ZIS-151

ZIS-151
Overview
ManufacturerZIS
Also calledZIL-151 (1956–1958)
Production1948–1958[1]
AssemblyRussia: Moscow
Body and chassis
ClassTruck
Layoutfront engine, 6×6
RelatedJiefang CA-30
Powertrain
Engine5.55 L ZIS-121, 92 hp (69 kW)
Transmission5-speed manual with 2 range transfer case
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,665 + 1,120 mm (144.3 + 44.1 in)
Length6.93 m (22 ft 9 in)
Width2.32 m (7 ft 7 in)
Height2.74 m (9 ft 0 in)
Curb weight5,540 kg (12,214 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorZIS-6
SuccessorZIL-157
ZIS-151-base with P-3 radio-location station
ZIS-151-based BM-13-16 multiple rocket launcher

The ZIS-151 (Russian: ЗИС-151)[2] was a general-purpose truck produced by the Soviet car manufacturer Automotive Factory No. 2 Zavod imeni Stalina in 1948–1958. In 1956, the factory was renamed to Zavod imeni Likhacheva, and new trucks were called ZIL-151 (ЗИЛ-151).[3]

The ZIS-151 was the first major Soviet military all-wheel-drive truck built following World War II, replacing the imported U.S. Studebaker US6 and the earlier Soviet ZIS-6. In early 1948, the cabs were made of wood, soon replaced with a steel cab. Tens of thousands were produced, including specialized versions for hauling different types of cargo. The Soviets also found the trucks an ideal platform for BM-13 Katyusha rocket launchers.

The most famous developments of ZIS-151 were the BTR-152 armored personnel carrier and the BAV 485 amphibious vehicle. Due to de-Stalinization the ZIS-151 was renamed in 1956 to ZIL-151.

In 1958, an improved model, the ZIL-157, was introduced and replaced the ZIS-151. It differed outwardly by its grille and having single rear tires, instead of the ZIL-151's dual tires.

In 1956, the Chinese began building the ZIS-151 under license as the Jiefang CA-30 at First Automobile Works, with slightly more power and angular front fenders. The improved single tire CA-30, introduced in 1958, remained in production until 1986.

  1. ^ Kochnev, Evgeny (2011), Автомобили Советской Армии 1946–1991 [Soviet Army Vehicles 1946–1991], Moscow: ЭКСМО [Eksmo], ISBN 978-5-699-46736-5
  2. ^ G. B. Armand, S. I. Kuznetsov: Автомобиль ЗИС-151. Ministry for defence of the soviet union. Moscow 1955. (Original owners manual for the ZIS-151.)
  3. ^ Каталог запасных частей автомобиля ЗИЛ-151. Mashgiz, Moscow 1957. (Original spare parts cataloge for the ZIL-151.)