In the mid-sixties, the Special Design Bureau of the Plant. I. A. Likhachev received an order to create a promising all-terrain vehicle capable of searching for and evacuating the landed cosmonauts. The first result of such an order was the PES-1 search and evacuation unit, which was soon accepted for supply and put into small-scale production. Having a number of characteristic advantages, such a machine was not devoid of disadvantages. An analysis of its real capabilities led to the start of a new development of new special all-terrain vehicles. One of them was developed under the name PES-2.
In accordance with the wishes of the customer, the PES-1 all-terrain vehicle was an ultra-high cross-country vehicle equipped with a crane installation and a cradle for the descent vehicle. The found cosmonauts were proposed to be transported in the cockpit of the car, and their spacecraft - on a special cargo platform. Until a certain time, such opportunities were sufficient, but the development of astronautics continued, and the existing technology no longer fully met the requirements.
All-terrain vehicle PES-2 in the museum. Photo of the State Military Technical Museum / gvtm.ru
The appearance of three-seater spaceships, as well as an increase in the duration of the astronauts' work in orbit, reduced the real capabilities of PES-1. To assist the crew returning to Earth, a team of rescuers and doctors was now required. The existing four-seater cockpit of the all-terrain vehicle, by definition, could not accommodate all rescuers and astronauts. Search and rescue units in the very near future could need a completely new special vehicle with increased carrying capacity and an enlarged cabin.
No later than 1969, the ZIL Special Design Bureau under the leadership of V. A. Gracheva began to create a new search and evacuation installation with the required capabilities. The main idea of the second project in this area was to expand the list of tasks for a special machine. The all-terrain vehicle was supposed to retain the ability to transport the descent vehicle, but at the same time it was proposed to equip it with a full-fledged passenger cabin for astronauts and rescuers.
The project received two designations. The first indicated the purpose of the machine and its serial number in the line - PES-2. There was also the name ZIL-5901, which corresponded to the recently adopted car classification system. It showed that the all-terrain vehicle was developed by the Plant named after. Likhachev, belongs to the category of special transport and has a total weight of more than 14 tons. The last two figures showed that this was the first project of this kind after the introduction of new designations.
Stern view. Photo of the State Military Technical Museum / gvtm.ru
Before the PES-2 project, unusual tasks were set, which, however, did not require special solutions. Most of the systems and assemblies have already been tested in the framework of certain experimental projects. Therefore, it was possible to get by by borrowing the necessary products and using ready-made solutions. At the same time, the all-terrain vehicle had to be noticeably different from a number of existing machines. The need to organize the passenger cabin and the means of transporting the descent vehicle should have led to a significant increase in the dimensions of the vehicle. As a result, PES-2 could not be transported by aviation.
The ZIL-5901 project proposed the construction of a relatively large three-axle wheeled all-terrain vehicle with a full set of equipment for the simultaneous evacuation of people and space technology. To simplify construction and operation, it was proposed to widely use ready-made units. In addition, it was planned to apply a number of already proven developments. In particular, the power plant and transmission were once again organized according to the so-called. onboard circuit.
A new hull was developed using some of the existing designs. It was based on a large welded aluminum frame, on which all components and assemblies were to be fastened. In the central part, under the cargo area, the frame has been reinforced in accordance with the design loads. It was proposed to install parts of a fiberglass outer body on top of the frame. The latter was supposed to provide buoyancy, as well as create the necessary closed volumes for people and units.
PES-2 in comparison with the passenger "Volga". Photo Kolesa.ru
In accordance with the developments in previous experimental projects, it was proposed to use a body with an inclined front plate, reinforced with several longitudinal protrusions of different sizes. Such a detail smoothly mated with the vertical sides, which had large wheel arches. The feed was made in the form of an inclined part, through a rounded section connected to the bottom.
The upper part of the body was made as two separate elements. The larger front one with sloping forehead and sides was a cockpit and passenger volume. A rear cover of a similar shape, but smaller, covered the engine compartment. Between the cabins and the engine compartment, a payload area was provided, which was covered with an awning.
Due to its large size and weight, the new all-terrain vehicle needed a powerful power plant. A system based on a pair of ZIL-375 gasoline engines with a capacity of 180 hp was borrowed from the previous experimental project ZIL-E167. The engines were housed in the aft compartment and connected to their own torque converters, each of which was linked to its own automatic transmission. In the ZIL-5901 / PES-2 project, it was again proposed to use an on-board power distribution scheme, and therefore each of the engines was connected only to the wheels of its side.
The all-terrain vehicle overcomes an obstacle. Photo Autohis.ru
Due to the increased loads, new gearboxes were used, borrowed from the experimental LAZ-695Zh bus. The gearbox was connected through the cardan shaft to the transfer case of the board. Shafts departed from the latter, transmitting power to the bevel-type final drives. Also, the transmission provided for drives for the aft water jet propulsion unit, an electric generator and pumps of the hydraulic system. The transmission and chassis included several disc brakes.
The design of the undercarriage for the PES-2, in general, was based on existing developments. A three-axle chassis with independent front and rear wheel suspension was used. The wheels were mounted on wishbones connected to longitudinal torsion bars. The first and third axles also received controls. The wheels of the middle axle had a rigid suspension and were mounted on the frame using relatively simple devices. Wheels with a diameter of more than 1.5 m were also borrowed from the previous project. As it was confirmed in practice, they made it possible to obtain the highest cross-country ability in deep snow.
In the aft part of the hull there was a water jet, which significantly increased the general indicators of mobility. The intake window of the water cannon was in the bottom. The niche of the stern part had a round nozzle in which the propeller was placed. The flow was controlled by a pair of vertical rudders.
Cross-country driving. Photo Autohis.ru
A little more than a third of the entire length of the car was occupied by a large manned compartment that accommodated the cockpit and passenger compartment. The compartment received advanced glazing and a set of hatches. The main means of landing was a rectangular door at the rear of the starboard side. Several roof hatches were also provided. In front of the crew compartment, the workplaces of the driver and other crew members were located. The driver had a full set of controls at his disposal. To search for cosmonauts using radio beacon signals, it was proposed to use the appropriate equipment. Other volumes were given for the accommodation of passengers and various equipment.
The search and evacuation unit of the new model had to work in a variety of climatic conditions, and therefore was completed with a variety of equipment. The car received an air conditioner from a ZIL-114 limousine, as well as six heaters from other serial equipment. In case of a long stay in a remote area, the all-terrain vehicle was equipped with a wood-burning stove and a gas stove. All this made it possible not only to save the astronauts, but also to expect help from outside in case of known difficulties.
A variety of products were transported in various boxes and cargo compartments for solving various problems during the rescue and evacuation of astronauts. The crew had at their disposal several radio stations, a gasoline-electric unit, a chainsaw and other entrenching tools, an inflatable boat and a belt for a descent vehicle, a diving suit, winter clothing, medical equipment, etc.
PES-2 with a payload on the platform rises to the shore. Photo Kolesa.ru
As conceived by the designers, the PES-2 all-terrain vehicle was supposed to transport not only people, but also the descent vehicle. For this, a cargo area of sufficient size was provided behind the passenger cabin. It was planned to install lodgements directly on the site to accommodate vehicles of various types. As before, it was proposed to secure the descent vehicle in place using a ring and a set of lines.
On the left side of the cargo area there were two U-shaped boom supports for working with descent vehicles. In the stowed position, the boom was laid on the platform by turning to the right, and for work it was raised and turned due to hydraulic cylinders. The design of such a crane allowed the car to drive up to the device from the side, pick it up and lift it aboard. Whether the all-terrain vehicle could use a crane on the water is unknown. Probably, when the cosmonauts landed on the water, the descent vehicle should first be towed to the shore, and only after that it should be lifted to the cargo area.
The proposal to combine cargo and passenger functions has resulted in outstanding dimensions. The length of the PES-2 machine reached 11, 67 m with a width of 3, 275 m and a height of just over 3 m. The wheelbase was 6, 3 m; the gaps between the axles were equal - 3, 15 m each. The track reached 2, 5 m, the ground clearance was 720 mm. The curb weight of the vehicle reached 16, 14 tons. The carrying capacity was 3 tons, and it was possible to take on board both the spacecraft and its crew together with a team of rescuers. The large cabin allowed up to 10 people to be transported.
Loading a mass-dimensional model of a spacecraft. Photo Kolesa.ru
Due to its large dimensions and increased weight, the ZIL-5901 / PES-2 all-terrain vehicle could not be transported by existing military transport aircraft and helicopters. Moving on the roads was also associated with certain difficulties. Due to its outstanding dimensions in every sense, such a car, going out on public roads, needed a special permit from the traffic police and an escort. Having received the necessary documents, the all-terrain vehicle could show very high performance on the highway. Its maximum speed reached 73 km / h - no worse than that of other samples of this class. On the water, it was planned to get a speed of up to 8-9 km / h.
The construction of a prototype PES-2 was completed in April 1970. The work was completed by the centenary of the birth of V. I. Lenin. Soon the finished prototype went out for testing, during which it was planned to test its capabilities on all possible routes and in various conditions that simulate the features of future work in search and rescue structures.
ZIL-5901, as expected, showed high performance on good roads. Despite organizational difficulties, the all-terrain vehicle drove along the highway without any problems, including carrying a payload. For obvious reasons, testing of equipment on rough terrain was of much greater interest. Like previous all-terrain vehicles, the experienced PES-2 was sent to the most difficult terrain. The checks were carried out on dry and muddy off-road, on marshy terrain, on virgin snow, etc. Also, tests were carried out on the water, which included both direct swimming and descent into the reservoir and ascent back to the shore. However, there were some problems. After testing on a reservoir near Lytkarino, the water cannon's transmission needed to be repaired.
The lander is on board. Photo Autohis.ru
The new car showed itself well and, in terms of its characteristics, was at least as good as other equipment in its class. Without any problems, the amphibious all-terrain vehicle could reach a given point through the most difficult landscapes, pick up the astronauts and their descent vehicle, and then return to the starting point. Launching and ashore, regardless of the presence or absence of a spacecraft, proceeded without problems. The cabins provided sufficient comfort for the crew and rescuers.
In general, the PES-2 search and evacuation unit was not inferior to the existing PES-1 system in all its characteristics. Moreover, it had significant advantages in the context of real application. Unlike its predecessor, the new model could take on board a rescue team. The reception of the astronauts did not in any way worsen the living conditions in the cabins. At the same time, both people and space technology were taken out in one flight. For all these points, the existing PES-1 all-terrain vehicle was losing to the newer ZIL-5901.
SKB ZIL presented a ready-made sample and accompanying documentation to the command of the air force responsible for conducting search operations, as well as representatives of the space industry. The technical aspects of the project were approved, but some of its features were criticized and most negatively affected the fate of the car. The potential customer considered that the main plus of the new technology leads to the emergence of a serious minus, because of which PES-2 is inappropriate to accept for supply.
All-terrain vehicle, its creators and testers. In the cockpit - B. I. Grigoriev; stand (from left to right): E. F. Burmistrov, N. A. Bolshakov, I. I. Salnikov, V. B. Lavrentiev, V. A. Grachev, O. A. Leonov, N. I. Gerasimov, V. O. Khabarov, A. V. Lavrent'ev, A. V. Borisov, P. M. Prokopenko, V. Malyushkin. Photo Autohis.ru
The main advantage of the new project was the simultaneous presence of a large passenger compartment and a cargo area with a crane. However, along with such equipment, the promising machine received large dimensions and weight, which excluded its transportation by air using existing or promising military transport aviation technology. In this regard, not the most perfect PES-1 installation had undoubted advantages. The impossibility of airlift could seriously complicate the operation of PES-2, as well as worsen its potential in search and rescue operations.
Despite a number of important advantages, an overly large and heavy sample of special equipment was not accepted for supply. However, the abandonment of the PES-2 machine did not affect the further development of special equipment for space and even contributed to the emergence of new projects. Taking into account the data on the ZIL-5901, the specialists corrected the existing concept of the search and evacuation complex. Now the cosmonauts were to be assisted by two special machines at once. The first of them was proposed to be equipped with a crane and a cradle for the descent vehicle, and the second was to be equipped with a spacious cabin for rescuers and astronauts.
Already in 1972, such a proposal was put into practice. On the basis of the existing amphibian PES-1 with a crane and a cradle, a passenger PES-1M was built. Over the next few years, two samples with the nicknames "Crane" and "Salon" ensured the return of the astronauts home. Subsequently, new projects of special equipment were created, and this time again it was about several machines with different equipment and different roles. Universal rescue vehicles were no longer created.
In this form, PES-2 was waiting for restoration. Photo Denisovets.ru
After the completion of the tests, the only built prototype of the PES-2 all-terrain vehicle returned to the Plant. Likhachev. For a long time, a unique machine stood at one of the sites of the enterprise, having no prospects. Storage in the open air did not have the best effect on the state of technology. Just a few years ago, this all-terrain vehicle, like many other samples of special vehicles developed at SKB ZIL, was a sad sight.
Nevertheless, in the recent past, the ZIL-5901 search and recovery vehicle has undergone repair and restoration. Now it is kept in the State Military-Technical Museum (Ivanovskoye village, Moscow Region). The most curious example of ground technology for the space program is exhibited along with many other experimental and serial ZIL all-terrain vehicles.
It often happens that an interesting piece of equipment shows the highest characteristics and has wide capabilities, but any of the characteristic features closes its path to exploitation. This is exactly what happened with the PES-2 / ZIL-5901 search and rescue all-terrain vehicle. For all its advantages, this machine had insufficient "strategic mobility" and therefore was not of particular interest to the customer. However, the failure of this project did not prevent the Soviet Union's space program. With his help, a concept was formed for the further development of search and evacuation complexes.
