UAZs in uniform: UAZ-236021 ATZ fuel tankers

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UAZs in uniform: UAZ-236021 ATZ fuel tankers


Modern combined arms combat has undergone significant changes. The reasons for this are well known. These include the increased firing range of artillery systems, active sabotage and reconnaissance operations, and, most importantly, the massive use of reconnaissance and attack drones.



All of the above inevitably impacted the functioning of the troops, including the organization of their logistics. In the new reality, units and logistics agencies of the Armed Forces are stationed at a greater distance from the front lines than prescribed by the Combat Regulations.

These innovations also affected the organization of supply chains to the front lines; heavy-duty transport from logistics units is used to deliver supplies to the transfer areas. Supplies are delivered to the rear areas of units and formations by troop transport.

In conditions of intensive enemy control of supply routes, when massive use artillery and the UAV makes it impossible to use vehicles to deliver cargo to the front line, material resources are transferred in the following order:
– the cargo is delivered to the logistics units (approximately 30 km from the front line) by light-duty transport (cars, buggies, ATVs, motorcycles);
– from material support units to the transfer (drop) point 3–8 km from the front line – by rigging support groups;
– from the transfer (drop) point to the front line – by personnel located in this zone.

It seems that the logistical support of the troops has its own history (events, dates, historical figures), contains a large "layer" of information about military equipment, equipment, property and about the people who do their work every day.
Perhaps this deserves a series of articles (?), but today we will talk about a representative of light-duty transport of domestic production, a “participant” in the delivery of material resources (fuel) – the UAZ-236021 ATZ (automotive fuel tanker).



It appeared on the Russian market in 2021 as a compact airfield refueling tanker. It is designed for short-term fuel storage, transportation, and refueling of equipment. In terms of chassis and superstructure capacity, this specialized vehicle was the developers' response to demand from the rapidly growing market for light aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs.

Experience with the ATZ has shown that this mini-refueler can be used to conveniently approach an aircraft/helicopter along taxiways or across a field, and can quickly reach the landing airfield over off-road or soft soil.

The single-compartment 950-liter tank is equipped with a water-separating filter to remove water and mechanical impurities from the fuel, a critical requirement for high-quality aircraft refueling. The pumping rate is also respectable, reaching up to 45 l/min. A mechanical meter is used to record the fuel dispensed, and the fuel itself is dispensed through a hose specifically designed for this purpose. aviation Fuel. Additionally, the tanker is equipped with sampling equipment, a visual fuel level indicator, a fire suppression system, and a potential equalization system. For aircraft that receive fuel from the supplier in bulk barrels, the ATZ can fill the tank itself using its own pump, rather than taking it from a bulk tank.



To perform maintenance operations, the ATZ has process equipment consisting of: pipelines connecting the tank to the pump-filter unit and lines to external fuel filling and receiving units; pipelines for collecting samples from various points (before and after the filter, from the sump); service platforms located in the middle of the vehicle and on the right and left sides; a fuel containment tank for collecting fuel and collected samples with access for servicing; inspection and filling hatches; and fire-fighting equipment. The ATZ subsequently received a new tank with a capacity of 1500 liters.

Recently, the information field has been popping up news And footage of the use of such a ATZ by our armed forces. Presumably, small, low-capacity fuel tankers have proven their effectiveness—they attract far less enemy attention than their truck-based counterparts, are more maneuverable, and are stealthy. This allows for the necessary fuel to be delivered to the aforementioned points with minimal risk. Refueling military vehicles directly at their positions is possible. The UAZ-236021 ATZ vehicle carries up to 1500 liters of fuel in a single trip and quickly transfers it to the tanks of combat vehicles.

Thus, the organization of equipment refueling depends on the evolving situation and requires an individual approach to preparation and implementation in each case. Proper organization of this process leads to timely and high-quality completion of tasks.
16 comments
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  1. +2
    12 February 2026 03: 47
    The organization of refueling of equipment is carried out depending on the current situation and requires an individual approach in each case
    And the "kids" turned out to be in demand...
    1. +3
      12 February 2026 04: 29
      Yes, different vehicles are needed. The only thing is, why couldn't we think about camouflaging this vehicle from the start? At the very least, visually concealing its intended purpose.
      1. +2
        12 February 2026 05: 52
        This may be a demonstration photo from 2021.
        Back then, there were no plans for there to be any kind of forward position or anything like that, not even camouflage or a flashing light on the roof.
      2. +4
        12 February 2026 06: 05
        Welcome hi Where I hunt, there's a machine like this that collects milk from the population... well, maybe the tank is a little different, but even the flashing light is similar wink
        1. +1
          12 February 2026 09: 46
          This machine collects milk from the population... well, maybe the tank is a little different,

          There should be a thermos container for storing milk...
      3. -1
        12 February 2026 09: 07
        The oligarchs need this fuel tanker to refuel their little ashes.
        The volume a UAZ can carry isn't enough for even a Mi-8 helicopter for a single sortie. Refueling combat aircraft is out of the question.
        It looks more like an opportunity to get ahead under the auspices of the SVO and secure convenient flights to Sochi or Zavidovo.
      4. +1
        12 February 2026 09: 52
        Of course, it's designed as a frame that mimics a flatbed truck with an awning... by the way, photos were included with the article, but for some reason, they didn't make it into the publication...
      5. 0
        12 February 2026 09: 52
        Of course, it's designed as a frame that mimics a flatbed truck with an awning... by the way, photos were included with the article, but for some reason, they didn't make it into the publication...
  2. +4
    12 February 2026 07: 23
    Not everyone uses them anymore. A Tadpole fuel tanker in a neighboring village is used on a collective farm, along with an MTZ-52 with a fuel trailer. They're even churning out barrel trailers now, even on Zhiguli wheels – kvass, milk, beer, though I haven't seen one. And some Armenian friends even collect milk from villages using an IZH-2117 pickup – the back has a single aluminum tank from a Gazan milk tanker. They have Eurocubes now – you can fit it in a 469 behind the front seats. It's also a ton, but the vehicle is smaller. I wonder – when will they think of making a wagon like the BA-64?! With at least 12,7mm of armor – or won't the truck be able to handle it?! Although it has 150 hp, and even more if they wanted, and they could probably sell a diesel engine by now, not just a Patriot.
  3. -1
    12 February 2026 09: 55
    What other epaulettes are there? This is strictly a SUV fuel tanker. Driving on dirt roads in this miracle is completely out of the question.
    1. 0
      12 February 2026 13: 25
      Quote: Sergey Alexandrovich
      What other epaulettes are there? This is strictly a SUV fuel tanker. Driving on dirt roads in this miracle is completely out of the question.


      Have you ever been to the fields in Kovykta and Chayanda?
      Have you seen the roads there? The bush roads?

      So, many people use these very same UAZ pickup trucks with Eurocube tanks to deliver fuel to areas where single equipment is working, where you only have one or two excavators, and there are no storage barrels or storage facilities.
      It's easier to bring the same UAZ every two days and fill up a couple of Buddozers or excavators.
      1. -1
        12 February 2026 22: 14
        Don't talk nonsense. The off-road capabilities of such a barrel are zero. A UAZ loaded with a ton of fuel is not capable of driving very far.
        1. 0
          12 February 2026 22: 21
          Quote: Sergey Alexandrovich
          Don't talk nonsense. The off-road capabilities of such a barrel are zero. A UAZ loaded with a ton of fuel is not capable of driving very far.


          I have 5 years of experience in supporting the operations of 200 units of special equipment on projects in Yamal, Kovykta, Iglyaninsky and Chayanda.
          I'm still saying what is, and not fantasizing based on a photo.
  4. 0
    12 February 2026 15: 51
    It's a perfectly reasonable idea. 1,5 tons is quite good. Although the Sobol and Gazelle 4x4 are better. Or is the UAZ simply trying to survive somehow?
    1. -2
      12 February 2026 22: 18
      Load 1,5 tons onto a UAZ? But don't you want to load two or three tons onto a passenger car? Can you even imagine what would happen to a UAZ if it were loaded with a ton, or even a ton and a half?
      1. +1
        12 February 2026 23: 26
        Quote: Sergey Alexandrovich
        Load 1,5 tons onto a UAZ? But don't you want to load two or three tons onto a passenger car? Can you even imagine what would happen to a UAZ if it were loaded with a ton, or even a ton and a half?

        When was the last time you saw UAZs?
        With such militant gusto you prove that this is impossible - even to those who use it...

        The carrying capacity of the UAZ Profi commercial vehicle is 1,5 tons for the 4x4 modification.
        Weight of 4x4 flatbed truck: 1435 kg.
        The vehicle's gross weight reaches 3500 kg, which allows it to be used in category "B".