ZIL-131 - the legend of the automobile industry

ZIL-131 - a car with a military bearing

People of the older generation who served in the Soviet Army are well remembered and know what this truck is. After all, a significant part of these machines was produced specifically for military needs, which naturally affected their technical characteristics.

Production on an industrial scale was established in 1966 year. Then, after the adoption in 1959 of 21 extraordinary congresses of the CPSU of the next seven-year plan, there was a tendency for the domestic automotive industry to lag behind the automotive industry of the West. Therefore, to develop a new machine with a high index of patency were thrown a lot of strength and money.

The new truck was so liked by the military that its release ended in 1986. However, he gave impetus to the development of a rich "offspring", based on the modifications of this car was built a huge number of different models.

ZIL-131. Specifications

As the engine was chosen tested on the previous car ZIL-130 petrol V-shaped "eight" (8-cidindrovaya). However, the engineers made a useful change to it - a pre-heater was installed, which accelerated the launch of the power unit in cold ambient temperatures.

Practically anew the chassis. ZIL-131 received three axles, all leading. However, the designers constantly made only the two rear ones, the front is switched on automatically or forced by means of an electric actuator.

Transmission of the torque from the engine to the 5-speed manual gearbox provides a mechanism for dry single-plate clutch.

To facilitate the work of the driver in difficult road conditions, the car is powered by a power steering. The brake system is pneumatic.

A well-proven suspension. Its basis is semi-elliptic springs, the hydraulic shock absorbers help them smooth out the fluctuations. At ZIL-131 the suspension system for years of operation of cars has deserved many positive responses.

A reliable assistant soldier ...

On the basis of the chassis ZIL-131 was built many modifications. For example, multiple salvo fire systems, marching repair shops or barrels with fuel were installed. Fuel tankers especially liked the air force, so at each airport there were these cars.

In addition to the Soviet Union, this model operated on the territory of many countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe, as a large number of cars were exported.

... and the entrepreneur

After the collapse of the USSR, automobiles began to buy out massively for their needs commercial structures. The trucks were removed from equipment unnecessary for a peaceful person, and they continued to carry a "watch".

To improve the quality and with changes in requests, fuel prices, many entrepreneurs began to change the factory petrol engine ZIL-131. Diesel has become a more acceptable and desirable option. There are even specialized SRTs engaged in similar work.

A reliable and powerful military "old man" drives briskly along the roads today. And, apparently, the pension is clearly not going to.