GAZ-66

GAZ-66

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. It is nicknamed shishiga (шишига) shehsherik (шешерик) trueman (in Siberia).

The GAZ-66 has gained legendary status in many countries around the world due to its reliability, simplicity and off-road capability. Thanks to standard features, such as a front mounted winch, Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and self-locking differentials, the GAZ-66 is extremely popular worldwide with armed forces and off-road enthusiasts. Production ceased in 1999, with the GAZ-3308 being produced instead.

Basic versions

Gaz-66 based fire engine

• 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) - Airborne version with telescopic steering column, folding roof and folding windshield frame
• 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 in Russian military service

• 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)

Specifications

Specifications for GAZ 66-11

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 gasoline (carburetor) OHV engine
• 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 2,525 mm (8 ft 3 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

Soviet stamp, 1971

• 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.

External links

• English website for Russian Military Trucks
• The UK home of the Gaz 66
• Gaz-66 enthusiast group
• The German home of the Gaz 66
• German blog with GAZ 66 restoration and travel info
• Gaz-66 enthusiast website
• Polish Gaz-66 site
• Gaz-66 expedition site
• Gaz-66 blog
• Gaz-66 Video
• Gaz-66 Video
• Gaz-66 Video
• History of the predecessor of GAZ-66 - GAZ-62 (rus)
• GAZ 66 3d model