MAZ-543 is a successful project of the military-automobile industrial complex of the USSR, which appeared in the 60s of the last century and is still being made. In the 60s, the Soviet Union recovered from the consequences of the Second World War, after which it joined in an active arms race with the United States. Huge funds and the best specialists of the Union were directed to the reconstruction of the Minsk Automobile Plant, which was to become the industrial center of the USSR.
History of creation
Experienced engineers were sent from Yaroslavl to the Minsk plant. In 1959, the company was given a new direction of development - the production of universal trucks. The creation and the beginning of the release of the successful 537th series showed that in Minsk they can make special-purpose equipment. In the late 1950s, MAZ received the majority of government orders for the production of military equipment. The masters were tasked to create a heavy-duty 4-wheel drive all-wheel drive vehicle, a universal wheeled chassis on which military equipment could be installed. After several experiments, the designers decided to make a choice in favor of the wheelbase, abandoning the tracks.
From the model MAZ-537 was taken the best - the frame and axle. Many specifications have been noticeably improved. Due to the good speed and dynamics of the car MAZ-543 was called "Hurricane". By the middle of 1962, six prototypes were ready, which were sent to Volgograd to install military equipment on them.
MAZ-543 family
This transport was developed on the basis of the 537th version, having received improved units, a reliable wheelbase and a new cabin. The diesel engine developed 525 horsepower. The box had three gears and was supplemented with an automatic transmission. To improve cross-country ability, a remote tire pressure monitoring system was added.
543 family consisted of three main models: 543, 543A and 543M. A distinctive feature of the tractor was the location of the cab with the reverse inclination of the glass: it was a double execution (right and left). The length of the wheelbase was 7.7 meters, with a maximum load of a car, it reached a speed of 60 km / h. 100 liters took 100 liters of diesel fuel.
MAZ-543
Chassis MAZ-543 - the first version of the series with a lifting capacity of 19.1 tons. After successful tests in 1962, the mass production of the machine began only in 1965. The cabins were isolated from each other, the engine compartment was between them, each had 2 people. A little more than 1600 cars of this version were released.
The People's Army of the GDR used this chassis as a mobile repair and evacuation modules. They installed a tent covered body on the car, in which they could transport the necessary equipment and specialists, protecting them from bad weather conditions.
The first years on this transport planned to install only rocket complexes. The first was the prototype "Temp" in 1960. Then installed the launcher 9P117 new complex 9K72. After that, they decided to install the most diverse military equipment.
MAZ-543A
In 1963, the MAZ-543A chassis was introduced, whose payload was increased to 19.4 tons. The first copies were sent to Volgograd to equip the Temp-S missile system. In 1966, after the start of industrial production, army bodies and superstructures were mounted on model A. In 1968, started mass production of this modification of the tractor.
There were few differences from the basic version of variant A. The main feature is the shift of the cabs forward, due to which they have increased the working part of the frame to 7 meters. Production of this car finished in the middle of the “zero” years, for all the time more than 2.6 thousand copies were produced.
The main purpose of the car was the transportation of rocket installations "Temp". In addition, the necessary equipment for loading the complex was transported. Less commonly, a Smerch volley fire was installed on the chassis. The car was universal, for it used any type of add-in, creating mobile command posts, radar stations, field hotels for soldiers, etc.
MAZ-543M
The best chassis MAZ-543M, which became the main of the entire series, was developed in 1974. It was distinguished from the two predecessors by the presence of one cabin to the left and an increased carrying capacity (22.2 tons). The basic design has not been modified.
In addition to the installation of military equipment, the factory decided to combine the vehicle MAZ-543 with an all-metal platform, which made it possible to transport cargo and soldiers. No modification was received.
This model went down in history for a long time. It was equipped with modern and powerful weapons, as well as numerous military superstructures. The vehicles transported the Smerch combat system, the Bereg coastal complex, the Rubezh missile system, several types of S-300 anti-aircraft systems and much more.
4.5 thousand copies of the MAZ-543M chassis were produced. In the years of the collapse of the USSR, the serial production had to be stopped, but the Minsk Automobile Plant continued to produce small batches of state orders. By the mid-2000s, over 11,000 copies of the entire family were collected.
In 1990, on the basis of the 543rd version, the MAZ-7930 truck was developed, which differed from its counterpart by a 12-cylinder engine with 500 horsepower and an all-metal body. Despite the collapse of the Union, in 1994, prototypes of this version passed the necessary tests and were launched on a conveyor called MZKT-7390. This transport is used by the Russian army to install various weapons and modules.
Small series versions of the 543rd
Over the years, small-series versions were produced on the basis of the standard MAZ-543M chassis. They did not receive a large release, but were made on special orders. MAZ-543B was used for the upgraded 9P117M launcher of the 9K72 complex.
The base for the M version was a little-known model B. The structure of some nodes was changed. The transport had only one cabin to the left, and its payload was increased to 19.6 tons. The machine used for the installation of long and heavy machinery. A total of slightly less than 250 copies were produced.
Model P. was released to perform various logistical and business tasks. It was used for training soldiers, as well as for transporting artillery pieces and heavy trailers. Single versions: D with multi-fuel diesel and T for use in mountainous areas.
Design features
The cabin of the tractor was designed for the installation of a rocket launcher. The use of the classic cab layout made transportation high, which made it impossible to pass under bridges on public roads. Two strong cabins were made of polyester resin, between which the engine compartment was located. Each cabin accommodates 2 passengers. Sound insulation during operation did not miss more than 85 dB of noise.
MAZ-543 Hurricane was equipped with a riveted-welded frame of two steel beams, which are attached with bolts at the intersection. For a special design of the frame it was called the "trough". The downside of such a constructional solution is a slight loss of transport in the ground clearance. The chassis is equipped with an independent suspension. The first two axes are driven. The brake system was taken from the 537th series.
There was no special change in the steering and brake mechanism compared to the MAZ-537. The wheels are equipped with alloy wheels. The tire projector was designed for off-road driving. Ground clearance - 400 mm.
Conclusion
Tractor MAZ-543 is rarely found in the economic sphere. Its main purpose is military business: transportation of various trailers, installation of weapons and a variety of special modules. Some units received such transport in the form of field housing. The armament also includes vehicles equipped with radar stations, which allow to monitor the air situation. In the secondary market, cars are not for sale, they are not for rent. Production continues to this day, but in small batches and only for state orders.
