MAZ 543

The exhibition called MAZ 543 was developed as the best all-wheel drive vehicle, which does not differ in design from world analogues. The most interesting thing is that this four-axle giant was created exclusively from domestically produced parts.

Initially, the engineers were faced with the task of developing a missile carrier, then the 543 base became universal for many additional systems and equipment. As a result, the heavy-duty vehicle has become one of the most demanded in the military automobile complex of the USSR.

Historical information

It is worth noting that this type of equipment is still in service with Russia and the CIS countries. Every year, these cars can be seen in all their glory at the parades dedicated to the Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War.

The story began with the MAZ 537, as this model was taken as the basis. After the start of mass production of 537, a group of engineers headed by the outstanding designer B.L. was sent to Minsk. Shaposhnikov. The purpose of the development was the need to replenish military transport.

Engineers began work in the late 1950s, and in the 1960s the concept of a new heavy truck was developed. At the end of the year, the USSR government decided to start mass production in the near future.

Two years later, prototypes of the MAZ 543 were prepared for testing in the amount of 6 pieces. Two vehicles were redirected to a plant in Volgograd, where they were first equipped with rocket launchers with samples of new weapons.

For the first time, the missile carrier took part in the testing of missile weapons in 1964. For the entire time of testing, no serious shortcomings in technical terms were identified.

Below is a photo called Rocket Carrier

Technical specifications

The first missile carrier of the MAZ 543 line had a carrying capacity of just over 19 kg. Over the entire history, more than one and a half thousand copies of this type have rolled off the assembly line. Some of them were sent to East Germany, where the chassis was used as a truck to transport soldiers.

Trailer hitches made it possible to turn the car into a full-fledged tractor. For example, some examples have become motorhomes, domestic cars, and other models.

The first missile system to be placed on this chassis was the TEMP tactical complex. Later it was replaced by the 9P117 installation.

Also on the basis of MAZ 543 were located:

• mobile communication stations;
• combat checkpoints;
• missile systems of various generations and purposes;
• military crane, etc.

Cabin

Insiders must have wondered why this interior design was chosen. It's simple, the first TEMP missiles had a length of more than 12 meters, so they had to be placed somewhere.

At first they just wanted to make a small hole in the center of the cabin. But technically it didn't work. It seemed like the only way out was to use a longer frame. However, Shaposhnikov decided to take a non-standard path and divided the checkpoint into two parts, between which it was possible to place a rocket.

Previously, this method was not used in the design of military equipment, but it turned out to be the only correct solution. Also, when creating the cabin, the engineers decided to use non-metal sheets. They chose a reinforced polyester resin that looks like plastic.

At first, everyone was skeptical about this decision, but tests proved the reliability and strength of the material. For reinforcement, additional armor plates were used, which were hung from above. Each of the cabins had two seats.

Military MAZ

When developing the car, not only domestic parts made in the USSR were used, but also innovative ideas of the designers at that time:

• a two-part supporting frame of a curvilinear shape, created by welding and riveting;
• torsion bar suspension with levers, which ensures a smooth ride;
• four-speed hydromechanical transmission with the ability to switch without power outage;
• 8-wheel drive with automatic pumping function, supplemented by a pressure control system (to increase patency in any conditions);
• twelve-cylinder power plant from the D-12A-525 tank with a working volume of more than 38 liters and a rated power of more than 500 hp;
• two tanks for diesel fuel with a volume of 250 liters (the third reserve is 180 liters);
• the weight of the car is an average of 20 tons (depending on the modification and purpose);
• stopping distance of at least 21 m.

dimensions

• length 11,26 m;
• height 2,9m;
• width 3,05 m;
• ground clearance 40 cm;
• track 2375 m;
• turning radius 13,5m.

Basic Modifications

Today there are two main models and several small-scale versions.

MAZ 543 A

In 1963, the first improved version of the MAZ 543A was introduced, with a slightly higher carrying capacity of 19,4 tons. A little later, that is, since 1966, various variations of military equipment began to be produced on the basis of modification A (hotel).

Thus, there are not so many differences from the base model. The first thing you'll notice is that the cabs have moved forward. This made it possible to increase the useful length of the frame to 7000 mm.

I must say that the production of this version was massive and continued until the early 2000s, in total no more than 2500 parts rolled off the assembly line.

Basically, the vehicles served as missile carriers for the transportation of missile weapons and all kinds of equipment. In general, the chassis was universal and was intended for the installation of various types of superstructures.

MAZ 543 M

The golden mean of the entire 543 line, the best modification, was created in 1974. Unlike its predecessors, this car had only a cab on the left side. Carrying capacity was the highest, reaching 22 kg without taking into account the weight of the car itself.

In general, no major structural changes were observed. On the basis of the MAZ 543 M, the most formidable weapons and all kinds of additional superstructures have been produced and are still being created. These are SZO "Smerch", S-300 air defense systems, etc.

For all the time, the plant produced at least 4,5 thousand pieces of the M series. With the collapse of the USSR, mass production was stopped. All that remained was the production of small batches commissioned by the state. By 2005, a total of 11 thousand various variations based on the 543 family had rolled off the assembly line.

On the chassis of a military truck with an all-metal body, the MAZ 7930 was developed in the 90s, on which a more powerful engine (500 hp) was installed. The release into mass production of the version, called the MZKT 7930, did not stop even the fact of the collapse of the USSR. The release continues to this day.

Small-scale modifications

Over the more than 50-year history of this model, various modifications were produced in a limited number. Serial production was not established, because there was no need for it.

For example, MAZ 543 B was intended to install an improved 9K72 rocket launcher. The basis for the massive M-series was the prototype of the B-series.

In connection with economic and logistical needs, modifications were produced with the P index. These were fire training vehicles or models for transporting trailers and heavy artillery pieces. Only about 250 pieces.

Often, as part of a road train of two-axle tractors MAZ 5433 and serial number 8385, you can find an on-board module MAZ 543 7310 and some other models.

A small batch of MAZ 543 Hurricanes was also intended for fire services. These giants can still be found at the spaceports of the CIS countries. The fire fighting equipment was equipped with a 12 liter water tank and a 000 liter foam tank.

Such machines were indispensable in extinguishing fires at such facilities. The main disadvantage of all cars in this series is high fuel consumption. If the first models “ate” up to 100 liters per 100 kilometers, then modern versions consume up to 125 liters for the same distance.

Operation of military equipment

Appropriately trained drivers can drive such a large vehicle. First of all, it is necessary to pass exams on knowledge of the same spare parts, safety precautions and, of course, driving itself. In general, the standard crew of the car consists of two people, so they must work together.

New technology needs to be introduced. First, after a run of 1000 km, the first MOT is carried out. Also, after two thousand kilometers, an oil change is carried out.

Before starting the engine, the driver pumps the lubrication system with a special pump (pressure up to 2,5 atm) for no more than a minute. If the temperature is below 5 degrees, the engine must be warmed up before starting - there is a special heating system for this.

After stopping the engine, restarting it is allowed only after 30 minutes. After flushing at low temperatures, a power plant is started to remove water from the turbine.

Thus, the vehicle was idle for a long time at an ambient temperature of less than 15 degrees. Then the hydromechanical gearbox with overdrive turned itself off.

It is worth noting that the reverse speed is activated only after a complete stop. When driving on a hard surface and dry ground, a higher gear is engaged, and in off-road conditions a lower gear is engaged.

When stopping on a slope of more than 7 degrees, in addition to the hand brake, the drive of the master cylinder of the brake system is used. Parking should not exceed 4 hours, otherwise wheel chocks are installed.

Modern industry

Unfortunately, MAZ 543 tractors are gradually being replaced by more advanced MZKT 7930 models, but this is happening slowly. All equipment is still of high quality. In many CIS countries, including Russia, this special equipment is still in service.

You will not find these cars in the civil-economic sphere. After all, its main purpose is the transportation and transportation of goods, weapons, military modules and soldiers.

Some models have been converted into rural housing. Now the cars are made in small batches according to government orders for the military. Such equipment is not for sale and is not for rent, it will not work to buy even a decommissioned tractor.