ZIL-2906

The ZIL-2906 (Russian: ЗИЛ-2906) is a screw-driven amphibious craft manufactured in Soviet Union from 1975 to 1979 by ZiL.[1] The ZIL-2906 was produced from July 1975 to 1979,[2] five manufactured in total.[3] In 1980, it was succeeded by the ZIL-29061, produced until 1991.[2]

These vehicles are notable for being Screw-propelled vehicles (in Russian: шнекохо́д), allowing it to traverse inhospitable terrains. The vehicle was designed to recover re-entered Soyuz space capsules from difficult terrain. It was equipped with heaters for the front seats, transponder and radio and stretchers.[3]

The ZIL-2906 was carried on the back of a ZIL-4906 "Bluebird" (which had a top speed of 80 km/h) until it reached terrain impassable for the latter. At this point the ZIL-2906 would be unloaded and resume the search.[4] Dismounting from the Bluebird took about half an hour.[3]

Specifications

  • Mass
  • 2000 kg
  • Maximum speed
  • Water - 16 km/h (16 km/h)
  • Swamp - 20 km/h (20 km/h)
  • Snow - 45 km/h (45 km/h)
  • Dimensions
  • Length - 4900 mm
  • Width - 2400 mm
  • Height - 2200 mm

References

  1. ZIL-29061: Russian Screw Powered Vehicle Wired, 5 July 2007^
  2. Шнекоход ЗИЛ-2906 voprosik.net, 2012, retrieved February 26, 2018^
  3. John J. Geoghegan, Eric Miles. "White Elephant Technology" History Press, 17 August 2023^
  4. Mihnea Radu. ZIL Amphibious Screw Vehicles: a Cool Soviet Era Invention Autoevolution, 29 March 2014^