The ZIL-2906 (Russian: ЗИЛ-2906) is a screw-driven amphibious craft manufactured in Soviet Union from 1975 to 1979 by ZiL.[1][dead link] 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]

ZIL-2906
ZIL-29061, updated model of 2906
Overview
ManufacturerZiL
Also calledЗИЛ-2906
Production2906: 1975 – 1979
29061: 1980 – 1991
Body and chassis
Classamphibious craft
RelatedZIL-4906
Powertrain
EngineМеМЗ-967А

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 kilometres per hour (50 mph)) 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]

Russian troops exercise the offloading of a ZIL-29061 from a ZIL-4906

Specifications

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Mass
  • 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb; 2.0 t)
Maximum speed
  • Water - 16 kilometres per hour (9.9 mph; 8.6 kn) (8.6 kn)
  • Swamp - 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph; 11 kn) (11 kn)
  • Snow - 45 kilometres per hour (28 mph; 24 kn) (24 kn)
Dimensions
  • Length - 4,900 millimetres (190 in)
  • Width - 2,400 millimetres (94 in)
  • Height - 2,200 millimetres (87 in)

References

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  1. ^ "ZIL-29061: Russian Screw Powered Vehicle". Wired. 5 July 2007.
  2. ^ a b "Шнекоход ЗИЛ-2906". voprosik.net (in Russian). 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b c John J. Geoghegan, Eric Miles (17 August 2023). "White Elephant Technology". History Press. ISBN 9781803994949.
  4. ^ Mihnea Radu (29 March 2014). "ZIL Amphibious Screw Vehicles: a Cool Soviet Era Invention". Autoevolution.
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