Forces
Russia^[14]
Transnistria
Ukraine - Ukrainian Armed Forces^[15]
Vietnam

Former operators

Afghanistan - Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan^[16]
Finland^[5] – purchased 200 regular GAZ-66 trucks and 100 special versions for Finnish defence forces 1972–1975. Another round (140 units) in year 1986–1989.
East Germany – passed on to Germany after reunification; retired.
Soviet Union – passed on to successor states.

Specifications

Specifications for GAZ-66-11^[17]^[18]

Design

Cab-forward design, 2-seat cab + 21 passengers in the back.
Payload: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) plus the same weight trailer
Suspension: Solid axles with leaf springs

Engine

Type- ZMZ-66-06 V8 petrol (carburetor) OHV engine; heavy duty version of the ZMZ-53^[19]^[20]^[21]
Displacement: 4,254 cc (Bore 92 mm (3.622 in), Stroke 80 mm (3.150 in))
Compression ratio: 7.6:1
Output: 120 hp (89 kW) @ 3,200 rpm
Torque: 284.5 N⋅m (210 lbf⋅ft) @ 2,000-2200 rpm
Max. speed- 90 km/h (56 mph)(speed governed)

Brakes

Type: Drums, with hydraulic control, single circuit, servo assisted
Stopping distance from 20 mph: 27'

Measurements

L×W×H: 5,805 mm (19 ft 1 in) x 2,322 mm (7 ft 7 in) x 2,490 mm (8 ft 2 in)(cab) / 2,520 mm (8 ft 3 in)(tent)
Wheelbase: 3,300 mm (129.92 in)
Track front/rear: 1,820 mm (71.65 in)/1,750 mm (68.90 in)
Curb weight: 3,440 kg (7,580 lb)
Fuel tanks: 2 x 105 L (23 imp gal; 28 US gal)
Fuel economy: 31.5 L/100 km (9 mpg_‑imp; 7 mpg_‑US)

Maneuverability

Turning circle: 9.5 m (31 ft)
Approach angle: 41°
Departure angle: 32°
Max. ascent angle: 31–37° (fully loaded)
Ground clearance: 315 mm (12 in)
Fording depth: 1 m (39 in)

Tires

Size: 12–18"
Pressure: Adjustable with central tyre inflation system from cab

Popular culture

In the 2010 game Call of Duty: Black Ops, the GAZ-66 is used as a transport for guards in the level "Vorkuta".
It is mentioned in the 1991 Tom Clancy novel The Sum Of All Fears.
In the Russian version of the TV show Top Gear, a test was conducted on the vehicle's strengths: the body had building rubble dropped on it, it was set on fire and submerged in water. After all these tests, it kept going.
The GAZ-66 was featured in the movie The Expendables 2 with Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The GAZ-66 is a truck in the game MudRunner with the name of B-66 due to copyright claims.
In the 2019 HBO TV miniseries Chernobyl, the truck is used by Gen. Col. Vladimir Pikalov, commander of the Soviet Chemical Troops, to carry out a radiation measuring at the damaged power plant, with high-range dosimeter placed at the front and lead sheets covering the cabin.
In the 2020 film Wonder Woman 1984. Appears in the Middle Eastern convoy scene.

Bibliography

Foss, Christopher F.; Gander, Terry J., eds. (1991). Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics 1991-92 (12 ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-0950-2.

References

^ "GAZ-66 - Light utility truck". Archived from the original on July 5, 2007. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
^ Л. Д. Гоголев. Автомобили в боевом строю. М., "Молодая гвардия", 1981.
^ "Maybe the best Soviet truck, Legend of Soviet Union – GAZ-66 | English Russia". 8 November 2016. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
^ "Russian 4wd truck GAZ-66 for hunters and off-road travelers". Auto Market USA: Auto Classifieds. Archived from the original on 2019-04-24. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Foss & Gander 1991, p. 393.
^ Janovsky, Jakub; Dan; Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost; Kemal (27 September 2020). "The Fight For Nagorno-Karabakh: Documenting Losses On The Sides Of Armenia And Azerbaijan". Oryx. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
^ Подразделения войск связи Вооруженных Сил получили новую и модернизированную технику // Военное информационное агентство от 30 мая 2024
^ Nuciari, Marina; Olivetta, Eraldo (9 May 2021). Leaders for Tomorrow: Challenges for Military Leadership in the Age of Asymmetric Warfare. Springer Nature. p. 202. ISBN 978-3-030-71714-8.
^ Foss & Gander 1991, p. 645.
^ Gmyrek, Karolina (2003-07-05), English: Republic of Georgia Army Soldiers prepare to setup an antenna atop a GAZ-66 communication van, during the US European Command (USEUCOM) -sponsored Exercise COMBINED ENDEAVOR, held at Lager Aulenbach, Germany. The Exercise is a Partnership for Peace (PfP) exercised hosted by Germany, and is the largest information and communications systems exercise in the world which focuses primarily on Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) interoperability testing and documentation., retrieved 2021-05-30
^ Iraq Country Handbook (PDF). Marine Corps Intelligence Activity. p. 156. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2005. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
^ Foss & Gander 1991, p. 648.
^ Testarea nu cunoaşte clipe de respiro // "Oastea Moldovei", № 11, 2020. стр.6-7
^ Janovsky, Jakub; Naalsio; Aloha; Dan; Kemal; Black, Alexander (24 February 2022). "Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
^ B., Volodymyr (29 July 2023). "Unified truck platform for the Ukrainian Defense Forces: KrAZ, MAZ, or Tatra?". Militarnyi. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
^ Afghanistan along a peace road // "Soviet Military Review", No. 8, August 1988. pages 40-41
^ "GAZ-66 | Weaponsystems.net". weaponsystems.net. Retrieved 2019-04-24.
^ "Основные ТТХ серийного ГАЗ-66-11 (1985–1996)".
^ ЗМЗ-511: технические характеристики
^ Двигатели на ГАЗ 3307
^ Двигатели V8 ЗМЗ конструкция, характеристики, история разработки

External links

[1] "GAZ-66 - Light utility truck". Archived from the original on July 5, 2007. Retrieved 2019-04-24.

[2] Л. Д. Гоголев. Автомобили в боевом строю. М., "Молодая гвардия", 1981.

[3] "Maybe the best Soviet truck, Legend of Soviet Union – GAZ-66 | English Russia". 8 November 2016. Retrieved 2019-04-24.

[4] "Russian 4wd truck GAZ-66 for hunters and off-road travelers". Auto Market USA: Auto Classifieds. Archived from the original on 2019-04-24. Retrieved 2019-04-24.

[FOOTNOTEFossGander1991393-5] Foss & Gander 1991, p. 393.

[6] Janovsky, Jakub; Dan; Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost; Kemal (27 September 2020). "The Fight For Nagorno-Karabakh: Documenting Losses On The Sides Of Armenia And Azerbaijan". Oryx. Retrieved 5 January 2024.

[7] Подразделения войск связи Вооруженных Сил получили новую и модернизированную технику // Военное информационное агентство от 30 мая 2024

[8] Nuciari, Marina; Olivetta, Eraldo (9 May 2021). Leaders for Tomorrow: Challenges for Military Leadership in the Age of Asymmetric Warfare. Springer Nature. p. 202. ISBN 978-3-030-71714-8.

[FOOTNOTEFossGander1991645-9] Foss & Gander 1991, p. 645.

[10] Gmyrek, Karolina (2003-07-05), English: Republic of Georgia Army Soldiers prepare to setup an antenna atop a GAZ-66 communication van, during the US European Command (USEUCOM) -sponsored Exercise COMBINED ENDEAVOR, held at Lager Aulenbach, Germany. The Exercise is a Partnership for Peace (PfP) exercised hosted by Germany, and is the largest information and communications systems exercise in the world which focuses primarily on Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) interoperability testing and documentation., retrieved 2021-05-30

[11] Iraq Country Handbook (PDF). Marine Corps Intelligence Activity. p. 156. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2005. Retrieved 28 January 2024.

[FOOTNOTEFossGander1991648-12] Foss & Gander 1991, p. 648.

[13] Testarea nu cunoaşte clipe de respiro // "Oastea Moldovei", № 11, 2020. стр.6-7

[14] Janovsky, Jakub; Naalsio; Aloha; Dan; Kemal; Black, Alexander (24 February 2022). "Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx. Retrieved 15 April 2024.

[15] B., Volodymyr (29 July 2023). "Unified truck platform for the Ukrainian Defense Forces: KrAZ, MAZ, or Tatra?". Militarnyi. Retrieved 28 January 2024.

[16] Afghanistan along a peace road // "Soviet Military Review", No. 8, August 1988. pages 40-41

[17] "GAZ-66 | Weaponsystems.net". weaponsystems.net. Retrieved 2019-04-24.

[18] "Основные ТТХ серийного ГАЗ-66-11 (1985–1996)".

[19] ЗМЗ-511: технические характеристики

[20] Двигатели на ГАЗ 3307

[21] Двигатели V8 ЗМЗ конструкция, характеристики, история разработки

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