The GAZ-66MB platform is the second stage in the life of the legendary "Shishiga"
GAZ-66MB in ambulance version at the Army-2023 forum
Over time, any automotive equipment becomes obsolete and requires modernization or replacement. Updating the design by replacing key units allows technical and operational characteristics to be brought into line with modern requirements. One example of this approach to improving existing equipment is the GAZ-66MB multi-purpose vehicle project.
Update problem
In 1964, the Gorky Automobile Plant began production of a new all-terrain truck, the GAZ-66. This vehicle was created primarily for the needs of the armed forces and soon became the main army medium-tonnage truck.
GAZ-66 made a huge contribution to the logistics of our army, however, during mass operation in peacetime and in combat conditions, certain shortcomings were revealed. Complaints were made about the wasteful engine, the specific performance qualities of the truck, the ergonomics of the cabin, etc. In addition, great risks were associated with the cabover layout of the cabin and the lack of protection.
Unfortunately, these problems were not solved at the time. However, attempts are being made to modernize the old truck and make it a modern vehicle. Another project of this kind, which received the index GAZ-66MB, was presented last year.
Project "MB"
The Nizhny Novgorod plant carried out a deep modernization of the car. aviation society". It presented the result of its project at the military-technical forum "Army-2023". At the exhibition, they revealed technical data and presented full-fledged prototypes. They also announced the possibility of building equipment of other modifications.
Two prototypes of the GAZ-66MB were delivered to the exhibition. One of them had a fully armored body and was intended for use as an ambulance. The second prototype had a shortened cabin and a cargo platform on which the artillery system
The deep modernization of the old truck predictably attracted the attention of specialists and the general public. The modernized GAZ-66 began to be compared with its predecessor and was given positive assessments.
However, the future of this interesting project remains unclear. "NAO" could continue development, develop a number of modifications and prepare future production. However, information about new successes of GAZ-66MB has not yet arrived. Apparently, this car has not yet managed to find its customer and move beyond exhibitions.
GAZ-66MB with artillery mount ZU-23M-1
Design improvements
The GAZ-66MB project from the Nizhny Novgorod Aviation Society involves a major redesign of the original truck. Some key design features have been changed, and the main units have been replaced and new ones developed. All these measures have reportedly allowed the technical and operational characteristics to be brought to a new level.
The "MB" type vehicle is built on the basis of an existing GAZ-66 truck as part of its major overhaul. The rebuilt vehicle changes significantly both externally and internally.
The basic wheel chassis has undergone significant changes. While retaining the rectangular frame, it received a new engine and other important elements. The new truck is equipped with a modern diesel engine YaMZ-534 with a capacity of at least 135 hp. The transmission and chassis have been improved, but have not changed fundamentally.
On the highway, the car reaches speeds of up to 105 km/h. The cruising range is 800 km. The car can overcome slopes of up to 30° and fords up to 1,2 m deep.
To increase protection against detonation, a bonnet layout was chosen. The engine is now located under its own bonnet-hood, behind which there is a full-fledged cabin of traditional design. The cabin is an armoured box with armoured glass, providing protection from fragments and bullets of small arms. weapons.
A wide range of cabins and other units has been developed to accommodate various loads. The customer can choose a single- or double-row cabin for 2 or 5 seats. An extended van of standard or increased height is also available. Depending on the shape and layout, the cabin can have one or two pairs of doors on the sides, as well as rear doors.
Two variants of cargo platforms are offered. The shortened flatbed body can be used with a double-row cabin, and the full-size body is compatible only with a single-row cabin. The maximum load capacity in all cases is 2 t.
By combining cabins, vans and cargo platforms, several types of vehicles can be created on one chassis. These can be two types of trucks, a cargo-passenger vehicle, a command and staff vehicle or an ambulance, etc.
At the Army-2023 forum, they showed a vehicle carrying weapons. It was a truck with a two-row cabin and a shortened platform. The latter was equipped with a ZU-23M-1 anti-aircraft artillery mount from the New Defense Technologies company. In essence, this is a modernized version of the old Zushka, supplemented with modern control and guidance systems.
Protected infantry transport
Regardless of the configuration, the GAZ-66MB is 5,97 m long, 2,32 m wide and 2,55 m high (by cabin). When using bodies, the height by the awning reaches 2,76 m. The vehicle's curb weight is 5,8 t, and its gross weight is 7,8 t.
Age difference
The GAZ-66 and GAZ-66MB vehicles were created with a difference of almost 60 years. During this time, the requirements for trucks have changed significantly, and the basic truck no longer meets modern standards. Therefore, its deep modernization is an obvious and necessary step.
The new GAZ-66MB was created taking into account the rich operating experience of its predecessor and therefore has a number of advantages over it. These improvements were achieved through some changes in the overall concept and replacement of key units. However, the declared increase in the main characteristics fully justifies such a restructuring.
One of the main problems of the GAZ-66 was its insufficiently powerful and economical petrol engine. The new project uses a modern diesel engine with higher performance and lower fuel consumption. In addition, it has more power, which fully compensates for the increase in weight and improves the vehicle's driving performance.
Cargo version with armored cabin
The most significant innovation in the MB project was the original family of cabins. Thanks to them, the old truck was transformed into a multi-purpose armored vehicle. The cabin armor protects the driver, passengers and troops from shelling and shrapnel, and the special arrangement of the units reduces the negative consequences of an explosion.
The GAZ-66 chassis could be equipped with various body options, vans with different contents, etc. The new GAZ-66MB retains these capabilities, implementing them with the help of modern components. In fact, the equipment of the car depends only on the customer's needs.
Need for replacement
In general, the new multi-purpose vehicle GAZ-66MB looks interesting and promising. It has obvious advantages over its predecessor, shows higher technical characteristics and is able to solve all tasks more effectively. Such a vehicle may indeed be of interest to some customers.
However, it should be taken into account that the new GAZ-66MB will have to compete not only with its predecessor. There are currently a number of trucks on the market that have similar characteristics and functionality. Perhaps this is the reason why there have been no reports of orders for upgrading old GAZ-66s so far.
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