Overview

Overview

The ZIL-135 is a Soviet 8×8 amphibious heavy truck developed in the late 1950s as a multi-purpose tactical vehicle platform. Its most famous application was as the basis for the BM-27 "Uragan" multiple rocket launcher and various tactical missile transporter-erector-launchers (TELs). The unconventional design featured two separate engines powering independent axle pairs, exceptional off-road mobility, and amphibious capability without preparation.

Historical context

Development began in 1956 at ZIL (Zavod imeni Likhachyova - Likhachev Plant) under chief designer Vital Grachev to create a heavy cross-country vehicle for strategic missile systems. The unique twin-engine configuration emerged from requirements for redundancy and ability to continue operations if one engine failed—critical for nuclear missile launchers requiring high reliability.

The first prototype ZIL-135K appeared in 1959, with production variants entering service in 1961. Unlike conventional military trucks using a single large engine, the ZIL-135 employed two ZIL-375 V8 gasoline engines—one powering the front four wheels, the other driving the rear four. This unusual arrangement provided exceptional mobility and fail-safe operation.

The platform proved so successful that numerous variants served as bases for tactical ballistic missiles (SS-1 "Scud", SS-21 "Scarab"), cruise missiles, and multiple rocket launchers throughout the Cold War.

Specifications

Commonly cited specifications (ZIL-135L baseline cargo carrier):

Dimensions:

  • Length: 9.27 m (30 ft 5 in)
  • Width: 2.80 m (9 ft 2 in)
  • Height: 2.68 m (8 ft 10 in)
  • Wheelbase: 1.60 + 1.60 + 1.60 + 1.60 m (equal spacing, 4 axles)
  • Ground clearance: 0.48 m (19 in)

Weights:

  • Curb weight: 13,650 kg (30,093 lb)
  • GVW: 20,000 kg (44,092 lb) cargo variant
  • Payload: 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) on road, 4,500 kg (9,921 lb) off-road

Powerplant:

  • Engines: 2 × ZIL-375 V8 gasoline engines (air-cooled)
  • Power: 180 hp (134 kW) each at 3,200 rpm (360 hp total)
  • Displacement: 7.0 L (427 cu in) per engine
  • Fuel capacity: 710 L (188 gal) total
  • Transmission: Each engine drives one axle pair via hydromechanical transmission

Performance:

  • Maximum speed: 65 km/h (40 mph) on road
  • Water speed: 5-6 km/h (3-4 mph) using wheels for propulsion
  • Range: 500 km (311 mi) on road
  • Fuel consumption: 140 L/100 km (1.7 mpg)
  • Gradient: 60% (31°)
  • Side slope: 30% (17°)
  • Fording: Amphibious without preparation
  • Trench crossing: 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)

Drivetrain:

  • Configuration: 8×8 all-wheel drive with independent front/rear powerpacks
  • Steering: All-wheel steering (8 wheels turn for minimum turning radius)
  • Tire pressure regulation: Centralized system adjustable 0.5-3.5 kg/cm²
  • Suspension: Independent on all wheels with hydropneumatic shock absorbers

Crew:

  • Complement: 2 (driver, vehicle commander) + mission-specific crew

Design characteristics

Twin-engine configuration

The ZIL-135's defining feature was its unusual dual powerplant:

Front powerpack: ZIL-375 engine driving axles 1 and 2 via hydromechanical transmission

Rear powerpack: Separate ZIL-375 engine driving axles 3 and 4 via independent transmission

Advantages:

  • Redundancy: Vehicle could continue on one engine if the other failed (reduced speed/load capacity)
  • Traction distribution: Power delivered to all eight wheels independently optimized for soft terrain
  • Thermal management: Two smaller engines easier to cool than single large engine in compact chassis
  • Maintenance: Engine replacement/repair simpler with modular powerpacks

Disadvantages:

  • Fuel consumption: 140 L/100 km extremely high (two gasoline engines)
  • Complexity: Two complete powertrains increased parts count
  • Synchronization: Driver had to manage throttle for both engines (later models automated)

All-wheel steering

All eight wheels could steer, providing exceptional maneuverability:

Normal steering: Front and rear wheels turn in same direction (conventional)

Crab steering: All wheels turn simultaneously at same angle for lateral movement

Counter-steering: Front and rear wheels turn opposite directions for minimal turning radius (10 m)

This system allowed the ZIL-135 to position missile launchers precisely on rough terrain.

Amphibious capability

Water entry: Bilge pumps activate automatically, trim vane (folded on bow) deploys

Propulsion: Wheel rotation provides forward thrust (no dedicated propellers)

Freeboard: High body provides buoyancy for 20-ton loads

Limitations: Calm water only, 5-6 km/h speed, vulnerable to waves/currents

Cab design

Forward control: Driver positioned ahead of front axle for visibility

Side-by-side seating: Driver (left), commander/co-driver (right)

Large windows: Exceptional visibility for precise positioning of missile systems

Spartan interior: Minimal comfort, designed for tactical mobility not long-distance transport

Variants and missile applications

Base vehicle variants

ZIL-135K: Initial production cargo carrier (1961-1965)

ZIL-135L: Improved cargo variant with upgraded hydropneumatic suspension (1965+)

ZIL-135LM: Modernized version with synchronized engine controls (1970s)

ZIL-135E: Export variant with simplified systems

Tactical ballistic missile TELs

2P16 "Luna-M" (FROG-7): Transporter-erector-launcher for 9M21 tactical rocket (70 km range)

9P113 "Luna-M": Later FROG-7 variant with improved fire control

9P117 "Scud-B" (early): Some SS-1C "Scud-B" launchers used ZIL-135 chassis before MAZ-543 adoption

Multiple rocket launchers

BM-27 "Uragan": 16-tube 220 mm rocket launcher (most famous ZIL-135 application)

  • Range: 35 km standard, 90 km extended-range rockets
  • Warhead: HE-frag, cluster munitions, mines, chemical (historical)
  • Reload time: 20 minutes with reload vehicle

9P140 "Uragan-1M": Improved BM-27 with digital fire control

Surface-to-air missiles

9A33BM2 "Osa-AKM" (SA-8 "Gecko"): Some early SA-8 variants used ZIL-135 chassis (later BAZ-5937)

Cruise missile systems

Experimental cruise missile TELs: Test platforms for land-attack cruise missiles (1970s-1980s)

Operational deployment

Service timeline

  • 1959: First ZIL-135K prototype
  • 1961: Production begins, initial deployment with Rocket Forces
  • 1965: BM-27 "Uragan" MLRS enters service on ZIL-135LM chassis
  • 1970s: Peak deployment with Soviet Army rocket brigades and divisions
  • 1977: BM-27 first combat use (Ogaden War, Ethiopian forces)
  • 1979-1989: Afghanistan War, BM-27 extensive use
  • 1990s: Post-Soviet conflicts (Chechnya, Nagorno-Karabakh)
  • 2000s-present: Continued service with Russian Army, widespread export

Global operators

Military: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen

BM-27 "Uragan" particularly widespread: 50+ countries operated or still operate the system

Combat record

1977 Ogaden War: Ethiopian BM-27s used in artillery barrages against Somali forces

1980s Afghanistan: Soviet rocket artillery including BM-27 on ZIL-135 chassis in bombardment missions

1991 Gulf War: Iraqi BM-27s engaged Coalition forces (many destroyed by air strikes)

1994-1996 First Chechen War: Russian Army BM-27 employment in Grozny siege

2008 Russo-Georgian War: Russian rocket artillery including "Uragan" systems

2014-2022 Ukraine conflicts: Extensive BM-27 use by both sides

Strengths and limitations

Advantages

Exceptional mobility: 8×8 drivetrain with all-wheel steering enabled operation in swamps, forests, snow

Redundancy: Twin-engine design allowed continued operation if one powerplant failed

Amphibious: Cross rivers without bridging or ferries

Low ground pressure: Wide tires and 8-wheel configuration minimized sinking in soft terrain

Versatility: Platform adapted for numerous weapon systems

Strategic mobility: Self-propelled, no separate tractor required

Limitations

Fuel consumption: 140 L/100 km made operational range very limited (500 km maximum)

Gasoline engines: Fire hazard compared to diesel, especially for missile carriers

Mechanical complexity: Twin powertrain required skilled maintenance

Speed: 65 km/h maximum limited strategic mobility

Comfort: Harsh ride, minimal crew amenities for long operations

Obsolescence: 1960s technology; modern replacements offer better efficiency

Comparison with contemporaries

vs. MAZ-543 (Soviet): MAZ-543 had single 525 hp diesel (better range, lower fuel consumption), but ZIL-135 better off-road mobility and redundancy

vs. HEMTT (USA, 1980s): American 8×8 tactical truck more fuel-efficient (diesel), modular design, but no amphibious capability

vs. MAN KAT 8×8 (Germany): Similar role, diesel power, superior crew ergonomics; ZIL-135 more rugged for extreme terrain

Legacy

The ZIL-135 proved the viability of twin-engine heavy tactical vehicles, influencing subsequent Soviet designs including the BAZ-6944 and later MZKT wheeled platforms. The BM-27 "Uragan" remains one of the most successful multiple rocket launcher systems, with thousands still operational worldwide.

The unique all-wheel steering system was adopted by later heavy military trucks including the MAZ-79xx super-heavy transporter family.

Despite obsolescence in Russian service (replaced by more modern platforms), hundreds of ZIL-135-based systems remain operational with export customers as of 2020s due to robust mechanical design and ease of field maintenance.

Several ZIL-135 vehicles are preserved in military museums including the Central Armed Forces Museum in Moscow.

Related equipment

Related sections

Technical glossary

TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) : Combined vehicle transporting, raising to firing position, and launching missiles without separate equipment

Hydromechanical transmission : Gearbox combining hydraulic torque converter with mechanical gears for smooth power delivery

All-wheel steering : System allowing all wheels to turn for enhanced maneuverability and minimal turning radius

Centralized tire inflation system : Driver-controlled air pressure adjustment optimizing traction for terrain type

Amphibious capability : Ability to cross water obstacles without preparation using vehicle buoyancy and propulsion