ZiL-130

   The ZiL-130 was a Soviet commercial truck, available with 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. Its development commenced in 1953. First prototype was completed in 1956. A first batch of pre-production trucks was completed in 1962. Full-scale production of this truck commenced in 1964. This truck was produced in large numbers and was widely used by civil and military operators. Soviets designed the ZiL-130 as a dual-purpose vehicle from the start. In case of war commercial ZiL-130 trucks could be easily pressed into military service. Production of this truck ceased on ZiL plant only in 1994. More than 3.3 million of these trucks were produced. Most of them had 4x2 configuration, while the 4x4 version was not that popular. An improved version of the ZiL-130 was still produced up until 2006 on UAMZ plant. Some sources report that production actually ceased only in 2014. The UAMZ plant produced over 13 000 of these trucks. Currently this trucks is hopelessly out dated. The ZiL-130 was widely exported all over the world. In some countries it is still used as a military truck.

   This truck has a conventional layout. Its cargo area is made of wood. It has drop sides and tailgate. The cargo area can be covered with bows and tarpaulin. Early production trucks with 4x2 configuration could carry loads ranging from 4 000 to 5 500 kg, depending on road conditions. Since 1965 improved production models could carry 5 000 kg over all kinds of roads. The ZiL-130 with 4x4 configuration could carry up to 4 500 kg. The 4x2 version of this truck can tow trailers and artillery pieces with a maximum weight of up to 8 000 kg. The 4x4 version can tow loads with a maximum weight of 6 400 kg. This vehicle is used to carry troops, cargo and other military equipment.

   An all-metal cab of this truck provides seating for the driver and two passengers. Some newer versions of the ZiL-130 are fitted with a cab of the ZiL-131 military truck.

   This truck is powered by a ZiL-130 5.9-liter V8 petrol engine, developing 150 hp. Engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This truck was far from being a reliable vehicle and needed constant servicing. Also by modern standards it is rather thirsty on fuel. There were export models of this truck, fitted with British Perkins diesel engines. The ZiL-130 is far from being a tactical vehicle, however its 4x4 version has some degree of off-road mobility. Though it is mainly intended to operate on hard surface roads. Its front axle is only engaged when travelling over damaged roads or difficult terrain.

Variants

   There were numerous versions of this truck, including versions with long wheelbases and long cargo beds, dump trucks, tractor trucks, fuel and water tankers, shop vans, cranes, and other.

   ZiL-130A is a dual-purpose cargo truck designed to meet commercial, agricultural and military needs.

   ZiL-130B is a dual-purpose tractor truck. It could tow semi-trailers with a maximum weight of 12 500 kg.

   ZiL-131 was a general purpose military truck with 6x6 configuration. It was developed from the ZiL-130. This vehicle was produced between 1966 and 1994. Nearly 1 000 000 of these trucks were produced.  Despite its age the ZiL-131 is still widely used by a number of countries.

   ZiL-133 is a version with 6x4 configuration.