ZiL-131

History of the ZiL-131

Logistics is at the heart of any well-equipped army, and for the Soviet Union in its heyday, it was the ZiL-131 military truck. The truck features an all-wheel-tired 6x6 three-axle arrangement with two axles under the rear of the chassis. The cab places the driver in the front left, with the engine compartment just ahead.

Production of the ZiL-131 took place from 1964 until 2012, when the AMUR plant closed due to bankruptcy (then production was AMUR-531340). Still, the sheer number of trucks earns it a place on the modern battlefield.

The civilian market form is "ZiL-130".

In terms of Soviet history, the ZiL-131 succeeded the ZiL-157 series of trucks in 1958. They are arranged in a similar 6x6 with a cab behind the engine and a flexible/modular rear flat.

Unlike the ZiL-131, the ZiL-157 was only used by the Soviet Union, China, Vietnam and North Korea, but the more modern ZiL-4334 series of trucks in service in Russia officially replaced itself.

The dimensions of the base vehicle include an overall length of 7.04 meters, a width of 2.5 meters and a height of 2.5 meters. The curb weight is 6,700 kg. It can carry a payload of up to 5,000kg for road trips (less cross-country).

The main features of the truck are its large wheels and high ground clearance, allowing it to traverse terrain and water sources. The suspension system includes a live axle connected to the leaf springs.

Power comes from a ZiL-130 6.0-liter V8 diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and 2-speed transfer case. A pair of 45-gallon fuel tanks power the engine.

The versatility of the ZiL-131 has been key to its success, as it has been the launch vehicle for a variety of field solutions, including the BN-21 "Grad" Multiple Launch Rocket Projector (MLRS) vehicle (see other The description of the place is detailed on this website). ), on which the Soviet/Russian army relied heavily. In addition, variants have emerged, including for border guards, dedicated fire trucks, medical evacuation, Scud missile transporter, general transport (open flatbed truck or soft/hard cover), special command post (CP), oil tank carts and even move the on-site bakery.

Current (2022) ZiL-131 operators include many former Soviet allies and supported countries - notable entries include Georgia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Syria, Ukraine and Vietnam. The former operators are Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Iraq and Yugoslavia.

Specification

BASIC

Year of Service

1964

Origins

Soviet Union

Status

Active.

Crew

1

Production

40,000

Manufacturer

OJSC AMO ZiL - USSR/Russia

Operator

Armenia; Bangladesh; Bulgaria; Czechoslovakia (formerly); Georgia; East Germany (formerly); Iraq (formerly); Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Mongolia; Poland; Romania ; Russia; Soviet Union (formerly); Syria; Tajikistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan; Vietnam; Yugoslavia (formerly)

Roles

Utilities

Generally user-centered design to perform various battlefield missions, usually in an indirect combat fashion.

Designed to play an equally special role on the battlefield.

Highlights

Tire layout

The wheeled arrangement gives the system inherent road capability and improved maneuverability.

Cross-country skiing

The design includes features such as a chain linkage system or high ground clearance for better traversing of terrain.

ABC Protection

Crew are protected (standard or optional) by nuclear biological and chemical agents to improve survivability in contaminated areas.

Night Vision

Night vision equipment is available to the crew to allow operation in low light conditions or at night.

troop transport vehicle

Vehicles (or variants thereof) have inherent troop transport capabilities and provide protective cover for allies boarding ships in disputed areas.

Versatility

The vehicle's proven chassis and overall configuration are ideal for other battlefield roles through special design.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

23. 1 ft

7.04m

width

8. 2 feet

2.49m

Height

8. 2 feet

2.49m

Weight

14,771 lbs

6,700 kg

Tonnage

7.4 tons

Power and Performance

Engine:

1 x ZiL-130 6.0L V-8 diesel engine powering a conventional 6x6 wheel/4WD configuration.

Transfer:

1 x 5-speed manual transmission.

Speed

74.6 km/h

(120.0 km/h)

Area

351. 1 mile

(565.0 km)

Weapons

Base vehicles generally have none, except for personal weapons carried by the crew.

AMMOTION

Not applicable.

VARIANTS

ZiL-131 - Name of the base series. ZiL-130 - civilian market form. AMUR-531340 - ZiL-130/-131 truck produced at AMUR factory; no production since 2012. BM-21 "Grad" - MLRS vehicle variant. ZiL-131 Fire Truck ZiL-131 Mobile Bakery ZiL-131 Command Post ZiL-131 Fuel Carrier ZiL-131 Scud Missile Carrier ZiL-131 Border Guard Carrier