ZIS 5
ZIS-5: History and Description
The ZIS-5 was a Soviet truck produced by the Moscow-based Zavod Imeni Stalina (ZIS) starting in the mid-1930s. It became one of the most famous and iconic Soviet trucks of World War II, known for its robustness and reliability.
Key Specifications and Features
- Engine: Equipped with a six-cylinder, 73 horsepower gasoline engine.
- Load Capacity: Capable of carrying up to 3 tons of cargo.
- Body: Featured a simple, yet sturdy design with a wooden rear body and metal cabin.
- Dimensions: Approximately 5.8 meters in length, 2.0 meters in width, and 2.3 meters in height.
Historical Significance
The ZIS-5 played a vital role in the Soviet war effort during World War II, serving as a primary logistical workhorse for transporting troops, supplies, and equipment. Its simplicity and ease of repair made it particularly suited for the harsh and varied conditions on the Eastern Front.
During the war, due to material shortages, a simplified version known as the ZIS-5V was produced, using fewer resources without compromising its fundamental reliability.
End of Production and Legacy
Production of the ZIS-5 continued well into the post-war years, only coming to an end in the early 1950s. Over half a million units were produced, making it one of the most mass-produced Soviet vehicles of the era. The ZIS-5's legacy as a reliable and robust truck lives on, symbolizing the resilience and industrial capability of the Soviet Union during World War II.