The Russian Jeep
These cars are seen all over Mongolia, they are rugged, very simple and very easy to repair, even with stockings and bits of string!. A low centre of gravity makes them very suitable for the rough tracks and 'roads' of Mongolia. There is even a spare parts system throughout the country. As all the locals drive these jeeps they are a 'dab hand' at repairing them and know all the tricks and repair techniques to keep them running. A true thourghbred of an off road machine.
Technical Data (Typical)
Length |
4170 mm |
Width |
1785 mm |
Height |
2020 mm |
Wheel track |
1445 mm |
Ground clearance |
210 mm |
Curb weight |
1620 Kg |
Load capacity |
750 Kg |
Fuel capacity |
2 x 39 L tanks |
Type of engine |
Carburetor |
Engine |
UMZ-4218.10 |
Fuel type |
Petrol A-76 or 92 |
Displacement |
2.89 L |
Max speed |
120 Kmh |
Typical fuel consumption |
15.5 L/100Km @ 90 Kmh |
Rated output |
61.8 kW, 84 HP @ 4000 RPM |
Max Torque |
189 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Tyres |
225/75 R16 |
Short History
They are made in Ulyanovosk in the UAZ (Ulyanovsky Avtomobilny Zavod - Ulyanovsk Automobile Factory) on the Volga river about 700 Km to the East of Moscow. At the beginning of WW2 the Russian government transferred the building of jeeps from the plant in Gorky to Ulyanovosk.
The designs are based on the 1938 American 'Bantam' jeep which in turn is based on a 1930 Austin. In 1953 production of the GAZ '69' was started. Then in 1965 production of jeeps commenced at Ulyanovosk. Since 1970 they have been known by their present acronim UAZ and their production number 469.
During WW2 the Americans saw the advantages of a light reconnaissance vehicle for use in the military and so commissioned a variety of companies to build a jeep to their specification. Eventually in 1941 a compromise was reached and 3 companies were given an order of 1500 each. After succesful trials Willy's was presented with a contract to make 16,000 jeeps. Later this order was added to by the Ford Motor Company producing a further 15,000+ vehicles.
Around this time production started in Russia of the present UAZ 469. Their modern name is the 'Hunter' but they are still known as UAZ 469 locally. UAZ also produce a robust series of mini-vans based on the same simple designs and chassis. These are used as ambulance and utility vechicles in Mongolia. A truck version is even produced.
Site Last Updated - 25/01/2011 01:46:19 |