GAZ-66



Overview


GAZ-66

GAZ-66 light truck traversing difficult terrain.
Source: US DOD - © Public domain.

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Tactical truck
Entered service
1964
Status
In service
Development
Early 1960's
Developer
Soviet Union - GAZ
Production
1964 - 1999
Producers
Soviet Union - GAZ
Russia - GAZ

Description


Introduction

The GAZ-66 is a tactical truck of Soviet origin. It was developed in the early 1960's to replace the GAZ-67 and is a further development of the GAZ-62. The GAZ-66 was one of the most common light trucks in Soviet service and remains in widespread use today. It has been replaced in production by the GAZ-3308 Sadko.

Layout

The GAZ-66 is a further development of the GAZ-62 1.2 t light truck. It features a more powerful engine, stronger chassis and is larger in all dimensions. The engine is mounted under the steel two seat forward control cab. A wide variety of body types can be installed. Normally a flatbed with drop sides and tarpaulin cover is fitted.

Firepower

The GAZ-66 is unarmed in its baseline configuration. However, it is used to transport or tow various weapon systems. These include the 120mm 2B11 mortar and 14.5mm ZPU and 23mm ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns.

Protection

The GAZ-66 is a softskin vehicles and does not feature armor or mine protection. There are no NBC system or smoke grenade dischargers.

Mobility

The all wheel drive chassis and large wheels result in a good off road mobility. The maximum road speed is 90 km/h. A 123 hp diesel engine provides propulsion.

Users

The GAZ-66 was widely used by Soviet forces and exported to most of its allies. It remains in widespread use today, mainly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Variants


GAZ-66

GAZ-66 light truck chassis fitted with van body.
Source: Bestalex - © Public domain.

Variants based on the GAZ-66 chassis

The GAZ-66 is a 2 t light tactical truck on a 4x4 chassis. The baseline vehicle is fitted with a flatbed cargo body with tarpaulin cover. Variants include several types of command post vehicles, NBC decontamination vehicle, light crane, water tanker, etc.

Aside the various types of rear body, the chassis was produced with several options. These include the fitting or lack of a central tire pressure system, shielded electrical systems and winch.

Details


Facts GAZ-66
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Tactical truck
Crew
1 + 1 in cab (driver, passenger)
Dimensions
Weight
4.1 t empty
6.8 t max load
Length
5.92 m
Width
2.53 m
Height
2.49 m cab roof
2.52 m tarpaulin
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled, 4x4
Tread
1.8 m
Wheelbase
3.3 m
Tire size
12.00 x18
Automotive
Engine
GAZ-5441 V4 turbo diesel
Power output
123 hp
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
210 L
Cargo
Load area
3.3 x 2.1 m
Internal load
2.3 t
Towed load
2 t
Mobility
Speed
90 km/h on road
Range
1.400 km
Turn radius
9.5 m
Power to weight ratio
30.1 hp/t empty
18.1 t max load
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.32 m
Gradient
67 %
Slope
44 %
Fording
1.2 m
Protection
Armor type
None, softskin vehicle
NBC system
No
Smoke system
No
Night vision
No