Logistics are at the heart of every well-fueled, well-armed military and, for the Soviet Union during its heyday, this was provided for - in part - by the ZiL-131 military truck. The truck arrived in all-wheeled, 6x6 triple-axle arrangement seating a pair of axles under the rear of the chassis. The driving cab positioned the driver at front-left with the engine compartment immediately forward. Production of the ZiL-131 was had from 1964 until 2012 at which point the AMUR plant was shuttered due to bankruptcy (then produced as the AMUR-531340). Despite this, sheer numbers of the truck ensure it a place on the modern battlefield.
The civilian market form is the "ZiL-130".
For its part in Soviet history, the ZiL-131 succeeded the ZiL-157 series trucks of 1958. These were similarly arranged in 6x6 with a driving cab aft of the engine and a flexible / modular rear flat bed. Unlike the ZiL-131, the ZiL-157 was only utilized by the Soviets, China, Vietnam, and North Korea but has, itself, been formally succeeded by the more modern ZiL-4334 series trucks in Russian service.
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. Curb weight is 6,700 kilograms. Its payload can reach up to 5,000kg for in-road traveling (less so when going off road).
Key qualities of the truck are its large road wheels and high ground clearance, allowing it to traverse cross-country and water sources. The suspension system includes solid axles coupled to leaf springs. Power is from a ZiL-130 6.0L V8 diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission system with 2-speed transfer case. A pair of 45-gallon gasoline tanks fuel the engine.
The versatility of the ZiL-131 is key to its success, having been the host vehicle for a variety of field solutions including the BN-21 "Grad" Multiple Launch, Rocket Projector (MLRS) vehicles (detailed elsewhere on this site) relied heavily on by the Soviet / Russian army. Beyond this, variants that have appeared include models utilized by border guard elements, specialized fire trucks, MEDEVAC, SCUD missile carriers, general transport (open flatbed or soft/hard covered), dedicated Command Posts (CPs), fuel tankers, and even mobile field bakeries.
Operators of the ZiL-131 currently (2022) include many former Soviet allies and supported states - notable entries being Georgia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, and Vietnam. Former operators are Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Iraq, and Yugoslavia.
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the ZiL-131 6x6 Wheeled Military Truck.
1 x ZiL-130 6.0L V-8 diesel engine driving conventional 6x6 wheeled / all-wheel arrangement. Installed Power
75 mph 120 kph Road Speed
351 miles 565 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the ZiL-131 6x6 Wheeled Military Truck.
1 (MANNED) Crew
23.1 ft 7.04 meters O/A Length
8.2 ft 2.49 meters O/A Width
8.2 ft 2.49 meters O/A Height
14,771 lb 6,700 kg | 7.4 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the ZiL-131 6x6 Wheeled Military Truck.
Base vehicle typically none, save for personal weapons carried by the crew.
AMMUNITION: Not Applicable.
Variants Notable series variants as part of the ZiL-131 family line.
ZiL-131 - Base Series Designation.
ZiL-130 - Civilian market form.
AMUR-531340 - ZiL-130/-131 trucks manufactured at AMUR plant; not produced since 2012.
BM-21 "Grad" - MLRS vehicle variant.
ZiL-131 Firetruck
ZiL-131 Mobile Bakery
ZiL-131 Command Post
ZiL-131 Fuel Carrier
ZiL-131 SCUD missile carrier
ZiL-131 Border Guard transport
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the ZiL-131. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 40,000 Units Contractor(s): OJSC AMO ZiL - Soviet Union / Russia
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