ZIS-6

ZIS-6
ZIS-6
Overview
Manufacturer	ZIS
Production	1933–1941
Assembly	Russia: Moscow
Body and chassis
Class	Truck
Layout	front engine, 6×4
Powertrain
Engine	5.55 L ZIS-5, I6, 54 kW (73 hp)
Transmission	4-speed manual with 2 range transfer case
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,360 mm (132.3 in)+1,080 mm (42.5 in)
Height	2,160 mm (85.0 in)
Curb weight	4,230 kg (9,326 lb)
Chronology
Successor	ZIS-151

The ZIS-6 (Russian: ЗИС-6) is a Soviet general-purpose 6×4 army cargo truck, a three-axle version of the ZIS-5 two-axle truck. Prototypes were made in 1931, serial production started in 1933, lasted until October 1941 at the Moscow Zavod imeni Stalina factory and a total of 21,239 units were produced. The ZIS-6 had a payload capacity of 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) and 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) on unpaved roads.

A reliable truck, it served as a base for the creation of a number of specialized military modifications -- searchlight truck, radio and radio repair station, mobile field workshop, supply delivering vehicle, troops moving vehicle, and as an artillery towing vehicle -- but is best known for its role as the first multiple rocket launcher (Katyusha) in July 1941. It was built by the "Compressor" Plant's Design Office during World War II (1941–45). Very few ZIS-6 trucks survive till today.

During the early World War II, the ZIS-6 was used as the chassis of the original BM-13 Katyusha multiple rocket launcher by the Red Army, nicknamed "Stalin's Organ" by German soldiers. The truck chassis was equipped with several different versions of the launcher. Later though, the American-produced Studebaker took over as the predominant platform for Katyusha launchers. The ZIS-6 also served as the basis for the VVS-RKKA aircraft fueller BZ-ZIS-6. After the war, the ZIS-6 was replaced with the all-wheel drive ZIS-151.