GAZ-46 MAV

     Notes: This is an amphibious version of the GAZ-69 (the forerunner of the UAZ-469).  In this role, the vehicle has a boat-shaped hull with propellers at the rear of the vehicle for propulsion in the water.  This vehicle was first produced in 1944 and remained in production until 1955; however, thousands of these vehicles were retained in Pact service by Naval Infantry units, lovingly cared for by mechanics, drivers, and aides of Naval Infantry and Spetsnaz commanders who liked their combination of small size, mobility, and amphibious characteristics.  More were maintained through the years by private collectors around the globe, with many of them being impressed into military service. 

     A weapon mount is normally found on top of the windshield or on a post or roll bar behind the front seat, but no weapon is provided in the basic cost of the vehicle. The design borrows heavily from the GAZ-69 jeep as well as the Ford GPA “Seep.” It was devised as an amphibious unit commander’s car, able to carry a weapon on a mount as well as a decent amount of cargo. The front seats and passenger seats can be covered by a tarpaulin over folding bows. The windshield folds forward over the front of the vehicle. The GAZ-46 has a 3-ton winch on the front of the vehicle; the entire hull is of welded steel, making it watertight. The rear of the hull has a spare tire mounted on it. The GAZ-46 used the engine of the GAZ-M20 Pobeda, a 55-horsepower gasoline engine, with the transmission and suspension borrowed from the GAZ-69. In the water the GAZ-46 uses a propeller for locomotion. The propeller uses a PTO and must be switched on when the vehicle is to ford water.

     A GAZ-46 was used in the chase scene in Indiana Jones 4 – Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

GAZ-51/63

     Notes: These are essentially oversized Jeep-like vehicles used by Bloc and Chinese forces, in addition to Syria and Albania.  The GAZ-51 was retired long ago by most countries, but can still be found in operation by some civilians, and several were sent to museums and static displays.  Others met an ignoble fate as range targets. The GAZ-63 also met the same fates, but more are in use by military users, as the truck is newer, and more are also in operation with civilians in the countries whose militaries they once served. Variants of the GAZ-51 and GAZ-63 are the base of a plethora of variants, from troop carriers to NBC vehicles.

     The GAZ-63 is a 4x4 vehicle, but the GAZ-51 is a 4x2 vehicle. The cabs of the GAZ-51 and GAZ-63 are all-metal; the rear cargo area may be covered by a tarpaulin over bows. It should be noted that if these trucks stay on a hard road, they can haul 2.5 tons. The GAZ-51 can tow 1.2 tons cross-country, or 3.5 tons on roads; the GAZ-63 can 2 tons cross country or 3.5 tons on roads. The engines of these two vehicles are a GAZ-11 6-cylinder gasoline-burning engine developing 70 horsepower. The GAZ-63 has articulated shock absorbers rather than the GAZ-51’s telescoping shock absorbers. A noteworthy improvement on the GAZ-63 is its fuel tank, being over twice the size of the GAZ-51’s tank.

GAZ-66

     Notes: Bloc and Chinese forces, as well as Angola, Cambodia, Cuba, Egypt, Finland, Iran, Iraq and Syria use this 4x4 truck.  It replaced the GAZ-63.  There is a weapon mount on the cab roof, but no weapon is provided.  Civilians also use the GAZ-66.  The GAZ-66 is of all-steel construction, with fixed sides and drop tailgate. A canvas tarpaulin covers the cargo area, and the cab has a heater.  Other variants have a hard-bodied cargo area for use as machine shops, communications, and command vehicles.  The GAZ-66 is used as the chassis for a lightweight version of the BM-21 MRL, known as the BM-21V Grad-P. The engine of the GAZ-66 is a ZMZ-66 gasoline engine developing 115 horsepower. (The alternate engines below have the same horsepower rating unless otherwise stated.) The GAZ-66 can tow 2 tons.

     The GAZ-66A is equipped with a 4-ton winch with 65 meters of cable up front. The GAZ-66-15 is equipped with a winch and has an EMP-shielded electrical system. The GAZ-66-16 is a modernized version with a ZMZ-513.10 improved engine (same fuel and horsepower), reinforced tires, power brakes, and a redesigned suspension and body so that the cargo bed did not have intruding wheel niches. The GAZ-66-21 is called the National-Economic modification with dual rear tires and a reinforced cargo bed; it has a much greater cargo-hauling capacity. The GAZ-66-40 has a winch and is powered by a GAZ-5441 turbodiesel engine giving 120 horsepower. The GAZ-66-41 has a winch and a GAZ-544 naturally aspirated diesel engine.

GAZ-69

     Notes: Also known as the UAZ-69 (built by a different factory in this case), this vehicle is the predecessor of the UAZ-469 in Pact service, but may still be found in many countries that received Russian aid throughout the years, such as Cambodia, Cuba, Egypt, Finland, Syria, North Korea, Vietnam, and several African nations.  It has a permanent 4x4 off-road drive. It uses the 55-horsepower GAZ-M20 Pobeda engine with a four-speed manual transmission (also derived from that of the GAZ-20M). The GAZ-69 has all-wheel full-time drive, but to reduce road fuel consumption, the crew could get out, take a socket wrench, and disconnect the hub coupling. The design is a classic for its time period, with a small truck-like front end housing the engine, a center portion with the driver and commander, and a rear cargo/passenger area. The center and rear may be covered with a folding canvas roof; this had plastic windows in it, but the top protects poorly against dust.  On the left side behind the driver’s door is a spare tire. As even civilian versions were required to meet Army specifications, in order to facilitate wartime requisitioning, a hardtop GAZ-69 was not built until 1993. In the basic GAZ-69, the fuel supply is split into two separate tanks, and one of them, holding 28 liters, is beneath the commander’s seat.

     The GAZ-69A eliminated the fuel tank under the commander’s seat, and enlarged the single fuel tank in the vehicle. However, the fuel tank can only be refueled from inside the driver’s door. The GAZ-69A has four doors and the spare tire is moved under the vehicle in the rear. The GAZ-69A is considerably lighter than the GAZ-69; it is designed for airborne operations and in addition to its ability to be airdropped, it has hook points for sling loading from helicopters. The GAZ-69M is equipped with a GAZ-M21 engine developing 65 horsepower.  It is otherwise the same as the GAZ-69 base version.

     In Indiana Jones 4 – the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, action featured several GAZ-69s in the chase sequences. Russian crews often called the GAZ-69 the Gazik (Goat), due to the vehicle’s light construction, which led to it jumping and bouncing around on rough ground. Variants include the 2P26, which mounts launchers for six 3M6 Shmel (AT-1 Snapper) ATGM in the rear of the vehicle.  Some Middle East countries mount a recoilless rifle in the rear of the vehicle, on a pivot to allow firing in all directions.  The GAZ-69 is used to carry an aircraft starter unit. The GAZ-69 has been fitted with the DIM mine detection system. There is even a version to tow small 2.4-ton tractor trailers, the UAZ-456.

GAZ-3308 Sadko

     Notes: This is a light truck designed to replace trucks of around the 2-ton payload class, and specifically, the GAZ-66 series.  It was originally designed for export as well as domestic use, and perhaps this is why it is built to more modern specifications than most Russian trucks.  Series production began in 1997, with the Sadko being powered at the time with a ZMZ-5231.10 130-horsepower turbodiesel engine. The GAZ-3308 has power steering and brakes, automatic transmission, variable pressure tires, and an off-road suspension.  Air conditioning and heating are options, as is a 5-ton capacity winch (included in the stats below)

     In 2003, the Sadkos were re-engined with a MMZ D-245.7 117-horsepower turbodiesel to comply with European Union exhaust regulations, and designated GAZ-33081.  In 2013, the Sadkos were re-engined again with a Type D-245.7E4 turbodiesel developing 122.4 horsepower, and designated GAZ-33082. In 2005, the GAZ-33086 Zemlyak variant was introduced; this version is powered by a Type D-245.7E4 turbodiesel developing 122.4 horsepower, and with a four-wheel rear axle allowing a large increase in cargo capacity, though at the cost of some of its cross-country capability. Also in 2013, the GAZ-33088 was introduced, powered by a YaMZ-53442 134.5-horsepower turbodiesel.

GT-S

     Notes: The GT-S series goes back to 1955; this was when the original GT-S (also known as the GAZ-47) was introduced.  The GT-S was an over-the-snow vehicle designed for a variety of roles, but primarily as a general cargo/troop carrier and light artillery/heavy mortar tractor.  The GT-S is also capable of traversing shallow swamps and mud.  The layout is conventional, with an engine compartment up front under a short hood, a cab behind that, and the cargo/troop section behind the cab.  The cab and cargo/troop section is covered by a canvas tarpaulin over bows; the cab has two doors, while the rear area is accessed via a drop tailgate, and has small plastic windows in the rear and sides of the tarpaulin.  Towing capacity of the GT-S is 2 tons.  The GT-S is fully amphibious, but only the tracks propel it in the water.  Early models used a 74-horsepower engine, but this was quickly changed to an 85-horsepower engine.  Today, the GT-S is primarily used in the civilian role, ranging from logging companies to scientific agencies.

     The LFN-RVD-GPI-66 is an unusual variant of the GT-S; it is designed for higher speeds over water, deep snow, deep mud or sand, and swamps, but is incapable of traversing other terrain except in an excruciatingly slow manner.  The tracks on this variant have been replaced by large cylindrical screw-type pontoons which propel the vehicle.  This makes it quick over its chosen terrain, but virtually incapable of movement over anything else; it has a Com Mov of only 1 over any other sort of terrain whether on road or off, and no effective Tr Mov.  It was placed in production, but is quite rare, as it proved to be impractical for anything other than amphibious assault, and of only limited use in that role.  The 85-horsepower engine is standard for this version.

     The GT-SM (also known as the GAZ-71) replaced the GT-S in the early 1970s; it is basically a GT-S with a more powerful 115-horsepower engine.  It is somewhat larger than the GT-S, but has the same cargo and towing capacities, and the same general shape and specifications.  Production has since stopped, but it is still in lower-level service with the Russian Army.  Category 1 and 2 units have largely replaced the GT-SM with the MT-LB.

     The GT-T is a further development of the GT-S series, and is also capable of negotiating deep mud and swamps and is also amphibious with preparation.  Developed for Arctic troops, the GT-T is known for its very wide chassis and tracks, features that help it on the terrain for which it was developed.  Since it was developed for Arctic troops, it is also one of the few vehicles designed by the old Soviet Union which was designed with a more than adequate heater, and the engine, transmission, and the fluids it uses were either designed to work at low temperature or have pre-heaters.  Though not an especially large vehicle, it can haul a decent amount of cargo for its size, in addition to being able to tow 4 tons.  The GT-T is, however, a very old design, entering service in the early 1960s, and is primarily found in Category 2, 3, and Mobilization-Only units, though some are still in front-line service.  Some are also found in civilian use, particularly by logging companies in Siberia.  Variants include a maintenance vehicle, a field kitchen, and an NBC decontamination vehicle.  Most Category 1 units have replaced the GT-T with the MT-LB.  The driver and two other persons may sit in the cab at the front of the vehicle; the rest are seated in the rear compartment.  The GT-T does not have any weapon mounts nor firing ports. The GT-T uses a variant of the engine of the MT-LB, a GAZ V6A diesel developing 240 horsepower. Towing is up to 4 tons.

     The GT-SM-1D is a light tracked general-purpose carrier designed primarily for transport over difficult terrain, and the latest in a long line of similar Russian carriers.  The GT-SM-1D is not an all-terrain vehicle, lacking the special tracks, roadwheels, engine and transmission, and other modifications for use in deep snow, mud, or swamps; in fact, the tracks are rather narrow.  The GT-SM-1D is, however, amphibious, propelled in the water by its tracks, and is also designed for high-altitude operations.  It is used by both civilian and military agencies in Russia and the former Soviet Union.  Though its load capacity is modest, it is capable of towing 2 tons. The engine is a GAZ-5441 turbodiesel developing 123 horsepower.  Layout is otherwise conventional, with an engine compartment up front, a cab, and a rear cargo area which may be covered by bows and a tarpaulin.

*The Off-road speed of this version is in deep snow, mud, water, or swamps only; otherwise, the LFN-RVD-GPI-66 has no effective Tr Mov, and a Com Mov of only 1.  The LFN-RVD-GPI-66 does not actually have tracks; instead, it has cylindrical steel screw-type pontoons.  However, they are treated as tracks for game purposes.

LuAZ-967M

     Notes: The Warsaw Pact in then-East Germany first deployed this vehicle in the late 1960s.  It is used for battlefield support and as a medical evacuation vehicle.  It is also used by airborne forces due to its light weight, and is used by them as a weapon carrier.  The LuAZ-967M has two folding seats for passengers; one seat may be folded to accommodate a stretcher.  There is a treadway on each side of the vehicle for crossing trenches and other obstacles.  It also has a 200-kilogram capacity winch in the front.  The LuAZ-967M's rear is flat, except for the two folding seats.  The engine is a MeMZ-967A gasoline engine developing 37 horsepower; this seems like the LuAZ-967M would be underpowered, but the engine is adequate due to the LuAZ-967M’s light weight.  No weapon mount is provided, except on the airborne weapons carrier variant; this vehicle usually carries an AGS-17 grenade launcher, AT-4 Spigot ATGM, or B-10 recoilless rifle. There is also no cover on the vehicle, nothing like a canvas tilt or hardtop. The windshield folds down forwards over the front.

LuAZ-969/1302

     Notes: This light vehicle was meant for airborne and airmobile forces, primarily as a command and liaison vehicle.  It is based on a passenger car built in Russian called the ZAZ-966.  The chassis is over 50% compatible with the LuAZ-967M, as they are based on the same vehicle.  There is a later version called the LuAZ-1302, with a more powerful engine.  It is considerably heavier because of this engine, but has the same cargo and towing ability (300 kilograms). The engine of the LuAZ-969 is a MeMZ-946 gasoline engine developing 27 horsepower; for the LuAZ-1302, it is a ZAZ-1100 developing 53 horsepower.

UAZ-452

     Notes: This is a van used by certain Warsaw Pact units, particularly as ambulances or command vehicles.  Unlike similar vehicles produced in other countries, the UAZ-452 was purpose-built for the military and is not an adaptation of a civilian vehicle.  In addition to the van configuration, the UAZ-452 is also produced as a sort of pickup truck, with a forward cab, open-topped rear cargo bed, wheelbase extended by 25 centimeters, and drop sides; this is the UAZ-3303. The UAZ-3303 can also have bows and a canvas top over the cargo area. The UAZ-452 has a cabover configuration, with the engine and transmission under the driver and front seat passenger and extending in front of the rear passengers. The van has cab doors, a single swinging door on the right side, and a double-wing door at the rear. The vehicle has two separate fuel tanks which must be filled from separate ports. It uses the same 75-horsepower UMZ-452M gasoline engine as the UAZ-469, and can run on fuel as low as 72 octane.

     The UAZ-39625 is a version furnished with EU-compatible lighting, instrument panel, and alarms, and upgraded with a 99-horsepower engine.

     The UAZ-452 was called the bukhanka by Pact troops, which is Russian for “loaf,” denoting its general shape as a loaf of bread. The pickup truck version was called the golovastik, or “tadpole.” As of 2024, the UAZ-452 and its variants are the oldest Russian vehicles still in production.

UAZ-469

     Notes: This was the standard light vehicle of Russian and most Pact forces, as well as almost all former or current Russian or Pact client states.  In addition, it was sold as a civilian off-road vehicle in Eastern Europe.  Though in many countries it was being replaced by newer versions of the UAZ-469 or other light vehicles, the UAZ-469 was a ubiquitous sight in most of the world.  It is a light Jeep-like vehicle, of conventional layout.  The rear area may be open or covered by a canvas tilt; hard-bodied versions are also available.  There is a weapon mount behind the front seats; however, no weapon is provided in the cost of the vehicle.

     The UAZ-469B is a version of the standard UAZ-469.  It has a lower ground clearance, which reduces the cost of the vehicle.  The UAZ-469B has been sold in the West as the Tundra (not to be mistaken for the Toyota Tundra), and is used by the Warsaw Pact, Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.

     The UAZ-3151 is the version of the UAZ-469 produced after 1990.  It has more powerful engines, and a diesel engine is an option.  A heater is fitted, and cross-country performance is improved with a better suspension.  Russia and Czechoslovakia use this version.  

VAZ-2121 Reka

     Notes: This is basically a military application of the civilian Lada Niva SUV.  It has the minimum modifications necessary for use as a military vehicle. The Russian Army was impressed with the Reka’s off-road capability, especially its fording abilities, and wanted to procure mass numbers to replace the UAZ-469.  However, the Russian MoD didn’t feel replacement of the UAZ-469 was warranted and there was no mass production of the military version of the Niva. The engine is a 75-horsepower 4-cylinder gasoline engine with considerable torque. The Reka had a different metal dashboard from the Reka, though it has the same instruments as the Niva; the Reka does not have luxury items like a civilian stereo. The Reka does have the same faux leather upholstery and the same steering wheel. The Reka also has a 24-volt electrical system, to allow for military radios. The Reka is a hardtop design, and it is not known if open-top versions were going to be made. There is no weapon mount or roof hatch.