Overview
The ZIS-150 was a Soviet medium cargo truck produced from 1947 to 1957 by Zavod imeni Stalina (later ZIL) in Moscow. Primarily designed for civilian economy and rear-area military logistics, the 4×2 truck provided reliable cargo transport throughout the early Cold War period before replacement by ZIL-164.
Development background
Post-war Soviet economy required mass-produced cargo trucks for reconstruction and industrial development. ZIS developed the Model 150 leveraging wartime experience and adapting successful American truck designs from Lend-Lease deliveries.
The ZIS-150 used conventional 4×2 configuration rather than military all-wheel-drive, optimizing for road transport efficiency and production simplicity. The truck primarily served civilian economy with limited military applications in rear-area logistics where paved roads predominated.
Production spanned 1947-1957 with approximately 771,883 units manufactured, representing one of the largest Soviet truck production runs of the era.
Technical specifications
Dimensions and weights
Length: 6.33 m (20 ft 9 in)
Width: 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in)
Height: 2.28 m (7 ft 6 in)
Wheelbase: 3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
Weight: 3,830 kg (8,445 lb) empty
Payload capacity: 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) on-road
Powerplant and drivetrain
Engine: ZIS-150 6-cylinder gasoline engine
Displacement: 5.55 liters
Power output: 90 hp at 2,700 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
Drive: Rear-wheel drive (4×2)
Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all wheels
Performance
Maximum speed: 70 km/h (43 mph)
Range: 580 km (360 mi)
Fuel capacity: 115 liters (30 US gallons)
Fuel consumption: Approximately 23 liters/100 km
Operational characteristics
Road transport: Optimized for paved and improved roads with limited off-road capability.
Payload flexibility: Flatbed configuration accommodating diverse cargo types.
Simplicity: Conventional design enabling widespread production and easy maintenance.
Civilian applications: Primary user being state enterprises, collective farms, construction organizations.
Military logistics: Rear-area supply transport, depot operations, non-combat applications.
Variants and derivatives
ZIS-150 baseline: Standard flatbed cargo truck.
Dump truck: Hydraulic tipping bed for construction and mining applications.
Van body: Enclosed cargo compartment for protected transport.
Fuel tanker: Cylindrical tank for petroleum product delivery.
Specialized bodies: Mobile workshops, command posts, communications shelters.
Production history
1947-1950: Initial production ramping up postwar manufacturing capacity.
1950-1955: Peak production supplying Soviet economy expansion.
1955-1957: Phased replacement by improved ZIL-164 beginning.
Total production: Approximately 771,883 units over decade.
Service applications
State enterprises: Primary cargo transport for Soviet industrial facilities.
Collective farms: Agricultural product transport and supplies delivery.
Construction: Building materials transport supporting urban expansion.
Military rear areas: Logistics support in garrison areas and training facilities.
Export: Limited deliveries to Eastern European allies and development partners.
Successor development
The ZIL-164 replaced ZIS-150 beginning 1957, offering:
Improved engine: ZIL-164 engine with better fuel economy and reliability.
Modernized cab: Updated driver compartment with improved visibility and comfort.
Enhanced capacity: Slightly increased payload capability.
Continued production: ZIL-164 remaining in production through 1960s.
Legacy
Production scale: Nearly 800,000 units representing major Soviet manufacturing achievement.
Economic contribution: Supporting postwar reconstruction and industrial expansion.
Design foundation: Components and configuration influencing subsequent ZIL truck development.
Civilian dominance: Overwhelming majority of production serving civilian economy rather than military.
Related vehicles
ZIS-151 (/guide/army/tr/zis151.shtml): All-wheel-drive military variant with 6×6 configuration.
ZIL-164: Direct successor replacing ZIS-150 from 1957.
GAZ-51 (/guide/army/tr/gaz51.shtml): Lighter truck complementing ZIS-150 in Soviet vehicle hierarchy.
ZIS-150 documentation maintained as historical reference for early Soviet postwar transportation development.