 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2018) |
| ZIL-135 | |
|---|---|
 An East German ZIL-135 equipped with a Luna-M rocket | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Production |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | 8×8 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Length | 9,260 mm (364.6 in) |
| Width | 3,130 mm (123.2 in) |
| Height | 3,060 mm (120.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 7,000 kg (15,432 lb) |
The ZIL-135 is a large eight-wheeled military transport and self-propelled artillery truck manufactured by ZiL during the Cold War from the Soviet Union starting in 1959. Its purpose was to carry and launch a Luna-M (NATO: Frog-7) surface-to-surface artillery rocket. The ZIL-135 was widely exported to other communist countries, most notably North Korea, where it is a common sight in films and military marches. It also served as the TEL for the BM-27 Uragan artillery rocket system.
This vehicle has two gasoline engines that power its 20 tonnes to a maximum speed of 65 kilometres per hour (40 mph). One engine drives the four wheels on the left of the truck, while the other engine drives the four wheels on the right. The ZIL-135 has eight wheel drive, but only the front and rear axles are used for steering. It has a maximum cruising range of 500 kilometres (310 mi).
The cab of the ZIL-135 is NBC protected, allowing the rockets to be fired without exposing the crew to possible contaminants.[1][2] The six-man crew[3] can emplace or displace the system in three minutes.
- ^ Phillips, Russell (2013). Red Steel: Soviet Tanks and Combat Vehicles of the Cold War. Shilka. p. 140.
- ^ WeaponSystems.net, BM-27 Uragan.
- ^ Prenatt & Hook (2016), p. 36.