As reported by OSINTtechnical on December 3, 2023, Ukrainian soldiers from the Khorne drone group demonstrated resourcefulness in Donetsk Oblast. They successfully located, repaired, and put into service a 1950s-era Soviet GAZ-69A off-road vehicle, which is the predecessor of the UAZ-469 4x4 vehicle launched in 1972.
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The GAZ-69, produced by the Soviet UAZ plant in 1953, served as a 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle inspired by the American WW2 Willys MB Jeep. (Picture source: Twitter/OSINTtechnical and Yandex)
The GAZ-69, developed by the Soviet Gorky plant in 1946, served as a 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle designed to succeed the GAZ-67B. Inspired by the American Willys MB Jeep, the GAZ-69 underwent extensive testing in 1947 during its prototype phase, known as the E-1 or "Truzhenik." These tests focused on evaluating the vehicle's traction, minimal speed damage, and maneuverability through challenging mud terrain. Subsequent trials in off-road conditions affirmed its performance relative to the ZIS-151.
Production of the GAZ-69 began in 1953 at the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, resulting in two variants. One variant, designed for military use, featured two doors and an open 8-seater body, while the GAZ-69A, intended for officials, boasted a 4-door, 5-seater configuration with a trunk.
The GAZ-69 incorporated components from earlier GAZ models, such as a 4-cylinder carburetor engine derived from the GAZ-M20 and various elements from the GAZ-51. Notable features included a rear axle with a non-locking cross-axle differential, a transmission transfer case without a direct transmission, dependent spring wheel suspension, ball joints, and double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers.
Over its two-decade production span, the GAZ-69 saw the creation of over 600,000 units, with exports reaching 56 countries, including Romania and North Korea, both of which obtained rights for mass production. The GAZ-69 underwent upgrades, leading to variants like the GAZ-69-68, the 2K15 GAZ-69A Shmel armed with four anti-tank rockets, and the GAZ-69 DIM designed for mine detection at depths not less than 70 cm.
The GAZ-69A, the specific variant revived by the Ukrainian soldiers, is powered by a 55hp 2.1-liter 4-cylinder engine, which has an average fuel consumption of 14l/100 km, with a 60-liter fuel tank, allowing a top speed of 90 km/h and an estimated range of 400 km. Weighing 1,960 kg, including standard equipment and fluids, the vehicle measures 3.85 m in length, 1.75 m in height, and 2 m in width. It exhibits a towing capacity of 850 kg, accommodates five passengers, and has a load capacity of 500 kg.
In terms of design, the GAZ-69A features an open body with a manual soft top, offering adaptability to diverse weather conditions. The 8-passenger configuration includes two benches at the back, doubling as storage boxes. Conversely, the GAZ-69A, tailored for agricultural use, accommodates five passengers and features a spacious trunk accessible from the passenger compartment.
