ZIL » 135 / 135B / 135BP
October 3rd, 1958, ZIL made a 5-ton amphibious vehicle ZIL-135 (8x8). It was powered by two petrol engines ZIL-120VK rated at 130 hp each. Its transmission included a torque converter from ZIL-111, two-stage gear splitter, planetary 3-speed gearbox, single-stage transfer gearbox, and four wheel gears. The range of standard equipment included tyre air pressure control system, two water jets, four fuel tanks of 150 liters each and 12-volt electrics system.
There was a place for 20-30 people in a 5.5 m long flatbad. Additional features included a bilge pump, radio, night vision, entrenching tools. Overall dimensions - 8575x2705x2460 mm, ground clearance - 500 mm. Turning radius - 11.5 m. Curb weight - 9.5 tonnes, GVW - 15.0 tonnes. Maximum speed on a highway - 55 kph, afloat - 10 kph. Control fuel consumption - 120 liters per 100 kilometers.
In January 1959, ZIL made three ZIL-135s for installation of missile systems. In June 1959, SPU 2P21 (Br-226-II) missle system was mounted on the chassis of ZIL-135 with additional rear jacks. The prototypes were tested until the beginning of July, but it turned out that due to the high center of gravity the prototypes were very unstable on water.
From October 29th to December 10th, 1959, three experimental amphibious ZIL-135B were collected. They were specifically designed for installation of a missle system "Luna". They were equipped with two 110-horsepower engines ZIL-123F, reinforced cooling system and engine block heater. In addition, the wheelbase of front and rear wheels were increased by 200 mm (2200 mm). In July 1962, ZIL made the only "plastic" amphibious ZIL-135B2. It had a more simplified streamlined body with improved hydrodynamic properties.
