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ZIL 157 radio

 

Manufacturer: , Soviet Union

 

Type: Trucks	Weight: 6.7 t
Produced: 1967	Size: Length 7.04 m, Height 2.97 m
Number built: 1000000	Engine: Gasoline, 115 HP
Crew: 3	Speed: 80 km/h

Description

The ZIL 157 K is a flat bed 6 x 6 wheel drive military truck. It was produced in the former soviet union in the ZIL works (Zavod imene Lichachov) factory in the name of the Lichachov. It is a direct descendent of the American Studebaker trucks supplied to the Red Army as part of the Lend Lease agreement. The Russians utilised the superior 6 x 6 wheel drive technology to enable the traversing of difficult terrain while carrying large loads.

The vehicle utilises large single tyres on twin rear drive axles, and the manually operated transfer case allows 6 x 6 wheel drive in low ratio for high gradient and slippery conditions. The tyres feature adjustable tyre pressure controls that allow the tyres to overcome flats and also to be adjusted to low pressure for soft terrain.

ZIL-157 was in production from 1958 to 1961; the improved K model from 1961 to 1964, various other improved models later taking its place. The last variant, the ZIL-157KD, was in production from 1976 to 1982. Most of these were export models (the USSR having changed over to the ZIL-131 in the meantime.) A production run of 14 years. The vehicle is still widely used around the world in both military and civilian guise.

The 157 K is equipped with a front mounted self recovery winch connected to the transfer case of the engine. The vehicle weighed in at about 6 metric tonnes and was capable of hauling a 3 tonne load at 60 kilometres/hour on asphalt road. The vehicle crews 2 occupants at the front and 16 troops could be carried on fold down bench seats in the cargo flat bed.