The Gorky Automobile Plant began producing the GAZ-66 in 1968 instead of the GAZ-63 model. The transition to a cabover design made it possible to increase the payload to 1200 kg and lengthen the cargo platform.
The GAZ-66 had high maneuverability, speed, and off-road capability, and a low center of gravity improved stability on slopes. New conveniences for that time, such as a windshield washer, were added to the design. However, the location of the gearbox lever behind the driver's back turned out to be not a very good solution.
Soviet Quality Mark
In 1969, the GAZ-66 became the first Soviet automobile to receive a recognized quality mark. In the USSR, there was probably not a single military unit that could do without an all-terrain vehicle.
In addition to transporting personnel, fuel, mobile hospitals, and repair shops, the GAZ-66 was used as an alcohol tanker for the cooling system of supersonic interceptor aircraft.
In addition, a special version was produced for the airborne troops with a folding windshield and canvas cab. The GAZ-66 was produced from 1964 to 1999, with 965,941 units seeing the light of day.
No Adequate Replacement?
The "Shishiga" lasted 35 years on the assembly line. An attempt to replace the GAZ-66 with another cabover truck with a diesel engine failed due to the cost of retooling production.
In 2001, the GAZ-33097 "Sadko" replaced the GAZ-66 in the troops. Combat experience showed that cab-over-engine vehicles are less vulnerable to mine explosions, as the impact mainly falls on the engine.
But how much it really "replaced" the "Shishiga" is an open question. As is the question of whether it has more advanced and modern competitors of the same dimensions and parameters, which are frankly not yet visible.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that new shells with a cluster warhead have been developed for the most powerful MLRS.
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