Since the second half of the sixties, the search and rescue service of the USSR Air Force has operated all-terrain vehicles of the PES-1 family, designed to detect and evacuate cosmonauts along with their descent vehicle. At the beginning of the next decade, a need arose for a new technique of this kind. After several not entirely successful experimental samples, the Special Design Bureau of the Plant. I. A. Likhachev created a car suitable for serial production and operation. The ZIL-4906 all-terrain vehicles were now supposed to work with the cosmonauts.
As a further development of special equipment, an experienced PES-2 amphibious all-terrain vehicle was created in 1972, which had the most serious differences from its predecessors. With the appropriate dimensions, it could carry a rescue team, three astronauts and a descent vehicle. This gave certain advantages, but reduced the mobility of equipment. The all-terrain vehicle could not be transported by existing military transport aircraft. Based on the results of the PES-2 project, the customer and SKB ZIL decided to keep the existing scheme of the evacuation complex with two separate vehicles. One of them was supposed to transport only people, and the other - only the descent vehicle.
All-terrain vehicle ZIL-4906 with a descent vehicle. Photo Kolesa.ru
Soon, the Special Design Bureau of the Plant. Likhachev, headed by V. A. Grachev created a new experienced all-terrain vehicle ZIL-49042, with the help of which they tested a new version of the transmission, built on simplified and lightweight units. This project was recognized as successful, and its developments should have been used to create the next model of equipment intended for practical operation.
The new search and evacuation all-terrain vehicle received the factory designation ZIL-4906. The numbers of this index defined the machine as a special technique with a gross weight of 8 to 14 tons. The six at the end indicated the serial number of a project of this kind in the list of developments of the Special Design Bureau. Together with the basic amphibious vehicle for transport purposes, a passenger vehicle ZIL-49061 was created. Both of these samples, as well as one more unusual type of all-terrain vehicle, were included in the search and evacuation complex PEC-490. After being accepted for supply, the complex and its vehicles received the nickname "Blue Bird".
Test load machine. Photo Denisovets.ru
The all-terrain vehicles of the PEK-490 complex were supposed to have the most unified design. The ZIL-4906 and ZIL-49061 machines actually differed only in the equipment of the cargo area in the aft part of the hull. In the first case, it was proposed to equip the all-terrain vehicle with a crane and a cradle for the descent vehicle, in the second - with a closed passenger cabin. Hull, power plant, chassis, etc. both cars were the same.
Based on the experience of previous projects, amphibious all-terrain vehicles were built on the basis of a frame structure. It was based on a lightweight welded aluminum frame, which consisted of longitudinal and transverse profiles, as well as several gussets and braces in loaded places. The frame was fastened to a fiberglass displacement hull. The front overhang of the body was made in the form of a curved unit with several longitudinal stiffeners. A vertical side with large wheel arches was placed above the wheels. The rear of the hull with a vertical stern panel had a rising bottom. This shape was associated with the need to install a pair of external propellers.
Board and stern views. Photo Kolesa.ru
The layout of the ZIL-4906/49061 hull repeated the features of some previous "space" vehicles. The front part of the hull was given under the instrument compartment and the cockpit. The cockpit received a characteristic fiberglass hood protruding above the roof-deck of the hull. Behind it was the power compartment, the cover of which was at the cut-off level of the sides. Slightly more than half of the hull, in its center and stern, was intended for the installation of target equipment corresponding to the purpose of the machine. A significant part of the internal volume of the chassis contained transmission units.
A revised ZIL-130 petrol engine with a capacity of 150 hp was placed in the engine compartment of the hull. Near the engine there was a radiator with blowing means, a fuel tank and other equipment. The exhaust pipe with a muffler was brought to the roof of the hull. Previous all-terrain vehicles of SKB ZIL were equipped with an automatic transmission, but this time they decided to use mechanical devices. A five-speed manual transmission was connected to the engine.
From the gearbox, the torque was fed to the transfer case, with the help of which the so-called. onboard power distribution. The inter-board differential of the transfer case distributed the torque to the wheels of different sides. With the help of a system of cardan shafts and final drives, all six wheels of the machine were driven. Also, the shafts for the stern propellers departed from the transfer case.
The ZIL-4906 crew is busy loading the descent vehicle. Photo Kolesa.ru
In the ZIL-4906 project, the three-axle undercarriage with all-wheel drive and large-diameter wheels was retained. This time, the wheels of all three axles were equipped with an independent torsion bar suspension. The front and rear wheels were steered and controlled by a hydraulic booster. To improve maneuverability, the steering system turned the rear wheels with some delay relative to the front. Wheels with large diameter tires were used again, connected to a centralized pressure control system. The wheels had disc brakes located inside the body of the machine.
For movement on water, the all-terrain vehicle received a pair of propellers placed under the stern of the hull. Behind each of them was its own movable rudder, which provided maneuvering. The propellers and rudders were controlled from the driver's seat.
Both promising machines received a unified cab. The crew was housed under a common fiberglass dome with advanced glazing. Access to the cockpit was provided by a pair of roof hatches. There were no side doors. To reduce the dimensions of the all-terrain vehicle in the transport position, the cap could be dismantled. On the left side of the cab there was a driver's control post, equipped with the necessary instruments and devices to control all systems of the machine.
Another variant of the payload is the ZIL-2906 auger-rotor snow and swamp vehicle. Photo Kolesa.ru
The crew had at their disposal the means of navigation and communication, which ensured the search for the landed cosmonauts and the exchange of information. Already after the start of mass production and operation of the equipment, an upgrade was carried out, which included the installation of the latest electronic equipment. As a result, the search work has become noticeably easier.
The cargo modification of the search and rescue vehicle with the designation ZIL-4906 had an open stern area with some target equipment. To transport the descent vehicle, a lodgement of the corresponding configuration was placed on the cargo platform. There was also a set of slings for fixing such a load in place. If necessary, the all-terrain vehicle-truck could take on board other objects. For example, it was with its help that it was planned to transport the auger-driven snow and swamp-going vehicle included in the PEK-490 complex.
Serial all-terrain vehicle ZIL-49061. Photo Wikimedia Commons
In front of and behind the body, on the ZIL-4906 amphibian, the supporting devices of a double-girder crane were placed, which was brought to the left side. With the help of arrows, a beam with a hook and other equipment, the crew could load a spacecraft or other cargo on board the vehicle. On a common base with arrows, folding jack supports were installed, which stabilized the all-terrain vehicle during loading.
The unified amphibian ZIL-49061 had different equipment. The entire rear half of its body was occupied by a closed passenger compartment, covered with a large fiberglass hood. There were several large windows in the sides of the cabin. Access inside was provided by a hatch in the low front wall, leading to the roof-deck of the engine compartment, and a rear door. Due to the high height of the all-terrain vehicle, a folding ladder was provided next to this door.
Several foldable sofas were placed along the sides of the cabin, on which a team of rescuers and evacuated astronauts could be accommodated. So, with three recumbent passengers, four people could sit. The crew had at their disposal a variety of equipment for work in different conditions, medical equipment, entrenching tools, etc. Comfortable conditions in the cockpit and salon were provided by heaters and air conditioners. The supply of water and food allowed the cosmonauts and rescuers to work at a distance from the bases for several days.
Museum specimen of the amphibian ZIL-49061 "Salon". The car is painted in the colors of the Ministry of Emergencies. Photo of the State Military Technical Museum / gvtm.ru
During the development of ZIL-4906/49061 projects, specialists from SKB ZIL created a new version of the painting of equipment. Previous search and recovery vehicles received a bright red-orange color, which did not allow them to get lost in the snow. The new amphibians, taking into account the possible operation in various regions and on various landscapes, decided to paint differently. The vehicles were supposed to be bright blue, providing good visibility in the snow, in the fields, in deserts, etc. It is because of this color scheme that all-terrain vehicles have received the nickname "Blue Bird".
The all-terrain vehicles of the PEK-490 complex had similar dimensions and weight indicators. The length of both cars was 9, 25 m, width - 2, 48 m, height - less than 2, 6 m. Wheelbase - 4, 8 m with intervals of 2, 4 m. Track - 2 m. The design of the transmission made it possible to obtain ground clearance at the level of 544 mm. The curb weight slightly exceeded 8.3 tons. The total weight with the entire permissible payload did not exceed 9, 3-9, 4 tons. On the highway, amphibians could travel at speeds up to 75 km / h. The maximum speed on the water was limited to 8 km / h.
Passenger car interior, view of the stern. Photo Wikimedia Commons
The use of all the main developments from previous projects has led to remarkable results. Combining the ideas and solutions of a number of previous experimental and production vehicles, the ZIL-4906 and ZIL-49061 all-terrain vehicles could overcome a variety of obstacles, swim and solve all assigned tasks. However, to test the real capabilities of the technique, it had to be tested.
The first prototypes of the new models appeared in mid-1975. The vehicles with the unofficial nicknames "Crane" and "Salon" were planned to be tested in a variety of conditions, where their help might be needed. The next few years were spent on testing ready-made all-terrain vehicles, improving the design and studying the features of their use in real operations. In practice, it was confirmed that the proposed appearance of a special rescue vehicle fully meets the requirements and tasks to be solved. At the same time, some of the features of the technology did not suit the creators and the customer, which required improvements.
Unfortunately, the ZIL Special Design Bureau had to complete the fine-tuning of the ZIL-4906 amphibians without V. A. Gracheva. The chief designer of numerous all-terrain vehicles and the author of the most daring ideas passed away on December 24, 1978. Complex PEK-490 "Blue Bird" was the last major project implemented under his leadership. However, left without a leader, the design bureau specialists continued their work and completed all his undertakings.
A prototype of the ZIL-49062 all-terrain vehicle, equipped with a different crane. Photo Deisovets.ru
In 1981, a new search and evacuation complex consisting of the ZIL-4906 cargo all-terrain vehicle, the ZIL-49061 passenger vehicle and the ZIL-2906 auger-driven snow and swamp vehicle was adopted for supply to the Unified State Aviation Search and Rescue Service of the USSR. Small-scale production of new equipment soon began.
Until the end of the existence of the Soviet Union - in about 10 years - the Moscow Automobile Plant. Likhachev managed to build about three dozen all-terrain vehicles of the "490" complex. 12 machines with cranes, 14 "Salons" and 5 auger-rotor all-terrain vehicles were manufactured and handed over to the customer. At that time, all this equipment was supplied only to the United Search and Rescue Service.
"Bluebirds" at the exercises, March 2017. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / mil.ru
The serial "Blue Birds" had to take part in rescue operations more than once. First of all, their task was to search for descent vehicles with astronauts on board. Having found the landing site, the crews of the all-terrain vehicles could take out people and equipment. There is also information about the operation of the PEK-490 outside the space program - when searching for the crash sites of aircraft.
Already after the start of operation of serial equipment, in 1983, the original project ZIL-4906/49061 was finalized with the replacement of part of the equipment. So, a new transporter ZIL-49062 was created. It was distinguished by a reinforced frame and a modified steering system. The engine cooling system was improved and a new propeller appeared. Later, after carrying out some tests, the prototype, as an experiment, received a turbocharged ZIL-550 engine, which developed power up to 150 hp. It also tested a single-boom crane-manipulator, which in its characteristics was not inferior to the serial product. The slewing ring of such a crane was located in the stern of the hull.
The process of unloading the auger. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / mil.ru
In 1985, the "Salon" -type machine, in the course of further development, received new navigation equipment and more modern communication systems. Also, the passenger cabin was equipped with more efficient climatic equipment. This version of the all-terrain vehicle was named ZIL-49065. In an improved version, the amphibian could search for astronauts faster and more efficiently, as well as provide greater comfort for the crew and passengers. At the same time, the cabin capacity and carrying capacity did not change.
Prototypes of all-terrain vehicles ZIL-49062 and ZIL-49065 were tested and confirmed the calculated characteristics. They were not recommended for serial production and operation, but the main ideas of the projects did not disappear. Already in 1986, some developments on modernization projects were introduced into the design of the original ZIL-4906/49061 machines. Thus, the new serial "Blue Birds" combined the features of the technology of the basic and modernized versions.
The crane is in operation. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / mil.ru
After the collapse of the USSR, the Plant. Likhachev, like many other domestic enterprises, faced various problems. One of the results of this was the transformation of SKB ZIL into a separate enterprise. The new company was named "All-terrain vehicle GVA" (Grachev Vitaly Andreevich). Already as an independent organization, the former Special Design Bureau continued the production of "space" equipment. The Ministry of Emergency Situations, the structure of the armed forces and even one of the mining companies showed interest in the machines of the PEK-490 complex.
According to known data, new orders for special equipment made it possible to bring the total number of "Blue Birds" to 40-50 units. Most of these machines are still in operation and solve the assigned tasks. However, there are also exceptions. So, one of the serial passenger amphibious all-terrain vehicles several years ago became an exhibit of the State Military Technical Museum in the village of Moscow Region. Ivanovskoe. This car retained a white color with three-color stripes, indicating its service in the Ministry of Emergencies.
At the end of the eighties, measures were taken to increase the service life of serial equipment. At the expense of certain works, it was proposed to increase the resource of all-terrain vehicles from the originally designated 10 to 20 years. These proposals led to the desired results, thanks to which the ZIL-4906 machines still remain on supply and solve the assigned tasks. They are repaired and modernized as needed. For example, in the middle of the 2000s, the Blue Birds began to be equipped with modern satellite navigation equipment.
Most of the ZIL-4906 all-terrain vehicles and their modifications, despite their considerable age, are still in operation and solve the tasks assigned to them. It should be noted that there is still no replacement for this technique in the context of search and rescue operations in the interests of astronautics. There are several explanations for this. The main one is that the available equipment fully meets the current requirements and is capable of solving all assigned tasks. If we take into account the service life of special equipment from the Plant im. Likhachev, it can be argued that the "Blue Bird" complex turned out to be the most successful development in its field.
