In the late nineties, to replace the well-deserved "old man" GAZ-66, a new all-wheel drive truck GAZ-3308 "Sadko" was adopted by the Russian army. The creation of this machine made it possible to begin updating the fleet of the armed forces, even in difficult economic conditions. A few years later, new reports appeared about the possible further development of the medium-tonnage sector of army vehicles. Last year, a new truck was presented, which in the future may replace the existing Sadko troops.
Last summer, during the CTT-2014 exhibition, GAZ Group presented several new vehicles for various purposes, including a truck offered as a replacement for the existing GAZ-3308. Subsequently, this car was demonstrated several times at other exhibitions, including the Army-2015 forum. The new development of GAZ Group is known as Sadko-Next. In addition, in some sources there are designations GAZ-C41A23 and GAZ-C41A43. According to reports, the new truck is a deep modernization of existing equipment with improved performance.
GAZ truck Sadko-Next at the Army-2015 exhibition. Photo Vestnik-rm.ru
A truck with a 4x4 wheel arrangement and a number of innovations that distinguish it from its predecessor are considered as a promising vehicle for the army. Through the use of a number of new components, the authors of the project allegedly managed not only to improve the technical characteristics, but also to improve the ergonomics and other important features of the machine. Among other things, all this affected the appearance of the new car.
The Sadko-Next truck retains the general layout of its predecessor. At the same time, a revised and reinforced frame was used, on which all the units are mounted, the composition of equipment and components was radically updated, the chassis parts were reinforced and a new cab was used, borrowed from the GAZon-Next car. In addition, due to some original layout ideas, it was possible to increase the dimensions of the body without increasing the dimensions of the entire car.
Under the hood of the new car there is a YaMZ-53442 turbocharged diesel engine with a capacity of up to 150 hp. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission with a single-plate dry clutch, equipped with a hydraulic drive. After the gearbox, the torque is transmitted to the transfer case, from where it is fed to both axles through maintenance-free propeller shafts.
It is known about the creation of two modifications of the new truck, differing in different cab designs. In the first case (GAZ-C41A23) the car receives a single-row cab with three seats for the crew, in the second (GAZ-C41A43) the seats are arranged in two rows, each of which has its own pair of doors. The cab for the Sadko-Next truck was borrowed from the production car GAZon-Next and is distinguished by a large windshield mounted at a large angle to the vertical. The type of cab used affects the overall dimensions of the truck. So, with a single-row cab, the wheelbase of the car is 3.77 m, and the total length does not exceed 6.3 m. The double-row cab leads to an increase in the base to 4.5 m and the total length to 7 m. The maximum width of the car (by side mirrors) does not exceed 2, 75 m, height on the roof of the cab - 2, 6 m. When installing bodies of various types, the total height of the machine may increase.
"Sadko-Next" with a van body. Photo Autompv.ru
When developing a new project, it was decided to increase the size of the body. By increasing the width of the body to 2.3 m and increasing the length using the available space, it was possible to achieve a 20 percent increase in usable area. The volume of space for the transport of goods can also be increased by installing a new tarpaulin with a frame. This unit increases the usable volume by 42% compared to previous trucks.
The updated truck in an all-wheel drive configuration is capable of carrying up to 3 tons of cargo. The modification with a 4x2 wheel arrangement and a drive to the rear axle can carry 2 tons more. The total weight of new trucks of all modifications does not exceed 6, 85 tons. At the same time, the load on the front axle is 3.05 tons, on the rear axle - 3, 8 tons. It should be noted that the curb weight of the truck depends on the type of cab and the length of the base. So, the "short" modification without load weighs about 3, 9 tons, and the "long" is heavier by 410 kg.
Thanks to the 150-horsepower engine, the new truck can reach speeds of up to 95 km / h. When driving at a speed of 80 km / h, the fuel consumption is 21.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The machine is able to climb a steepness of 47%. The new truck has a fairly high chassis with a ground clearance of 315 mm (along the rear axle housing), which, among other things, allows it to overcome water obstacles along fords up to 1 m deep.
Truck with tilt body, rear view. Photo Vestnik-rm.ru
The all-wheel drive version of the Sadko-Next truck, which is also offered for the army, is shown at various exhibitions in a characteristic “digital” camouflage color in green and black tones. Probably, the manufacturer is seriously counting on receiving orders from the military department. At the same time, the new all-wheel drive truck, as well as its version with a 4x2 wheel arrangement, regardless of the type of frame and chassis, may be of interest to other customers as well. In particular, the new "Sadko-Next" car is able to interest various commercial organizations that need equipment with high cross-country characteristics, capable of delivering goods to remote and hard-to-reach areas.
There is still no information on the procurement of new trucks for the army. Last year, it was argued that serial production of new cars should start no earlier than spring 2015. This means that the new Sadko-Next has just recently added to the list of products manufactured by GAZ Group and, as a result, has not yet managed to become the subject of new large orders from government departments.
