GAZ-66

The GAZ-66 is a Russian 4x4 all-road (off road) military truck produced by GAZ. It was the main transport vehicle for motorized infantry of the Soviet Army and is still employed in former Soviet Union countries. It is nicknamed shishiga (шишига) shehsherik (шешерик) trueman (in Siberia).

The GAZ-66 has gained legendary status in many countries around the world due to its reliability, simplicity and off-road capability. Thanks to standard features such as a front mounted winch, Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and self-locking differentials the GAZ-66 is extremely popular with armed forces all around the world as well as 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 winch
 * GAZ-34 - a prototype with a wheeled 6 × 6
 * GAZ-66B (1966) - Airborne version with telescopic steering column, folding roof and folding windshield frame
 * GAZ-66D (1964-1968) - the chassis with power take-off
 * GAZ-66P - tractor (experimental)
 * GAZ-66E (1964-1968) - with shielded electrical
 * GAZ-66-01 (1968-1985) - the base model with a centralized control system for tire pressure
 * GAZ-66-02 (1968-1985) - with winch
 * GAZ-66-03 (1964-1968) - with shielded electrical
 * GAZ-66-04 (1968-1985) - the chassis with shielded electrical
 * GAZ-66-05 (1968-1985) - with shielded electrical equipment and a winch
 * GAZ-66-11 (1985-1996) - upgraded the base model
 * GAZ-66-12 (1985-1996) - with winch
 * GAZ-66-14 (1985-1996) - the chassis with shielded electrical equipment and 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 of 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 diesel engine GAZ-544
 * GAZ-66-40 (1995-1999) - with a turbodiesel GAZ-5441
 * 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 winch
 * GAZ-66-81 (1985-1995) - for countries with a temperate climate
 * GAZ-66-91 (1985-1995) - for countries with tropical climates

Specialised versions

 * AP-2 - aid station, the main transport unit regimental aid station.
 * AC-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."
 * MH-66 - Lube.
 * 3902, 3903, 39021, 39031 - mobile workshops to provide technical assistance 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)

Specifications
Cab-forward design, 2 seats cab + 21 passengers in back.
 * Design

Payload: 4410 lb plus the same weight trailer

Suspension: Solid axles with leaf springs

Type- V8 gasoline (carburetor) OHV engine
 * Engine

Displacement- 4,254 cc (Bore 3.62", stroke 3.15")

Compression Ratio- 6.7:1

Output- 115 hp @ 3,200 rpm

Torque- 166 lb·ft @ 2,300 rpm. 4x2 gears

Max. speed- 56-59 mph (speed governed)

Type- Drums, with hydraulic control, single circuit, servo assisted
 * Brakes

Stopping distance from 20 mph- 27'

LxWxH- 18 ftx7 ftx8 ft(cab)/8 ft(tent)
 * Measurements

Wheelbase- 10 ft

Track front/rear: 5 ft/5 ft

Curb weight: 7580 lb

Fuel tanks- 2 x 28 gal 2 x 105 lires

Fuel economy- 10 mpg (city) 12-15 mpg (highway)

Turning circle- 62'
 * Maneuverability

Approach angle- 41 deg.

Departure angle- 32 deg

Max. Ascent angle - 31 - 37 deg (fully loaded)

Ground clearance- 12.5"

Fording depth- 2'7.5"

Size- 305R18
 * Tyres

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."
 * 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 burned, the car also was drowned in the water. After all these tests, it was got and kept going.
 * The Gaz-66 was featured in the movie The Expendables 2 where it driven by the leader of an opposing team of mercenaries known as the Sangs, Jean-et-Vilaine, played by Jean-Claude Van Damme.