Many have heard about the American military SUV Hummer. Its dimensions and patency are impressive. However, the costs of the car are rather big, including cost, maintenance, fuel, taxes. An analogue of the Russian "Hammer" is often called the legend of the domestic automobile industry GAZ-66 ("Shishigu"). The car is able to give odds to the "American" on the road, but its exterior in the original performance leaves much to be desired. Consider ways to upgrade a car based on the specified truck.
Historical facts
Many sources of information claim that experimental versions of the GAZ-66 have been developed since 1962. Serial production of Russian “Hammers” started in 1964. Four years later, the car was equipped with a specialized system for centralized monitoring of tire pressure. The car received the "Gold Medal" at the "Modern Agricultural Exhibition" in Moscow (1966). The car was awarded a similar prize a year later in Leipzig. GAZ-66 is the first Soviet truck to receive a state quality mark. Territory of export - all countries of the socialist camp.
The original of the car in question was in service with the Soviet and Russian Army (mainly in the border troops and the Airborne Forces). Serial production of modifications discontinued in 1995. The last sample was released in the summer of 1999. About a million copies have been produced over the entire time.
Benefits
The Russian "Hammer" based on the GAZ-66 distinguish several basic advantages, namely:
- unpretentiousness in maintenance and operation;
- design reliability;
- worthy indicator of passability;
- the ability to use on various off-road.
In addition, the car in question is equipped with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Increased ground clearance allows you to freely overcome difficult sections of the tracks, regardless of environmental conditions. Also, the advantages of the "Hammer" of the Russian army include good maintainability and the availability of spare parts.
Conversion Methods
Due to the design features and excellent off-road parameters, the GAZ-66 is one of the most interesting options for creating different modifications of all-terrain vehicles. Another interesting factor is the arrangement of an SUV at its discretion. Some users focus on metal conversion, creating a one-of-a-kind and unique car model. Russian "Hammer" based on the GAZ-66 represents a wide field of activity for craftsmen.
Designers do not forget about the exterior, as well as the nuances of arranging well-known competitors, for example, Hummer H1. The price of the original for ordinary consumers is unbearable, unlike a converted all-terrain vehicle based on a domestic truck. Consider the transformation options for the specified car.
Russian "Hammer Partizan"
In finished form, this modification externally strongly copies the American H1. Partisan’s base is the 66th GAZ, which can withstand significant off-road loads. Regular units are mounted on the chassis, including the power unit, suspension, transfer and switch box.
The SUV in question is a real find for those who like to demonstrate their status by blowing dust in their eyes. But the machine differs from low-quality replicas with a solid "filling" and a rather simple design. The basic variation of the Russian "Hammer" in this version will cost 10 times cheaper than the "American counterpart". For this amount, the owner receives the closest copy of H1, built on a reliable military platform. Problems with the repair and the search for spare parts, as a rule, do not arise.
Chassis
Partovan's Hodovka is a shortened GAZ-66 chassis. In the converted car, the standard components and assemblies are saved. To maintain a low bonnet line and provide the required center of mass, the designers of the updated SUV shifted the “engine” back, lowering it deeper into the frame.
At the same time, the fixation points of the generator and the hydraulic power steering pump were changed in parallel. The body in the middle part is a redrawn cabin of the 66th with a glazing of a unified configuration. The bonnet and rear cargo parts are made of reinforced fiberglass, assembled according to new matrix patterns.
Russian "Hammer Tiger"
The specified SUV is known in the world market under the brand name Tiger HMTV. It was made by domestic engineers by order of partners from the UAE, was presented at a military exhibition in 2001 (in Abu Dhabi). At that time, the choice was made in favor of the American original, but Russian manufacturers also remained in the black. They got a jeep almost ready for serial production, and the Arabs soon improved the Tiger, called it Nimr.
The mass production of Russian "Hammers" of the specified configuration was established at the machine-building plant in Arzamas. GAZ practices the production of civilian modifications.
Design
The chassis of the "Tiger" frame type, but the armored version could well do without it. The all-metal body is focused on transporting up to 9 people and 1.5 tons of cargo. The all-terrain vehicle’s standard equipment includes a hydraulic power steering, since driving a five-ton “monster” without it is unrealistic.
In addition, the machine is equipped with an independent type of torsion bar suspension from an armored personnel carrier, hydraulic shock absorbing elements, and transverse stabilizers. At the transfer case, it is possible to equip the center differential and self-locking analogue lock. The design also has a wheel gear, preheater, electric winch, automatic tire inflation.
"Barkhan"
This is another version of the Russian "Hammer" (photo below). In fact, the car is a roomy passenger all-terrain vehicle on a GAZ-66 chassis, characterized by high traffic. "Barkhan" has a low center of gravity, excellent stability when moving over rough terrain. The car is equipped with self-locking differentials cam configuration, as well as power steering.
The machine can be equipped with a centralized unit for monitoring the pressure in the wheels, as well as a winch installation, the traction force of which is 3.5 t / s. The body of the all-terrain vehicle is an all-metal type with five doors, fixed on the frame with the help of step-ladders and rubber pillows. "Barkhan" is equipped with a ventilation and heating system, pivoting windows, falling door windows. The hood, together with the wings, rises forward, freeing up access to the engine, front suspension system and steering mechanisms. For the convenience of landing, there are steps and handles for passengers.
Features
The Russian military "Hammer Barkhan" has several versions of the location of people and equipment. In the passenger version, the capacity is up to 12 people, the second configuration provides for the landing of seven people and 0.7 tons of cargo. At the same time, it is possible to tow a tow hitch up to 1.5 tons. The floor in the cab has special compartments for fixing the seats, which makes it possible to quickly convert the passenger compartment from a passenger view to a cargo version.
Access is through four side doors and a luggage compartment. A decent-sized top hatch can serve both for ventilation and as an emergency exit. Standard modifications are presented in several versions:
- cargo-passenger version;
- "Luxury" model;
- armored collection vehicle;
- patrol vehicle.
All-terrain vehicle "Combat": description
The Russian "Hammer" with an economical engine (as possible) under the name "Combat" is a distinctive feature of a massive bumper in front with a clear hint of ramming potential. The design of the windshield consists of three compartments, which allows to reduce the affected surface. The front optics are set deep, which further indicates the reliability of the body armor panels of high-alloy high-quality steel.
The left passenger door is also absent for security purposes, leveling the access of unauthorized persons to the guarded object. Despite its solid mass, a design weighing under 200 kilograms opens quite easily. Inside the armored capsule, oppressive silence is immediately noted.
Interior
Russian "Hammer Combat" is equipped with leather trim, including the front panel. The ceiling is lined with Alcantara in light colors. Most of the accessories are American-made, from their native “lotions” - a steering column poker machine and a lot of cup holders. Unambiguously determine the equipment of the interior can be reasonably sufficient. Available - dual-zone climate control, driver's seat with electric drive, ceiling mounted remote control for opening the trunk. The design provides a monitor on the front of the panel, as well as navigation and Internet access.
There is only one window regulator, it is controlled by powerful servos that lower and raise armored glass of category B-7, weighing 50 kilograms. Other transparent elements correspond to protection class B-2, are made static. Experienced modifications of Kombat are cramped inside; massive body panels select most of the usable space. For tall people, landing may seem somewhat uncomfortable. The back sofa has a soft padding, quite comfortable. On serial versions, most of the bugs were fixed.
Control
You can manage “Combat” (project T-98) with the rights of category “B”. The first designer of this series, D. Parfyonov, managed to keep the weight of the all-terrain vehicle at the level of 3.5 tons in an incomprehensible way. This is a thousand kilograms less than the civilian version of the American H1. Among the traction features of the domestic version, the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine with the possibility of acceleration to one hundred kilometers in nine seconds is noted. This figure is pretty good for an armored car, which a priori is not oriented to ring speed racing. Most of these cars are driven by the owners themselves, and the lion's share of popularity falls on lightly armored versions.
Brief summary
If you describe the characteristics of an all-terrain vehicle built on the basis of the GAZ-66, you can note excellent off-road parameters. In this case, the car remains essentially a truck. The driver must remember the technique of double squeezing gearshift, reduced sensitivity of the steering mechanism. The suspension also lets you know about its stiffness, even if equipped with additional vibration dampers.