📌 Soviet Zil 131 6x6 3.5 ton General Purpose Truck, IWM Duxford.

The ZiL-131 is a general purpose 3.5 ton 6x6 Military Truck designed in the Soviet Union, it was developed from a commercial ZiL-130 4x4 Cargo Truck, which was produced in large numbers. Production of the ZiL-131 commenced in 1966, it replaced the previous ZiL-157. Production ceased in 1994 with nearly 1,000,000 of these Trucks produced. It was widely used by the Soviet Military. Despite its age the ZiL-131 is still used by the Russian Military, as well as a number of other Military Forces.

 

The ZIL-131 was introduced in 1966, it is a Military version of the ZIL-130, and the two trucks share many components, the ZIL-131 6x6 has the same equipment as the GAZ-66 and Ural-375D. The ZIL-130 / 131 was in production at the ''AMUR'' truck plant (as the AMUR 531340) with both gasoline and diesel engines, until 2012 when AMUR shut down and filed for bankruptcy.

 

The ZiL-131 has a conventional layout, the baseline model is a Cargo Truck, which has a payload capacity of 7,716lb off-road and 11,023lb on hard surface roads. It is used to carry Troops, Cargo and other Military Equipment. Cargo area is covered with bows and canvas cover, the Unit can also tow Trailers or Artillery Pieces with a maximum weight of 8,818lb off-road and 14,330lb on hard surface roads. The all-metal cab of this truck provides seating for the driver and two passengers. The ZiL-131 is powered by a V8 petrol Engine, developing 150hp, the engine is coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox, driving a permanent All-Wheel Drive, however the front axle can be disconnected on hard surface roads. It is fitted with a Central Tyre Inflation Systems, and a Self-Recovery Winch was fitted to the front of some models.

 

Variants of the ZiL-131 include a ZiL-131V Tractor Unit for towing Semi-Trailers, ZiL-131D Dump Truck and Fuel and Water Bowsers / Tankers. It is also used as a chassis for the ''Grad-1 Artillery Rocket System'' later replaced by an improved variant, the ZiL-131N, introduced in 1986. In 1995 a new ZiL-4334 was proposed as a replacement of the ZiL-131N. A small number of these Trucks are in service with the Russian Army. Though it was generally replaced in service by Ural-4320 and KamAZ Mustang Series Military Trucks.

 

 

▪︎Manufacturer: ZiL

▪︎Also Called: Amur-53135

▪︎Production: 1964 to 2012

▪︎Assembly: Moscow Russia

▪︎Class: Truck / Utility Vehicle

▪︎Engine: 6.0L ZIL-130 V8

▪︎Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

▪︎Wheel base: 12ft 5in

▪︎Length: 21ft 10in

▪︎Width: 8ft 2in

▪︎Height: 7ft 10in

▪︎Curb weight: 9,480lb

▪︎Predecessor: ZIL-157

▪︎Successor: ZIL-4334

▪︎Cab Design: Forward Engine

▪︎Seating Capacity: 3 Crew

▪︎Curb weight: 14,770lb

▪︎Payload: 11,023lb plus trailer on road / 7,716lb plus trailer 8,818lb off road

▪︎Suspension: Solid Axles with Leaf Springs

▪︎Powerplant: V8 gasoline (carburetor) ZIL-130 6,960cc Engine

▪︎Brakes: Drums, with Pneumatic Control

▪︎Length: 23ft 1in

▪︎Width: 8ft 2in

▪︎Height: 8ft 2in

▪︎Wheelbase: 10ft 10in

▪︎Fuel Tanks: 2 x 45 gallons

▪︎Fuel Economy: 5.9mpg‑US / 7.1 mpg‑Imperial

▪︎Price: $7,300 to $8,300 USD.

Done