The GAZ-66 is a Soviet and 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), 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.Л. Д. Гоголев. Автомобили в боевом строю. М., "Молодая гвардия", 1981.
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. Since the 1960s, the GAZ-66 has been popular with armed forces and off-road enthusiasts. 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
– Armed Forces of BelarusПодразделения войск связи Вооруженных Сил получили новую и модернизированную технику // Военное информационное агентство от 30 мая 2024
– Armed Forces of the Republic of MoldovaTestarea nu cunoaşte clipe de respiro // "Oastea Moldovei", № 11, 2020. стр.6-7
: Only specialized variants in use.
Romania – Romanian Armed Forces
Transnistria – Ukrainian Armed Forces
Former operators – Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of AfghanistanAfghanistan along a peace road // "Soviet Military Review", No. 8, August 1988. pages 40-41. – purchased 200 regular GAZ-66 trucks and 100 special versions for the Finnish Defence Forces in 1972–1975. Another 140 units were purchased in 1986–1989. – passed on to Germany after reunification; retired. – passed on to successor states.
Specifications Specifications for GAZ-66-11 Design Cab-forward design, 2-seat cab + 21 passengers in the back. Payload: 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-53ЗМЗ-511: технические характеристикиДвигатели на ГАЗ 3307Двигатели V8 ЗМЗ конструкция, характеристики, история разработки Displacement: 4,254 cc (Bore , Stroke ) Compression ratio: 7.6:1 Output: @ 3,200 rpm Torque: @ 2,000-2200 rpm Max. speed- (speed governed) Brakes Type: Drums, with hydraulic control, single circuit, servo assisted Stopping distance from 20 mph: 27' Measurements L×W×H: x x (cab) / (tent) Wheelbase: Track front/rear: / Curb weight: Fuel tanks: 2 x Fuel economy: Maneuverability Turning circle: Approach angle: 41° Departure angle: 32° Max. ascent angle: 31–37° (fully loaded) Ground clearance: Fording depth: 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
References
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 GAZ-66 3d 360-view