Maz 543-characteristics and modifications

For the first time Maz-543 was designed at the Minsk automobile plant in the 60s, and until now its production has not stopped. This is an all-wheel drive eight-wheeled cargo vehicle, created as a military automotive project and successfully implemented as part of the arms race between the USSR and the United States. A little later, trucks for industry and the national economy were created on its basis.

Historical background

The basis for the design of the "hurricane" was the MAZ-537, from which the technicians borrowed the frame, axle and other most successful elements. After upgrading the engine and control system, a unique car was obtained. Maz-543 which is popularly nicknamed "Hurricane" because of its relatively high speed and good dynamics. From the start of work in 1959 to the release of the first prototypes, only 3 years passed, and in 1962 the first trucks began to be used to transport military equipment.

Cabin features

Initially Maz cars-543 had a solid cabin and successfully passed tests for transporting missiles. However, soon the developed complex of missiles with a combat gun almost 12.5 m long could no longer be placed on the existing chassis. There was only one solution-to lengthen the chassis, but this would not be rational and would require major changes in the design.

The chief designer of the automobile plant of that time Shaposhnikov took a bold step and divided the whole cabin into two, between which the "head" of the rocket was placed. Such a unique solution became so successful that it was further used in other models of a similar type.

Technical specifications

The first copy of the MAZ-543 went into mass production in 1965, had a carrying capacity of 19 tons, and two cabins could accommodate 4 people, and the seats were located one after the other. Since it was a unique model that had no analogues, many non-standard and original solutions were used in its design.:

• Lever-torsion suspension;
• Tank Engine in 12 cylinders with a capacity of 525 hp;
• Transmission in 4 stages, providing smooth gear shifting;
• Wheelbase 8x8 with automatic pumping of each wheel;
• The standard solution is two fuel tanks of 250 liters, an additional 180 liters. ;
• Maximum speed 60 km / h;
• Consumption 80-120 liters per 100 km.

General features

The technical specification for the design of the MAZ-543 contained many points that had to be taken into account when creating the machine. The features described in the TK directly affected the dimensions of the vehicle:

• Width up to 3 m with a track of 2,375 m allows you to fit into the road frame;
• The height of up to 3 M provides high maneuverability of equipment, including in urban conditions if necessary;
• The length of just over 11.5 m allows you to place a rocket with a launcher, including an extended version of the "temp-C" thanks to separate cabins.;
• Ground clearance 40 cm;
• Loading height 1.85 m.

The main goal of designing the MAZ-543-the placement of missile systems, was successfully achieved. After that, the vehicle began to be used to transport various military equipment, and specific complexes were mounted on its base. The model was produced unchanged until 1966, after which the first modification of the MAZ-543A appeared.

MAZ-543A

The first samples of the Maz-543A modification appeared in 1963, but mass production was established no earlier than 1968. The model is very similar to the basic version and has only a few differences:

• Carrying capacity increased from 19.1 to 19.4 tons;
• Increasing the working part of the frame;
• A slight displacement of the cabins forward.

This was enough to extend the release until 2000. The main purpose of the vehicle was the mobility of the temp-C launchers, which soon replaced the Tornadoes. In addition, communication systems, cranes and power plants were installed on the basis of Maz-543A.

MAZ-543M

Maz-543M is considered to be the most successful option in the line of "Hurricanes". Its production began in 1976, while the basic design was retained unchanged. Among the features of the model can be noted:

• Lifting capacity 22.2 tons;
• The presence of only one cab on the left side of the vehicle;
• Elongated frame.

The main purpose of the modification was to transport elongated missile and artillery systems. In remote areas of the country where there were no settlements, mobile dormitories with all the necessary systems for comfortable living, as well as mobile canteens, were installed on the chassis.

After 2000, the production of Maz-543 ceased, and even earlier the license for the release was sold to the manufacturer Wanshan in China, which sells trucks based on this technology until now. In Russia, the Maz-543 was replaced by the improved MZKT-7390.

Intermediate and single line machines

Even before the appearance of the first modification, designers used various solutions on the basic technology, which led to the emergence of many small-scale variations.

• Maz-543B-load capacity increased to 19.6 tons. The main purpose is the transportation of 9p117m launchers.
• Maz-543V-the predecessor of the last successful modification had one cabin, shifted forward, an elongated frame and increased carrying capacity.
• Maz-543p-a vehicle of simplified design was used for towing trailers, as well as conducting exercises to prepare drivers for serious units. In some cases, the modification was used in the national economy.
• Maz-543D – a single representative of the model with a multi-fuel diesel engine. An interesting idea did not receive promotion, because it was difficult to execute.
• Maz-543T-model is designed for comfortable movement in the mountains.

Fireman "Hurricane"

Special attention should be paid to the modification of the MAZ-543 as a fire engine. The machine was created for use on airfields. The implementation was so successful that units of equipment are still found in the"service".

Among the features of the fire Maz is a water tank for 12,000 liters. and an additional foam tank for 900 liters., which allows you to extinguish large-scale fires at airfields. Unfortunately, due to the bulky design of the car can not be used in urban conditions.

The only drawback that is allocated in the fire modification of the "hurricane" is a large fuel consumption, reaching 100 liters.

Maz-543 today

Since the main purpose of the truck was to be used for military purposes, it is not surprising that it did not become widespread in other areas. Over time, the vehicle completely went out of production, although today there are operating units of equipment at remote landfills.

Since the Minsk automobile plant has been producing more advanced models for quite some time, the need for the MAZ-543 has disappeared. However, there is still production under the order through official dealers, such as LLC PC "Russian truck".