Gas "Vodnik": technical characteristics, reviews and photos

GAZ "Vodnik", a photo of which is full of newstapes, is a Russian highly maneuverable multipurpose military vehicle produced by the GAZ concern. The basic model is classified as GAZ-3937, and various modifications are also designed, for example, GAZ-39371. In fact, the model represents a heavy version of the SUV GAZ-2330 Tiger. Motor vehicle in the service of the Ministry of Defense of Russia since 2005.

History

A distant ancestor of the model of GAZ "Vodnik" iscar-amphibian under the symbol NAMI-0281, work on which was conducted in 1985. Although the new combat vehicle received a completely different appearance, many of the developments of the experimental model were introduced in it. In NAMI-0281, the power supply compartment was located at the rear of the car, and the cargo hold was located in the middle. This solution allowed to keep the hull afloat almost independently of the load.

However, the modern GAZ-3937 is too differentfrom the predecessor, to put an equal sign between them: the power plant, the armament block and the auxiliary equipment meet modern requirements and significantly exceed the capabilities of the NAMI's prototype.

GAZ "Vodnik": technical data

The car is a transformer: The welded housing includes three modules, two of which are removable. The front module consists of a power unit (engine and transmission) and a control unit, separated by a closed partition. The rear module is a quick-connect coupler that can be replaced in the field.

Model 3937 has a removable front-wheel drive,independent torsion suspension, a system of centralized inflation in the tires, power steering, powerful heating and air conditioning systems. These characteristics give great opportunities to GAZ "Vodnik". "Tiger" (the youngest model), although it has similar technical data, but lacks the most important quality of the army modification - the ability to move around the water.

Appointment

The block design of the combat vehicle allows one base case to perform several functions, depending on the installed modules. The object is intended for:

• transportation of people;
• delivery of goods, technological equipment in remote areas with undeveloped transport network;
• transportation of residential units and utility modules;
• the role of fuel and energy machines (tankers).

GAZ "Vodnik": a test drive

From the name of the combat vehicle it is clear that itis able to move on water. Unlike many similar vehicles using water cannons for moving water, the amphibian GAZ-3937 uses its wheels to swim (the possibility of installing additional water cannons is also provided for in the design). Accordingly, it reduces the speed of movement when overcoming water obstacles, but it allows to significantly save fuel.

GAZ "Vodnik" has a displacement displacementa body that provides improved performance when moving through swampy terrain or waterlogged soil during spring-autumn mudslides. This is facilitated by the 4x4 chassis with independent suspension and a centralized tire pressure control system and an impressive 475 mm clearance. The armored car easily overcomes shallow rivers.

Standard chassis with cab can beequipped with a variety of different modules with a combined number of passenger seats and cargo compartments for up to 10 people. The vehicle is powered by 175 liters. from. (130 kW) diesel engine, which gives a maximum speed over the land of 112 km / h, for water in the mode of navigation - 4-5 km / h.

Armament

GAZ "Vodnik" can be equipped with a towerGPP-1 with turret head (as on BTR-80), with placement in the upper part of the vehicle on the rear module. The tower is equipped with 14.5 mm CPV (large-caliber machine gun) and 7.62 mm PCT (co-axial machine gun). The main caliber does not have stabilization, therefore the aim fire is limited on the move. More or less acceptable accuracy is observed at low speeds, high - in a stationary position. In some cases, GAZ is equipped with a BPPU turret with a 30mm 2A72 gun and a PKT machine gun.

The gunner sits in the chair behind the driver (commander) and two passengers, in front of the main passenger bench. At the disposal of the gunner, modern sighting systems:

• daily 1PZ-9;
• night TPS-3 (or TPN-3-42) "Crystal".

Also, the armored car is equipped with six 81-mm grenade launchers for setting up a smoke screen. This model 902V "Cloud". They are installed on the back of the tower.

Versions

"Vodnik is available in two versions:

• GAZ-3937 - driver and passenger (commander) are sittingone after the other on the left side of the vehicle, and on the right is the turbocharged power unit GAZ-5423 V6 (6.23 l). Landing-disembarkation is carried out through the side hatches, which is not very convenient. In addition, the overview on the right is limited.
• GAZ-39371 - differs by a modified cabin, on the rightfrom the driver there was an additional passenger place. This version is more suitable for participating in combat operations: the hull has the best booking, the machine-gun tower is standard equipment. The modification has the usual doors in front of the cockpit, in front of the wheel arches.

Characteristics of GAZ Vodnik

The armored car has the following characteristics:

• Weight of the vehicle: 6,6-7,5 tons.
• Carrying capacity: 1,5-2,5 tons.
• Passenger places: 10-11.
• Wheelbase: 3000 mm. Track: 2200 mm.
• Dimensions (width / height / length): 2600/2300/5100 mm.
• Ground clearance: 475 mm.
• Power plant: GAZ-5621 V6 (128,7 kW / 175 hp), a turbodiesel.
• Speed ​​(maximum on the highway): up to 120 km / h.
• Power reserve: 700-1000 km.

Application

GAZ-3937 (39371) "Vodnik" is a fresh onedevelopment and has not yet received wide distribution. Initially, the cars were classified and only commandant units and missile forces of the Strategic Missile Forces came to the disposal. Then they began to be used in other services, including civil services. The contract for the supply of 48 units is concluded with Uruguay.

Block layout involves usingarmored car and as a combat unit of support, but more as a transport-technical high-means. Can be mounted machine gun tower tower with 30 mm gun, mortar installation missiles (SAM, ATRA), hydraulic cranes, passenger, medical units, communication systems and electronic warfare, the fuel-filling the vessel and the other modules. However, despite the enviable universality, "Vodnik" has not received wide distribution. One of the drawbacks of the model is the absence of a muffler and, accordingly, loud noise, as well as the intolerable "howl" of the transfer box at high speeds.