Test drive ASN-233-115 "Tiger": the car "polite people"
In order to find out what an all-terrain vehicle is capable of, you must drive into a place that is wild enough for this place. The hosts took care of this in advance: a sand pit, forest roads, overcoming the ford ... All this is ahead, and there you have to drive about thirty kilometers on the highway. Therefore, the Tigr was the first to go to the scene of action, accompanied by the Ural with evil guys with machine guns: useful for the entourage. We left a little after the test car, so I managed to notice the all-terrain vehicle that flashed across the track. “If you say too: flashed,” incredulous skeptics will grin. Patience and peace of mind: what a “Tiger” can do on the track is a serious question, it can be much more than it seems. Predator after all.
Outside the city we meet with an armored car. The fact that it does not seem too large from the outside turns out to be a huge iron mountain. The “dry” weight of the machine is 6,4 tons, with a full load of up to eight tons, some seventy kilograms are missing. The time has come to transfer to the “Tigr”, but so far - to the passenger seat, because meeting with representatives of the military automobile inspection for a civilian driving a military vehicle is extremely undesirable. They warn me: the weight of the armored door "Tiger" - kilograms 60, so after opening it, you need to make sure that it is fixed by a fuse. Careless movement - and no legs. Or hands, which is simpler, but not better.
Under the wheels of the "Tiger" winding ribbon highway. The quality of the road surface is on 4. There are no harsh Russian pits, but there are patches and small potholes. "Tiger" simply does not notice them: the suspension on dual levers is designed for serious off-road, so the unevenness of the asphalt, to which a passenger car will necessarily react, pass absolutely unnoticed. Not only that: the speedometer quickly and easily reached the 130 number. And this is not the limit, the maximum speed of a multi-ton armored vehicle is 160 km / h. How can you manage this pile of metal at this speed - a mystery. For the time being, we note the main thing: 130 km / h The Tiger runs easily, and on the way to the landfill you can drink coffee on the go. But at the same time - talk to the commander of "polite people", from which you can find out why they need such a beast.
About surprises
The element of surprise is a good thing when it is aimed at the enemy. "Tiger" was conceived as a vehicle for the rapid transportation of personnel, and in our modification it was designed for this. There are other executions, for example, the command and control vehicle. The task of fast transportation, according to the military, the car copes perfectly. Not only that on the highway “Tigr” will not yield in speed to many modern cars, and off-road heavy car rushing at a very impressive speed - 80-90 km / h. The commander said that the "Tiger" has good protection capabilities for personnel, and the armor plate on the bottom will help to survive a mine attack.
On the wheels (which, of course, have a centralized swap system) the enemy can shoot from anything: even if the rubber is destroyed, the "Tiger" is able to drive on the disks without much harm to health. But usually it does not come to this: it is very difficult to damage the tires of an armored all-terrain vehicle. In the meantime, I pay attention to the fact that we are separated by a couple of meters with the other person, but it is audible perfectly. It’s not for me to judge the safety of movement in this car, but the fact that comfort exceeds all expectations is a fact.
It would seem that the hell surrendered to harsh military people this comfort? It seems to me that each of them is primarily a person, and the fact that the designers managed to take care of them in the best possible way is a definite plus. Yes, and try to drive on the same KAMAZ on the road under the "weave." Or repulse the head, or the opposite place, but rather - all at once. In the meantime, we are approaching the training ground, where I have to take some time off to see the joint work of the special forces and the Tiger.
The armored car easily rolls out of the bushes on the sand, and angry uncles with machine guns jump out of it. By and large, there should be no more than six people - such a number of places incorporated in the armored "soul" of the all-terrain vehicle. But in fact from the armored car can jump out the crowd and a little more. Another surprise for the enemy. And they got quickly, and the number of fighters transported was slightly more than expected. But that's not all.
Someone needs a hatch on the roof of the car in order to admire the sky, someone needs the wind to ruffle their hair, bringing inhuman pleasure to civilians sitting in the cabin. The "Tiger" also has a hatch. But it performs other functions: you can lean out of it and shoot from a Kalashnikov machine gun (PC), from an AGS grenade launcher, or from a machine gun of caliber 12,7 mm “Rock” or “Kord”. Under each view weapons has its own bed, and time to replace the bed on the nests at the open hatch takes a few minutes. In this case, the folded manhole cover is an armorrest for a fighter who is operating a machine gun or a grenade launcher. And although I was driving it for a test drive, it’s impossible not to look at the work of the special forces. So, the Tiger leaves the bushes ...
I have a camera on my neck, and I stand in anticipation: I will shoot a military play. But it was not there! After appearing on the scene of the main character - all-terrain vehicle - a few moments pass, and I have no one to shoot ... The fighters settled around the "Tiger", their "camouflage" merges with the terrain, there is no group, there is no beautiful picture that would become a good shot. small clouds of smoke from shots and sounds are heard, but you cannot take a photo of them.
We interrupt the “operation”, set another task: you need to somehow get together in a heap so that the frame is more lively and more dynamic. The commander understood the idea at a glance and offered to "play the police." Namely - to pass the branch under the protection of the armor "Tiger". I do not know where the police are, but this time everything turned out as it should: power, pressure, fear and horror. Of course, armor will not protect against something too serious, but it will save you from 5,45 or 7,62 caliber bullets and from fragments. The officer asks if there is a need to chase the scene again. “No,” I say, “everything worked out.” What in vain people drive. " "Yes, these uncles just let run and shoot!" It is a joy for them, ”the commander answers cheerfully. I look at the "uncles" discharging automatic machines. It may, of course, be a joy, but ... it’s better not to touch them once again. Therefore, the command to take their places and go to the next location.
Interestingly, it was good for me - I was driving in the front passenger seat. And what do the fighters still feel in the Tiger cabin?
What they feel - only they can say, we, civilians, most likely, cannot understand such things. But what cannot but make the special forces happy is the good autonomy and rich equipment of their car. It provides everything: stocks of ammunition along the sides, first-aid kits, clamps for weapons, fire extinguishers, even thermoses. Ceiling lights make you wonder: everyone has their own wire to "mass". It seems a trifle, but even if they even took care of such trifles, it is terrible to imagine what they could think of here. On the ceiling in front of the hatch there is the control unit for the installation of the 902B “Cloud”. Outside, the presence of this thing is given by trunks, from which aerosol grenades are fired, hiding the car from the enemy in the optical and, in some cases, in the thermal range. Just a necessary thing when the "Tiger" must be hidden.
Honestly, I am now clever about this “cloud,” then, although I knew about its existence, I didn’t have to see how it looks inside. Therefore, while I, a purely civilian, are being explained to me, the principle of 902B’s operation is explained, everyone has already settled in places, including the separation of "polite people" who have taken their place in the "Urals". It seems you can go further, but wait: we came to ride the "Tigre", it's time to get behind the wheel!
In the role of the Tiger Tamer
I had the great honor, I tell you a secret, to steer this car. So just for the wheel "Tiger" is not allowed, but I was incredibly lucky. At first I was lucky to give a ride, and then I was not shot for trying to fly off this road on this thing. Though, maybe, only I managed to notice the last, being already driving the car.
Despite a decent height, it’s quite easy to get into the cabin: handles, steps, everything is where they should be. The only difficulty is to open the door, and the matter is not only in its weight, but also in rather tight handles. And all these are the consequences of installing a reliable door locking system. But slamming the door behind me, I felt like a gold bullion in a Swiss bank safe: I couldn’t be pulled out or dragged out of here.
Comfortably seated in a chair that has, if not too pronounced, but tangible lateral support, we become familiar with the devices. And we are surprised once again: everything is very simple, and familiar to anyone who sat behind the wheel of an ordinary truck. Especially KamAZ: two main devices (tachometer and speedometer) are exactly the same as in this Tatar miracle. They just stand on the contrary: the tachometer on the Tigre is on the left, and the speedometer is on the right. And the last one is marked up to 160 km / h (in most KamAZ vehicles - to 120). The other devices are also not exotic: oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level and ammeter. The fuel level sensor can be switched to one of two tanks, the volume of each of which is 68 liters. Of the buttons needed to control the machine, we note the wheel swap buttons: there are several modes (highway, soil, etc.), each of which corresponds to a certain optimal pressure, which is created with one click. Simply come up with no more.
Manometers are visible on the central panel. Air is needed for tire inflation and for the operation of a pneumatic-hydraulic braking system. When the pressure drops, the drum brake pads get divorced, so if there is a malfunction of the pneumatics, there is no danger of flying off the road (as in the ZIL-131).
The controls of the car (I’ll clarify it specifically - it’s a car, so there’s something else you can control) are also familiar. A healthy lever to the right of the steering wheel is a parking brake drive, the other two are a gearshift lever and “hand-outs”.
Despite the “thick-thick layer” of armor and the not too large glass area, the review is surprisingly good. Therefore, looking around a bit, we start the engine and drive.
The motor seems rather modest for a heavy car: total 215 hp But it is still a turbo diesel, its volume is 4,43 liters, and the maximum torque - 735 Nm. Specifically for foreign intelligence, let us clarify: the engine is ours, domestic, namely - YMZ-5347-10.
Despite the running engine, the cabin is not noisy. We include the second gear (the first one, as usual, is used only on strong off-road and with a big load), release the clutch pedal and get under way. The direction of the gearshift lever will be envied by many “cars”, the shifts themselves are extremely clear (the box here is “Gazovskaya”). Almost immediately turn on the third gear, and the diesel does not even raise the tone. Muttering quietly, he pulls the car easily along the sandy career. Ahead - the ascent to the forest road. The “Tiger” has very short overhangs both in the front and in the back: the entry and exit angles are 52 degrees, and the maximum angle of the volume to be overcome, which is also limited by the specific torque, is 30 degrees. We go up the hill again in second gear and here we give gazku. Remember, I said that I almost fell off the road? Here is how it was.
The car goes very smoothly. She doesn’t care deeply what is under her wheels: there is something more or less solid - and it’s ok. I finally grew bolder (rather, bumbled), so that management looks more like taxiing of a passenger car, rather than a truck, and was driving for pleasure, gradually picking up speed. And the speed "Tiger" is gaining easily. And when a decent hole suddenly appeared in my way, I reflexively tried to dodge it by turning the steering wheel. And it was not the case: a car weighing about seven tons is not very healthy for such “moose tests”.
At the first turn, I felt like she was ready to go into a skid. He released the gas pedal, returning the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position. The Tiger thought a little and obediently returned to the course. It is necessary to get used to a very sharp steering wheel together with a considerable weight. As, however, and to the brakes, which at first are very annoying with a decent reaction time. But if you press the pedal, just hold the steering wheel! In general, after a couple of kilometers you get used to it. It is a pleasure to manage Tiger, but it’s necessary to be friends with your head. The only thing you can find fault with if you wish is a rather decent turning radius. It affects the long base, and nothing can be done about it. We still have the last test ahead - overcoming the ford.
About the river, November and spray
On the way, I never cease to be surprised at the fog that covered, it seems, the entire Russian north-west. At the entrances to the water, he became only thicker, so even when we approached the river bank, we did not see it immediately. "Tiger" got to the ford to the very edge of the water. Pebbles creaked under the boots of camouflaged people with machine guns around their necks. Severe looks drilled fog in search of the opposite shore. Nothing is visible: where to go, where to get out on the other side? But somehow make sure that the vehicle is not afraid of water, it is necessary. Nobody will believe me that easily! At least a photograph is needed here ... And the commander quickly found a way out.
- So, who do not mind? - He muttered thoughtfully to himself. - Come here!
On his call ran fighter, who "do not mind."
“Put it on,” the commander ordered, pointing to something incomprehensible. This "incomprehensible" was a semi-overalls light protective suit. Under the laughter of good comrades, a fighter dressed in outfit.
“You’ll search for a ford,” the officer explained. “Look where the Tiger can go.”
On paper, all-terrain vehicle can overcome water obstacles to a depth of 1,2 meter. In life - even more. The engine is high, the mounted units are closer to the bonnet, and the air intake is led out to the roof. Theoretically, a fighter on this river could walk almost infinitely. Time was running out, and I wondered what would happen next.
The scout wandered through the water and came back. In general, there is nothing to report about the results: we all saw that he didn’t go deeper than the waist up, the ground was hard, there was no place for the "Tiger" to sit down. But what about entering the water? Frame something textbook, without him at least do not come back. But the commander is the commander. The officer released the costume to the officer.
- Here you are. Depart from the coast on the 20-30 meters, and we will fly into the water on the Tigre. Spray will be a lot. It should work!
It certainly should. Here are just a climb in November in the river no particular desire. However, I was not used to refusing a group of well-armed people. They said to climb - it is necessary to climb.
Standing in the water, I waited with trepidation when the "Tiger" would "fly into the water". Seven tons, after all. But everything went fine: the car from the shore rushed into the river, a fountain of spray, a sea of emotions, there is a frame.
Why am I telling you here? Such moments as well as possible convey how good this car is. Many of us are accustomed to the fact that in difficult road conditions somewhere outside the city sometimes have to get out of the car, walk, search for a road. But the “Tiger” will easily pass there, where you don’t always climb on foot. Not for nothing, there is a locking center differential with a reduced transmission in the “razdatka”, self-locking cross-wheel differentials and wheel reduction gears.
The smoothness of the course is provided by an independent torsion bar suspension, about which even the accompanying fighters responded only positively. At the same time, wherever the car goes, inside it will still be good: light, relatively safe. In the cold, the "stove" works, in the heat - air conditioning, and it is not so important that the all-terrain vehicle under the armored bottom: asphalt, dirt, sand, water. He will travel almost everywhere. By the way, it is designed for operation at temperatures from -30 ° С to + 50 ° С. Not bad, huh?
And finally ...
The military is not too concerned about the issue of fuel consumption. And yet "Tiger" and here it shows itself from the best side: the control fuel consumption declared by the manufacturer in the amount of 13,5 liters per hundred kilometers. And in fact comes out really a bit: 12-16 liters. Power reserve is an average of 600 kilometers.
We cannot say anything about servicing these machines: even in the part, specialists of the Arzamas Machine-Building Plant, who regularly come with everything necessary for maintenance, are engaged in this. Yes, and not so important to know how in this car change the oil or conduct an inspection of the chassis. The main thing is that the "Tigers" are always on the go. Is not it?
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