All-wheel drive KamAZ-6350 - military version
The strength of any modern army is determined not only by the number of tanks, artillery pieces or rocket launchers, but also by well-designed logistics. Without the regular supply of ammunition, fuel and spare parts, all of the above quickly turns into a pile of useless metal. It is even more important to ensure the timely supply and transportation of personnel: success in modern warfare largely depends on the mobility of units. The main means of supplying army groups with material is a truck.
It should be noted that military trucks are very different from their civilian “brothers”. Such vehicles must easily overcome off-road conditions, perform assigned tasks in any weather and temperature, and have protection from enemy mines and small arms fire. This is exactly what the KamAZ-6350 “Mustang” is - a four-axle truck developed by the designers of the Kama Automobile Plant and put into service at the beginning of the last decade.
In fact, the Mustang is a whole family of multi-purpose Kamov trucks, which, in addition to the KamAZ-6350 (8x8), also includes the KamAZ-5350 (6x6) and KamAZ-4350 (4x4). These cars are 85% unified.
Currently, the KamAZ-6350 is in service with the Russian army, as well as the UAE armed forces. This vehicle is used not only for transporting goods or personnel, but is also a carrier of combat systems. So, it is on this platform that the Pantsir-S1 air defense missile system is installed, there are plans to place multiple launch rocket systems (Kama MLRS), as well as artillery installations (NORA B-52 self-propelled guns) on the KamAZ-4350 chassis.
KamAZ-6350: when you don’t care about any off-road conditions
Since the start of mass production, a large number of modifications of this truck have been manufactured.
The history of the creation of the KamAZ-6350 car
Work on the creation of Mustang trucks began in the late 80s. The designers were tasked with creating a series of maximally unified multi-purpose vehicles, with a payload capacity of 4 to 10 tons, capable of driving off-road, operating in a wide range of temperatures and in high altitude conditions.
The KamAZ-6350 was first introduced to the general public in 1995. Testing of the car continued until 2002, after which its mass production began. In the same year, the vehicle was accepted into service by the Russian armed forces.
When creating the car, the rich experience of operating Kama Automobile Plant cars in a variety of conditions was taken into account, while a large number of new solutions were implemented in its design.
Modifications of the KamAZ-6350 truck
KamAZ-6350 is not just an army truck, but also an excellent platform for combat systems
In many documents and descriptions, this vehicle is referred to as a “chassis vehicle.” This emphasizes its versatility and the ability to be used to create a wide range of special-purpose vehicles. A variety of modules and add-ons can be installed on the KamAZ-6350 chassis, which allows it to be used both for military tasks and for absolutely “civilian” work. Here are some types of special equipment built on the basis of KamAZ-6350:
- Truck tractor. This modification was first demonstrated in 2003 at an exhibition in Bronnitsy near Moscow. A tractor based on KamAZ-6350 can tow semi-trailers weighing up to 32 tons. When installing additional tanks, its range is 1,400 km;
- Artillery tractor. In 2006, an artillery tractor based on the KamAZ-6350 vehicle was presented at an arms exhibition. It received the designation KamAZ-63501. The tractor is capable of towing guns or other trailers weighing up to 12 tons, additionally “taking on board” eight more people (two in the cabin, and six more in the habitable compartment). The vehicle's cargo platform can transport up to 5 tons. The tractor is equipped with a crane, and the cabin and habitable compartment have hidden armor of the 5th protection class;
- Fire trucks. Based on the KamAZ-6350 chassis, a whole series of fire engines was created, including airfield versions, as well as a special armored fire and rescue vehicle APSB-6.0-40-10;
- Cranes. Specialists of OJSC Galich Truck Crane Plant created a 32-ton truck crane based on the KamAZ-6350.
Also, on the basis of the KamAZ-6350, military and civilian fuel tankers, vehicles with the Multilift ML-10 self-loading system were developed; the KamAZ-6350 chassis is equipped with the latest Russian electronic warfare complex "Krasukha", as well as the Avtobaza electronic reconnaissance system. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces installed the latest Turkish MLRS T-122 Sakarya and T-300 Kasirga on the KamAZ-6350, and the Serbs use this chassis for the 155-mm self-propelled gun Nora B-52.
Device
At the time of release (2004), KamAZ 63501 had no analogues in the world. Four drive axles, high load capacity and an 8 by 8 wheel arrangement ensured excellent cross-country ability and made the model unique.
KamAZ 63501 was equipped with a 16-speed manual transmission ZF 16S 1820. Initially, the gearbox was imported from Europe (manufacturer: Zahnrad Fabrik). However, subsequently the production of these checkpoints was established in Naberezhnye Chelny. Currently, almost all modifications of KamAZ 63501 are equipped with gearboxes assembled by Russian manufacturers. Cast iron covers, gears, aluminum housings, clutch housings and other parts for transmissions are manufactured in Russia, while oil seals, synchronizers and bearings continue to be imported from Germany.
The car uses a single-plate dry diaphragm-type clutch with a hydraulic drive and pneumatic booster. The KamAZ 63501 is equipped with a 2-speed transfer case KamAZ 65111 with a locking center differential. The differential is locked on the rear axles, the drive of the front axles is permanent and cannot be switched off.
For KamAZ 63501 there are 4 brake systems:
- operating system driven by a pedal. It is based on drum mechanisms. Pad width – 140 mm, drum diameter – 400 mm;
- parking system;
- spare system combined with parking;
- auxiliary system.
KamAZ 63501 is also equipped with an anti-lock braking system.
The electrical system includes a 3000 W generator and 2 190 Amp-hour batteries.
Cabin
The cabin of the all-wheel drive four-axle vehicle from Naberezhnye Chelny does not differ from other models of the plant in any original properties: it is a standard KamAZ cabin - three-seater, all-metal, tilting forward. Along with other trucks, the KamAZ-63501 cab was also restyled. Currently, a modern cabin is installed on the four-axle vehicle, in which the contours of Mercedes trucks can be discerned.
In fact, despite its German origin, only the first hundred cabins of the new model were delivered to Chelny from Europe assembled. Then they were imported in the form of six large preparations. From these, a frame was welded in special conductors specifically for this cabin. In recent years, the plant has launched an assembly line, where cabins are already completely manufactured from several hundred parts.
At the painting stage, they introduced cataphoresis priming of the cabins (all of them, even the old ones that are manufactured for spare parts). The cabin is completely immersed in a bath in which electro-deposition of soil onto the steel occurs. Therefore, we can hope for a significant increase in the corrosion resistance of new cabins compared to old-style cabins.
New cabins are available in three versions: No. 1 – day cabin (short and with a low ceiling); No. 2 – also with a low ceiling, but elongated – equipped with a berth 685 mm wide; No. 3 – elongated and with a high ceiling. It is clear that for KamAZ-63501 the third option is not relevant - this is not a long-haul tractor. But the second one is available: for an off-road truck, focused on working on the winter roads of the Far North, Siberia and the Far East, a cab with a sleeper is the right option.
The external width of the new cabin is slightly wider than the previous one (2.5 m instead of 2.3 m). The height from floor to ceiling is 1.51 m. An adjustable steering column is installed, equipped with a pneumatic lock. The driver's seat (licensed "Grammer", made in neighboring Yelabuga by the joint venture TIS LLC) is installed on an air suspension.
If the cabin has a sleeping place, then in the compartments under the lower shelf it is possible to place a significant number of things and belongings. There you can also equip a portable refrigerator. The KamAZ-63501 cab suspension is four-point, on spring struts. It is raised by a hydraulic lift, pumping the pump with an installation.
Description of the design of the KamAZ-6350 truck
In essence, KamAZ-6350 is a universal platform, the final configuration of which depends on the wishes of a particular customer. For example, a car can be equipped with different types of cabins, depending on the tasks it will perform. For long trips, the cabin can be equipped with an additional berth. It is also possible to install a tachograph, panoramic glass, and any modules at the request of the customer. The driver's seat is equipped with a comfortable adjustable anatomical seat; the cabin is heated by heat from the engine, which is located under it.
The vehicle can be equipped with one fuel tank with a capacity of 375 liters or two tanks with a capacity of 210 liters each. If necessary, fuel containers can be made shock-resistant. On military versions of the vehicle, the tanks are protected from small arms fire and explosions. The KamAZ-6350 has a heating system for the fuel pump, which greatly facilitates the operation of the vehicle at low temperatures.
The KamAZ-6350 is equipped with a KamAZ-740.50-360 V-shaped engine with eight cylinders. Its power is 360 hp. s., and the volume is 11.76 l. There is a turbocharger that significantly increases the power of the power plant. Transmission – mechanical, ZF 16S1820 gearbox with 16 gears.
The truck uses a dependent spring suspension at the front, and a balancer suspension on semi-elliptic springs at the rear. All axles are equipped with two-stage gearboxes with constant velocity joints and differential locks. It is possible to change the pressure in the car's tires directly from the cab; similarly, you can control the differential locks. The ability to change tire pressure is a very important factor in ensuring high vehicle cross-country ability. Reducing the pressure significantly increases the contact area of the wheel with the surface, which is especially important on marshy and sandy soils.
One of the military's mandatory requirements for a new truck was its ability to maintain speeds of more than 40 km/h off-road. However, an ordinary truck with a manual transmission is not capable of such “feats,” so the KamAZ-6350 was equipped with a range hydraulic transmission, which, in addition to the manual transmission, also includes a torque converter. Thanks to this solution, the car's transmission has a very high transformation ratio, it is equal to 2.8.
The newest air defense system “Pantsir” on the chassis of a KamAZ-6350 vehicle
Cabin
The car is equipped with an all-metal cabin with two or three seats. As for appearance, the design is completely identical to other versions. There are also round headlights, angular shapes, a metal front bumper complemented by daytime running lights and turn indicators, a wide windshield and side fairings. By the way, on cars of the first years of production, a windshield consisting of two parts was used, but later they began to install a one-piece one with a three-blade wiper.
The interior does not provide a high level of comfort, but this is not so important for military equipment. The dashboard is made as simple as possible, but very ergonomic. It is equipped with analog instruments that provide the driver with information about the status of all major vehicle systems. The driver's seat has several adjustments. Depending on the configuration, a sleeping place and other equipment can be installed in the cabin.
All military versions are equipped with hidden protective panels and bulletproof glass. There is an openable hatch on the roof for additional ventilation of the interior. A search light is installed on the left side of the cabin. The standard running boards feature metal hinges for easy access to the cab.
Advantages and disadvantages of KamAZ-6350
The main disadvantages of the KamAZ-6350 are the not very high level of comfort of movement and significant fuel consumption. The car behaves quite harshly on uneven surfaces, although this is rather the norm for military vehicles. Fuel consumption can reach 40 liters per 100 km. Also, the disadvantages of the machine include the complexity of the vehicle’s design, which makes repairs in the field impossible.
Overall dimensions of the KamAZ-6350 Mustang vehicle
The undoubted advantages of the KamAZ-6350, of course, include the highest level of vehicle cross-country ability and its excellent technical characteristics. The Mustang will be able to drive where another truck would be stuck in mud up to the mirrors. And not just drive through, but deliver cargo or artillery pieces on a trailer. KamAZ-6350 does not mind severe frost or suffocating heat; even with broken tires, it is able to continue its journey.
Technical specifications in numbers
- Overall dimensions – length: 10.3 m, width: 2.5 m, height: 3.265 m;
- Wheelbase – 2.6 + 3.64 + 1.44 m;
- Track width – 2.08 m;
- Ground clearance – 400 mm;
- Outer turning radius – 14 m;
- External overall turning radius – no more than 16.2 m;
- Curb weight - 14.85 tons;
- Gross weight - 37.1 tons;
- Load on the rear bogie – 6.02 tons;
- Load on the first and second axles – 8.83 tons;
- Load capacity – 20.12 tons;
- Towed trailer weight: 12 tons on the highway, 7.5 tons on the ground;
- Dimensions of the cargo platform – length: 6.112 m, width: 2.47 m, side height: 0.75 m;
- Climbability – 31 degrees;
- Fordability – 1.8 m
