LuAZ-969, or "Volyn", as it is also called, is a Soviet cargo-and-passenger subcompact all-wheel drive vehicle. The development of the model began in 1966, and was released by the LuAZ plant in 1979.

Later, the plant released the updated model LuAZ-969A in 1975, and the last brand, released in 1979, was named LuAZ-969M. It was produced until 1996.

Although now it can boast of cross-country ability, but at that time it was a real breakthrough. The secret was simple: low vehicle weight, small wheelbase and high ground clearance. The entire model range of LuAZ.

Car history

It all started almost at random, in the 1950s, the repair shops were transformed initially into an auto repair enterprise, and then into a machine building. The plant produced agricultural equipment, together with trailers, and also workers repaired trucks.

And suddenly, in NAMI, by order of the Ministry of Defense, a front-line transporter - TPK was developed. It was a completely military concept. There was a motorcycle trolley that could be thrown out of the plane with a parachute.

Front End Conveyor - TPK

In addition to the driver, a pair of stretchers or six seated passengers could be accommodated on board. The height did not exceed half a meter. We installed an all-wheel drive system and a winch. On top of that, it can be called an amphibian, since it moved through the water using the rotation of its wheels.

The model was intended for transporting the wounded, transporting ammunition, as well as towing small guns. Judging by the photographs, it is hard to believe that this is a passenger car, but the designers were very warm about their brainchild.

So, for example, in some sources, the debut variation, built in the 58th year, had the cute name NAMI-049 "Ogonyok".

There was a permanent all-wheel drive, an interaxle and a pair of cross-axle differentials with locks, wheel gears and independent torsion suspensions located on trailing arms, a not too strong fiberglass body and a 22-horsepower MD-65 motorcycle power unit.

All this fit well with the prototype, but not at all for the combat vehicle adopted for service. Therefore, the second prototype, NAMI-049A, had an open steel body with an awning.

During the structural improvements, it was decided not to use the center differential, so that it was possible to move on the roadway where there is a hard surface, the rear axle was made disconnectable.

The most important innovation was the installation of a more powerful 27-horsepower V-shaped 4-cylinder engine, the volume of which was about 0.9 liters. It had air cooling - they wanted to put a similar engine on the improved ZAZ-965A.

And this is not accidental, because specialists from the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant were involved in the development. Just in common with the popular "humpbacked", and a little later "eared", determined the final architecture that touched the military transporter, and what kind of car it was turned into after conversion.

Model conversion

After the conveyor was developed, it was put on production in Lutsk, giving the name LuAZ-967. It sounds strange, but such cars were produced from 61st to 89th years and occasionally underwent modernization.

The model came into service with the army of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the 69th year. It was used in the Airborne Forces and motorized rifle units. In addition, it was supplied to the countries of the Warsaw Pact - for example, the GDR army had at its disposal about 250 vehicles.

According to numerous opinions, there are no similar models to this day. The latest modernization has already affected the 967M, which resembled a lightweight jeep rather than a cart with an engine. Some parts of the elements were unified with the cars of other companies (for example, the electrical part was taken from UAZ, and the hydraulics were used from Moskvich).

The scope of the models was significantly expanded - they began to install small machine guns. Even with the beginning of the 90s, triaxial variations were shown, but they remained only prototypes.

The Lutsk Automobile Plant has a rich and eventful history, filled with the development of a large number of progressive technological methods, the introduction of bold and unique ideas, as well as the production of popular vehicles.

The Russian all-terrain vehicle was a "pioneer" in many ways. In particular, an all-wheel drive system was installed on it for the first time, it became the first car for the people and, in particular, it was produced specifically for the needs of the rural population.

It is very interesting that the driver could drive the TPK lying on a chair, or crawling next to the vehicle, while holding on to the steering wheel. This is the case when there is heavy shelling.

The engineering staff of the enterprise did a great job producing this LuAZ car. The technical equipment of the machines varied with the use of a whole list of the latest technologies. For example, each wheel had its own gearboxes that increase the ride height.

The drive shaft was enclosed in a pipe, with the help of which, the permeability of the car was significantly improved. The wheel suspension was torsion bar and independent. Considering all this, the LuAZ 969 Volyn was discordant with ease, which was due to the relatively low number of equipment and the presence of a full-bearing structure.

But the model had its own shortcomings, therefore, from the beginning of the 1970s, there was a start on modernization. Initially, the design staff of the enterprise tried to increase the power of the power unit. Moreover, restyling has extended to the chassis, bodywork, and interior.

Appearance

Despite its small size, the body consists of an integrated spar frame. Volhynia is equipped with an awning top, which allows it to be versatile. Small doors are hinged for easy assembly and disassembly.

The 969th model differs from other cars also in that the wipers are attached from the top, and not like other cars - from the bottom, which is a positive moment when driving in bad weather.

If in the previous model the arches were necessary only for attaching the awning, then in the "M" version they are already in a strengthened state. They protected the passenger compartment when the car was toppled over. When updating LuAZ-969M, it received new lighting equipment. Locks were put on the doors, seat belts appeared.

One of the most serious shortcomings of the bagpipe body was its tendency to corrosion. But this disadvantage can be easily solved with a simple brush. The awning does not have any particularly negative points, however, those who like to travel on forest roads should put a solid metal roof.

Then it will no longer be scary that the branches will be able to break the roof. With the arrival of the update, the appearance of the vehicle was changed. For the first time, "Bagpipe" began to have full-fledged windows.

In addition, special attention was paid to the soundproofing moment. We installed a windshield with a different shape, and the doors were already with locks (this is what you thought about, you did not install locks before!).

The front body part became less angular, and the car began to look differently. It is not easy to believe, but a small car from a small town in the big Soviet Union was able to achieve international recognition.

And these are not just words, for example, even before the serial production, in the 78th year, at the International Motor Show, which was in Turin, the 969th model entered the 10 best off-road cars in Europe!

It is clear that the automotive market for off-road models was previously a little different, but this does not change the essence of the matter.

Salon

The SUV seat is borrowed from ZAZ. Among the sensors and instruments, you can find an ammeter that shows the voltage in the mains. By the way, the temperature of the transmission oil is also displayed for the driver.

Interior decoration, to put it mildly, leaves much to be desired. Everything is very simple and in a retro style. The car was clearly not created for city traffic, but mainly for off-road driving, which means for the village.

The dashboard, standard for military vehicles, has received a more civilian appearance and has become more visually pleasing. Some of the inconvenience comes from the seats, especially the rear-mounted seats.

Very often, vehicle owners decide to change the door trim and ceiling covering. This serves to reduce noise. When they decided to update the car, it began to have:

• Updated front panel;
• A different form of windshield;
• Doors with locks and window frames;
• Plastic dashboard;
• Accidental steering column and seats from Zhiguli.

After the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, in 1991, Ukraine decided to secede from the USSR, therefore it has already become an independent state. The automobile enterprise's ties with the Russian Federation were terminated.

In addition to the power unit, model 1302 borrowed armchairs from Tavria, because it was already impossible to take from Zhiguli.

"Volyn", was notable for its good roominess and solid transportation properties. If the tailgate was folded back, it was possible to carry quite impressive dimensions there.

Many asceticism of the car interior is explained by the fact that when using the model in rural areas, where dust and dirt will inevitably be, comfort and rich interior decoration would be the very last thing. Why?

Because cleaning it would always be very problematic. Of course, there is a tarpaulin top, under which it is very hot in summer and cool in cold weather, so you have to keep warm with improvised methods.

But together with the driver, six rather massive representatives of the strong side of mankind in hunting equipment can go hunting or fishing - and this is no longer every car can.

In the event that the rear seats are folded out, the 969th model can take with it an additional 400 kilograms of luggage, which will be very useful for fishermen and hunters.

Specifications

Power unit

The LuAZ-969M is powered by the MEMZ 969A engine, located in a V-shape and with air cooling. This, of course, simplifies the design, but on the other hand, if necessary, does not provide it with proper cooling.

The unit comes in 1.2 liters and produces 40 horsepower. One of the disadvantages of the LuAZ car is the power unit that migrated from the Zaporozhets. Among the main disadvantages are:

• Constant oiling;
• It is not durable and reliable (the average lifespan of a motor is about 50-60,000 km);
• It has a lot of noise and a fairly weak power.

Therefore, if you plan to purchase this SUV for yourself, you should stock up on a second spare engine.

A similar power unit was installed on some Zaporozhets cars. Based on the passport data, the average fuel consumption of this mini-SUV when driving at a speed of 60 km / h is 10.0 liters per hundred.

In other words, a full gas tank of the Bagpipe should be enough for 300 - 350 kilometers. But it should be understood that this Luaz 969 car will not allow a very high top speed to be developed, since it is set at 85 km / h.

However, this should not be very surprising, because it was created not for racing tracks, but for off-road driving, where it fully reveals its advantages. It will not be superfluous to say that the native power unit can be completed so that its power will be increased to 50 horsepower.

This can be called the most optimal solution, since the engine from other cars will entail too heavy loads, and this, in turn, will lead to repeated breakdowns. Gasoline, grade A-76 is used. It accelerates to 80 km / h in 24 seconds.

Transmission

The engine is synchronized with a 4-speed manual transmission. The gas tank capacity is 34 liters. The 969M has an independent torsion bar suspension. LuAZ is equipped with a reduction gear, which provides the necessary start and effort in front of any obstacle.

In standard mode, the car is driven by the front wheels, but if necessary, you can connect the rear axle and engage the rear differential lock. Both the rear and the front of the vehicle are equipped with hydraulic drum brakes. The machine provides acceptable cross-country ability.

The transmission stands out for its reliable qualities, although it has its own "surprises", for example, confused gears, etc. The gearbox is quite durable, so problems with it, if they arise, are extremely rare. But it also has its own "surprises" in the form of confused speeds, and so on.

There is an additional downshift at all forward speeds. The clutch is single-disc, dry. If we talk about the transmission, then a very simple structure is installed on the car, which will not cause problems for car enthusiasts.

But the only drawback is that it is not easy to find the necessary parts, due to the fact that Luaz has long been out of production. The parts themselves have a completely democratic cost. Considering the feedback from the owners of this SUV, we can conclude that most of them are positive characteristics.

Suspension

The height of the ground clearance is a solid 280 millimeters. The type of front and rear suspension is independent, torsion bar, where there are trailing arms on the suspension axle. Also provided for the installation of hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers of double-sided operation.

Brake system. She was borrowed from, which in turn does not broadcast about good quality. The drive is hydraulic, double-circuit. There is a hydraulic vacuum booster - in the front wheel hydraulic drive circuit. Hand-operated parking brake, lever-cable type, acts on the rear wheel brakes.

Steering

It is devoid of hydraulic power steering. The steering mechanism includes the presence of a globoidal worm with a two-ridge roller. The steering gear received a bipod, a longitudinal steering rod, a steering linkage with left and right swing arms, as well as steering knuckles.

The steering column looks good if properly cared for, for example, regularly lubricate the steering rods with a syringe. Wheel reducers often start leaking. Therefore, it is necessary to have repair skills, which, by the way, you will acquire by repairing Luaz.

Specifications

Length, mm	3390
Width, mm	1610
Height, mm	1780
Ground clearance, mm	280
Front track, mm	1325
Back track, mm	1320
Wheelbase, mm	1800
Turning circle, m	10
Curb weight, kg	960
Full weight, kg	1360
Drive unit	full
engine's type	petrol
Number of cylinders / arrangement	4 / V-shaped
Engine power, hp / rpm	40/4200
Engine displacement, cm³	1200
Type of fuel	A-76
Fuel tank volume, l.	34
Maximum speed, km / h.	90
Fuel consumption in the urban cycle, liters per 100 km.	15.0
Fuel consumption on the highway, liters per 100 km.	10.0
Combined fuel consumption, liters per 100 km.	12.0
Transmission type	mechanical, 4 gears
Front / rear suspension	independent, torsion bar
Front / rear brakes	Drum
Tire size	175/80 R13
Disk size	4.5J X 13

Modifications

As you know, the TPK, from which our model was born, had several modifications, for example, three-axle cars. It is clear that Volyn itself has a considerable number of variations. Interestingly, the overwhelming majority was produced already in the post-Soviet era on the platform of the 1302 machine.

The enterprise at one time tried to fit into the laws of the market economy and manage to fulfill the state order. There is information on models that have a body, a long wheelbase, a hard top, an extended rear overhang and four doors.

There was also a special version of "Foros", which had a "jeep" appearance and an original 6-wheeled floating "Geologist". These transport models of the "birthmark" of the front-line army vehicle could easily pass in those places where the more massive models of GAZ, UAZ and Niva simply "surrendered".

Unit 969

• LuAZ-969V - the model was produced in the period from 1967 to 1971 and was a temporary version with front-wheel drive.
• LuAZ-969 - the car was produced from 1971 to 1975. It was a serial variation and had a 4x4 wheel arrangement.
• LuAZ-969A - produced from 1975 to 1979. The car represented the first modernization with the MeMZ-969A power unit.
• LuAZ-969M is the second modernization car, produced from 1979 to 1992. The model came with an updated body.

Reliability and safety

If we talk about the durability and reliability of this vehicle, then there are many conflicting opinions among drivers. A clear advantage can be called the Zaporozhye power system itself, which is included in the complete set of the machine.

It is located in front to avoid the difficulty of overheating. However, it also has its own rather weighty drawback - a low motor resource.

Speaking about the devices themselves that ensure the safety of the driver and passengers of the car, then in this model they simply are not. Here you will not find seat belts, airbags, which are simply "stuffed" with the latest generation cars.

It is quite easy to explain such decisions - in those years when the car was being designed, no one thought much about it. Therefore, driving such an off-road vehicle, you will be able to get unique sensations that cannot be found in modern jeeps.

Prices and configuration

Since the vehicle was removed from serial production a long time ago, it is possible to buy it only second-hand. So that the choice is not wrong, you need to scrupulously find a car and review a whole stack of ads.

It often happens that the car has been corroded, and it is very unpleasant when the rust eats up the bottom. Generally speaking, “Bagpipes” have always had such a drawback, therefore, after the purchase, often car owners have no choice but to cook the body in a new way.

Although, if you look from the other side at its cost, which ranges from $ 200 to $ 1,000, a compact Soviet SUV can be forgiven, if not all, then a lot. It is interesting that in the network you can find ads where a Lutsk car is sold from $ 3,000 to $ 5,000.

1961, LuAZ-967. TPK, that is, the front-end conveyor is an amphibious, the first, not yet civilian model of LuAZ. It was on its basis that non-military SUVs of the Lutsk plant were developed.

1960, pre-production model LuAZ-967.

1982, LuAZ-972. An unusual three-axle off-road amphibious vehicle.

1998, LuAZ-1901 "Geologist". Another amphibian developed by LuAZ, an attempt to reanimate the plant that had almost stopped by the end of the 90s. Eight copies were made.

1965, LuMZ-969V. The first prototype of the legendary SUV. The picture shows a car from a trial batch of 50 copies, built after two cars, assembled according to the documentation transferred from ZAZ, passed preliminary tests. The plant in those years was still called LuMZ (not "automobile", but "machine-building").

1999, LuAZ-1302−05 Foros. An interesting attempt to revive the classic SUV, the Lombardini-powered beach car for export. The car was made in a single copy and "lit up" at several auto shows.

1997, LuAZ-13021-08 "Ambulance". Experienced four-wheel drive medical vehicle for rural paramedic points. By the way, it could be a substitute for "loaves".

1990s, LuAZ-13021−07. LuAZ-13021−04 with an elongated body, fiberglass top and tailgate. Almost a hearse.

1979, LuAZ-2403 Aeroflot. A tractor for luggage trolleys and light aircraft based on the 969th. It was produced in small batches in series, the last cars were produced in 1992.

1988, LuAZ-Proto. Developed in the NAMI laboratory by a group of designers led by Gennady Khainov. It could have become a worthy replacement for the "classics", but the events of the 90s did not allow the dream to come true.

A repair plant in Lutsk appeared in 1951 and at first did everything in the world - showers, fans, stands for assembling tractor engines, and so on. And they also repaired GAZs and produced spare parts for them. Since 1959, in Lutsk, they began to develop and produce trailers and refrigerators, and in 1965 the plant received the documentation for the ZAZ-969 all-terrain vehicle. From that moment on, the automotive history of LuAZ began. Today the plant belongs to the Bogdan corporation and is engaged in the assembly of buses and trolleybuses.

LuAZ (Lutsk Automobile Plant) is a legend of the Soviet automotive industry. At present, Lutsk Automobile Plant OJSC is a part of the Bogdan corporation and is engaged in the production of cars of the VAZ, KIA, Hyundai model range, as well as commercial vehicles - buses and trolleybuses.
The history of the enterprise began in 1951, when, after the issuance of the corresponding decree of the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR, the construction of a repair plant began in Lutsk, which lasted four years. And on August 25, 1955, the Lutsk repair plant was put into operation. The main products of the plant are spare parts for GAZ-51 and GAZ-63 vehicles, as well as repair equipment to meet the needs of the Ministry of Agriculture.
In 1959, the plant was retrained into a machine-building plant and received a new name Lutsk Machine-Building Plant (LuMZ). In addition, its specialization is changing: the production of car bodies, refrigerators, as well as other types of specialized automotive equipment was established.
In 1966, the first civil car of its own production, ZAZ-969V, was produced, which was an improved version of the famous Zaporozhets. With the beginning of the release of this model, a new branch of mechanical engineering appeared in Volyn - the automobile industry. On December 11, 1966, Lutsk Machine-Building Plant was renamed into Lutsk Automobile Plant.
In the period from 1966-1971. only front-wheel drive models LuAZ-969V left the factory assembly line, but already in 1971 the car was slightly redesigned: the drive became full, and the engine became more powerful. In 1975 Lutsk Automobile Plant formed an association with the largest automobile plant in Zaporozhye "Kommunar". In the same year, the serial production of LuAZ-967M vehicles begins, and the development of a fundamentally new, fourth, model continues.
In 1979, a new model with the index 969M was put on the conveyor, which compares favorably with previous models not only in exterior, but also in improved technical characteristics.
On September 22, 1982, the one hundred thousandth car rolled off the assembly line of the Lutsk Automobile Plant, and in April 1983 the export activity of the plant began.
In March 1990, delegations from the Swiss company Ipatko and the American company Chrysler came to the plant. As a result of the negotiations, agreements on cooperation were signed.
In 1990, the production of LuAZ-1302 began. Outwardly, it practically did not differ from its predecessor, and the main role in its popularization was played by a new engine. The 1302nd model was equipped with a 53-horsepower unit, which, moreover, became more reliable.
Also in 1990, a record number of cars in the history of the plant was assembled - 16,500 units. In 1992, by order of the General Director of PO AvtoZAZ, the plant was removed from the Kommunar association. The plant is being transformed from a state-owned company into an open joint-stock company OJSC "LuAZ".
At the same time, the plant begins to go through difficult times. Wages are delayed, leading to a sharp decline in production. The plant was in such an uncertain position until February 2000, when the management of the enterprise concluded a cooperation agreement with the Ukrprominvest concern. According to this agreement, the assembly of VAZ cars began at the plant in Lutsk.
In April 2000, a tender was held for the sale of 81.12% of the shares of the Lutsk Automobile Plant, the winner of which was the concern "Ukrprominvest" (CJSC "Ukrainian Industrial and Investment Concern"). A month later, in the LuAZ workshops that had stopped by that time, a SKD assembly of VAZs and UAZs was set up.
In 2002, the pace of assembly continued to increase: Izh cars were added to VAZs and UAZs, and later, the assembly of Kia, Isuzu, and Hyundai trucks began.
In 2005, the Lutsk Automobile Plant is part of the Bogdan Corporation. In the autumn of the same year, SKD assembly of Hyundai and Kia passenger cars began at the enterprise.
From June 2005 to April 2006, the plant creates conditions for the production of 1.5 thousand trolleybuses and buses per year. On April 6, 2006 JSC "LuAZ" will present a new bus program.
In 2006, Lutsk Automobile Plant OJSC was renamed into Bogdan Automobile Plant OJSC. In the same year, the second stage of the bus program began, within the framework of which it was planned to increase production to 6,000 buses and trolleybuses per year.
The year 2007 was marked by the start of production of the Lanos model in Lutsk, however, the corporation continued to focus on the production of large urban automotive equipment. So the concern "Bogdan" began the production of tourist buses, and in 2008 a plant for the production of trucks and commercial vehicles was opened in Cherkassy.
In 2009, the production of a commercial vehicle of its own design began - Bogdan 2310, which was based on the notorious Lada 2110 model.
Today Bogdan Motors is the largest automobile manufacturer in the CIS, specializing in the production of passenger cars and commercial vehicles. All models are manufactured using high-quality components of domestic and foreign firms on high-tech equipment made in Germany and Japan.

Throughout the history of the existence of the Lutsk Automobile Plant, it has produced many passenger cars. Almost all of them were developed for use by the rural population. They were distinguished by high maneuverability, some of them were amphibians. It was only at the beginning of 90 that models for the city and the beach were proposed. If you arrange all car modifications in chronological order, you get the following:

LuAZ-967

This is a floating off-road vehicle designed for the military. Its serial production began in 1975, while the car itself was produced starting in 1961. Initially, it was intended to provide ammunition delivery, towing mortars and other light weapons, evacuating the wounded, etc.

In the first models, its body was made of fiberglass, but this material did not live up to the expectations placed on it. Also, a weak motorcycle engine (22 hp) required replacement. As a result, instead of it, the NAMI-149A model was installed, unified by the Zaporozhets. After that, the car began to have the following characteristics: speed in water - 3 km / h; on the highway - 75 km / h; engine power - 30 HP This model was discontinued in 1978.

LuAZ-967A

The 967A differs from the 967 only in the engine. It is equipped with a MeMZ-967A motor, which has a high power (40 hp). This LuAZ car was produced in the period from 1965 to 1977. True, it appeared on the open market only in 1975. Prior to that, military units were equipped with it.

LuAZ-967M

The 967M modification was adapted for civilian use and went on sale in 1975. Several significant changes were made to it:

• We have made the unification of electrical equipment for a UAZ car.
• The hydraulics were unified with the Moskvich.

Unfortunately, the production of the SUV lasted for a very short period of time, only until the end of 1980.

LuAZ-1901 "Geologist"

This car was first produced from 1962 to 1967, and then its serial production was continued in 1999, although at another car plant. Its base is the same 967th modification, but with numerous improvements.

"Geologist" has:

• front and rear wheel drive, independent suspension.
• 3-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.5 (ZDTN).
• The large curb weight is 300 kg and is 1250 kg.

Fuel consumption has also increased from 10 liters. for 100 km. at a speed of 40 km / h, at 12 liters. At the same time, the speed on the water instead of 3 km / h became 5 km / h.

LuAZ-969 "Volyn"

The first Volyn LuAZ car left the assembly line back in 1967. Its production continued almost until the end of 1992. Initially, the car was equipped with the same engine from AvtoZAZ, which significantly reduced the comfort of passengers in the cabin due to its high noise. A manual transmission was installed on the car.

Over the years, several modifications of this car were produced, they are presented below.

LuAZ-969V

The years of production of the SUV from 1967 to 1972. Its main difference was that the car did not have a drive to the rear axle. In fact, this is the first front-wheel drive car that was produced in the USSR. A total of 7938 units were created. technique of this model.

LuAZ-969A

The years of production of the car 969A from 1975 to 1979. This car had a soft top of the body (tarpaulin), which was easily removed. The tailgate was hinged. The model was developed for off-road use. The total number of units produced is about 30.5 thousand units. The carrying capacity of the SUV is 400 kg, while it can still tow a load weighing up to 300 kg.

LuAZ-969M

The 969M differed from the first modifications by its increased comfort - the seats were installed in the cabin, the same as in the Zhiguli. It had many design features that were missing in earlier versions. The power of the MeMZ-969A engine installed on it is 40 hp. The difference is the installation of separate brake drives on the front circuit with a hydraulic vacuum booster. The front of the body and the shape of the windshield have undergone changes. Note that the 969M model entered the top 10 cars at the 1978 international car show in Turin.

LuAZ-1302

The first car of this brand was released in 1990. Its difference from the 969M model was the engine from Tavria, and not from Zaporozhets. This significantly reduced the noise entering the cabin. But these are not all structural changes, although outwardly the car was no different from its predecessor:

• Installed a new dashboard and reinforced side members.
• The noise and vibration isolation of the cabin has been increased.
• Installed seats from Tavria.
• Thanks to the new engine, fuel consumption has been significantly reduced.
• Fuel tank capacity 34 liters.

LuAZ-13021

The basis for the manufacture of this cargo modification of the car was, of course, the model 1302. The all-wheel drive SUV has excellent cross-country characteristics. The engine was cooled by liquid, not air. In comparison with the base model, the wheelbase has increased by 0.5 m. The spare wheel is attached to the tailgate. This truck was very popular among the rural population.

LuAZ-1302-05 "Foros"

The car was presented to the public in Moscow in 1999 at the MIMS'99 exhibition. But, unfortunately, none of these beach jeeps ever saw the light of day in serial production. Only a few pieces were assembled on special order. "Foros" was developed on the basis of LuAZ 969. Its highlight was a 4-cylinder Italian diesel engine from Lombardini, with a capacity of 35 hp. Although the cost of "Foros" was quite acceptable, for that time, the management of the automobile plant could not find the means to start the serial production of cars.

In conclusion, I would like to note that throughout the history of production by the Lutsk passenger car plant, each of the cars in the series has become a kind of masterpiece. It was at this enterprise that the first front-wheel drive car was produced. A beach jeep was developed here, however, they did not have time to launch it into mass production before the collapse of the USSR. In a word, we can say with confidence: the Lutsk Automobile Plant made a tangible contribution to the development of mechanical engineering.

LuAZ-969 "Volyn"- a family of Soviet off-road utility vehicles produced at the Lutsk Automobile Plant in total from 1966 to 2001.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FAMILY

The family included the following models:

• LuAZ-969V (1967-72);
• LuAZ-969 (1971-75);
• LuAZ-969A (1975-1979);
• LuAZ-969M (1979-1996).

Also cars are closely related to it:

• LuAZ-1301;
• LuAZ-1302;
• LuAZ-2403.

LuAZ-969 was the first Soviet front-wheel drive vehicle (version "969V" without rear-axle drive). Also, the LuAZ-969 is the first off-road vehicle that was a consumer item, that is, it was officially sold "for personal use." In addition, the LuAZ-969 is the first serial Soviet car, created specifically for the needs of the villagers.

The functional design and simplified bodywork, providing only the most minimal comfort, matched the purpose of the car, and its cross-country ability is outstanding to this day.

The car caused and causes polar assessments and opinions. Many owners note the very high cross-country ability and practicality of the Volynia. Others scold them for their poor workmanship, low comfort, very difficult access to the front seats, laborious maintenance and lack of dynamics. Objectively, this car was generally not bad for the tasks that were posed to it - operation in rural areas, mainly on bad roads, where a high maximum speed is not important, and a good interior trim only complicates its cleaning from the dirt inevitable in such conditions. Inconvenient access to the driver's seat is the reverse side of the vehicle layout, which ensures good loading of the front axle and, accordingly, high cross-country ability even with the rear axle disengaged. A clear objective disadvantage of the car was the engine from Zaporozhets - noisy, insufficiently powerful and short-lived, having a moment curve that was disadvantageous for an off-road vehicle - which was corrected in later modifications. The complexity of maintenance corresponds to the design features of the chassis of an all-wheel drive vehicle with a rather complex transmission.

Similar light SUVs for the army or villagers were also created abroad - for example, West German DKW Munga (1956-1968), Haflinger (1959-1974) and Volkswagen Iltis (1978-1988), Farmobil (1962-1966), East German Wartburg 353-400 Jagdwagen and others.

BACKGROUND

The history of the "969" family should begin with a description of the previous model - the LuAZ-967 amphibious vehicle, which was adopted by the Soviet army as a TPK - a "forward edge transporter".

During the years of the Korean War (1949-53), the need arose for a lightweight, sailable all-terrain vehicle for transporting ammunition, evacuating the wounded from the battlefield, reconnaissance, towing light guns and mortars, and similar tasks. GAZ-69, with all its positive qualities, was not quite suitable for performing these functions, as was the excessively specialized amphibian GAZ-46 (MAV - "small waterfowl") created on its basis.

Development began in the mid-fifties at NAMI by a group led by B. M. Fitterman. The prototype, designated NAMI-049 "Ogonyok", was ready by 1958. It had a fiberglass body with a reinforced load-bearing base, independent torsion bar suspensions on trailing arms, permanent drive to the front and rear axles connected through a lockable center differential, lockable axle differentials, wheel reducers and a two-cylinder motorcycle engine of the MD-65 type with a capacity of 22 hp. The latter turned out to be too weak, had a small resource and did not develop the proper traction properties. In addition, the plastic body turned out to be unnecessarily fragile, especially given the requirement to provide the possibility of landing by parachute.

The second sample was designated NAMI-049A. NAMI specialists from the Zaporozhye plant were involved in its development, who in those years were just working on the project of a small car "Zaporozhets". For military amphibians, one of the engine options designed for the "Zaporozhets" was considered suitable - a V-shaped, four-cylinder, air-cooled. Further work on the small car and the amphibian was carried out in parallel.

The NAMI-049A engine was basically unified with the serial Zaporozhets engine, including a cooling system with a fan that drives air from the side air intake openings through the fins of the cylinders. The main difference was the working volume of the amphibian engine, carried away to 887 cm³ - subsequently, the Zaporozhets was equipped with motors of this volume.

In addition, instead of a plastic case, they used an open steel one with an awning, abandoned the center differential, and made the rear axle disconnectable. The suspension was reinforced to provide the possibility of landing with a parachute. The driver's seat was placed in the middle of the car, an orderly was sitting with his back to him, and the sides of the body were occupied by a stretcher with the wounded. There was no propeller - the car moved on the water due to the rotation of the wheels, so in comparison with "real" amphibians, it was less adapted to swimming, but more to moving on land.

In the final form, the car received the designation LuAZ-967 and began to be produced in Lutsk since 1961. Prior to that, the plant repaired vans, manufactured shower units and conveyors for silage masses of the TSM-6.5 model.

DEVELOPMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN PRODUCTION

The development of virgin lands required the creation of a specialized cross-country vehicle for agriculture. The GAZ-69 turned out to be, again, too large and difficult for many situations, in addition, it was too expensive, while the experience of operating the GAZ-M-72 and Moskvich-410 SUVs created on the basis of serial passenger cars was not entirely successful. The solution was found in the conversion of the military all-terrain vehicle LuAZ-967 into a civilian version.

The design was carried out by the team of the Zaporozhye plant, initially the car was designated as ZAZ-969. It differed from the military version primarily in its body, which acquired a more traditional shape and lost its ability to float (but remained open, albeit with fastened canvas sidewalls). The driver and passengers were also accommodated in a more traditional way, but in terms of comfort and interior trim, the car was not far from the military prototype. In 1964, a pilot batch of 50 units was produced at ZAZ-e.

At the Lutsk plant, on the basis of this design, but with the introduction of numerous changes, they created their own version - LuAZ-969V (in some sources, LuMZ-969V or ZAZ-969V). Prototypes were assembled in 1965, and a pilot batch appeared the following year. Mass production began in 1967. Due to the shortage of drive units for the rear axle, the LuAZ-969V had a drive only to the front wheels, but the transmission had a power take-off shaft for driving attachments and trailed equipment. The engine had the designation MeMZ-969 and developed a power of 30 hp.

7438 cars of this model were produced.

In 1971 (according to other sources - in 1969), problems with the supply of the necessary units were resolved, and the car was launched into a series in an all-wheel drive version, which was designated as LuAZ-969 or ZAZ-969, without the letter. In those years, LuAZ was included in a single production association with the Zaporozhye plant, and for some time its products bore the designation "ZAZ" (not to be confused with the experimental batch of ZAZ-969 of the 1964 model).

The all-wheel drive version had a very good cross-country ability due to the good loading of the front axle, a locking differential at the rear, high ground clearance provided by wheel gears, and independent suspension of all wheels with large constructive strokes.

A cargo modification was also supposed to be released, but for a number of reasons it did not go into series.

DESIGN

The body of the car LuAZ-969 is semi-bearing, with an integrated frame of the spar type. The vehicle layout is characterized by a strong forward shift of the passenger compartment, which made it possible to achieve a constant high load on the front axle, thereby ensuring high traction and adhesion properties even when driven only to the front wheels.

The LuAZ transmission as a whole is characterized by the relative simplicity of the device by the standards of SUVs, which has a positive effect on the mass-dimensional characteristics and reliability. The engine, main gear and gearbox are located in the front of the car and are combined into a single unit (transexl), somewhat similar to that used on Zaporozhets cars. Gear shifting is carried out by a floor lever, and the shift layout differs from the traditional ("mirror"): the first gear is engaged by moving the lever from neutral towards yourself and back, the second - towards yourself and forward, the third - from neutral towards the back, the fourth - from neutral towards you, rear move - from neutral from oneself and forward. Inside the gearbox housing there is also a power take-off mechanism from the output shaft, which is used either to drive various agricultural equipment, or (on all-wheel drive modifications) to drive the rear axle, and (also on all-wheel drive modifications) a reduction gear. There is no transfer case as a separate unit.

In all-wheel drive modifications, rotation is transmitted from the power take-off shaft of the gearbox to the rear axle gearbox using a thin shaft that does not have hinges, enclosed inside the transmission pipe connecting the gearbox housing and the rear axle. Thus, all the transmission units of the car, except for the semi-axles, are essentially enclosed in a common sealed crankcase, which is a legacy of the amphibious past of LuAZ. The rear axle in the normal transmission state is disconnected, it can be connected from the driver's seat, for which it is necessary to move the lever located to the left of the gear lever backward. There is no center differential, therefore, when driving on roads that have a hard surface, the rear axle must be turned off, and the car becomes front-wheel drive. The same lever also controls the engagement of the downshift, which changes the transmission ratios throughout the entire operating range - to engage it in the connected rear axle mode, you must pull the lever away from you and move it forward.

To prevent slipping of one of the rear wheels, the rear axle differential can be forcibly locked from the driver's seat with a curved lever located next to the parking brake lever. The locking mechanism is with a toothed clutch. The front axle differential lock is absent, although its installation is quite possible as a tuning procedure - the designers considered that the high load on the front axle and the rear axle lock differential is quite enough to ensure the required level of cross-country ability, and did not complicate the car's transmission more than necessary.

Suspension - torsion bar, trailing arm, with very large strokes. Wheels - 13-inch, with a developed mud tread pattern.

Brakes - drum brakes on all wheels, with hydraulic drive, without booster.

MODERNIZATION

LUAZ-969A

In 1975 he went into series LuAZ-969A with an improved MeMZ-969A engine (1.2 liters, 40 hp). External differences from the previous model were insignificant and consisted mainly of changes in the design of the front of the car.

About 30.5 thousand cars of this model were produced.

In 1977, a batch of closed all-metal vans was also released. E. Thompson in his work on Soviet cars is designated as LuAZ-969F.

LUAZ-969M

common data

Manufacturer:

Lutsk Automobile Plant (Lutsk)

Transmission

4-speed manual transmission

Specifications

Mass-dimensional

Weight:

960-1360 kg

Dynamic

Max. speed:

85 km / h

Since 1979 it has been mastered LuAZ-969M(in development since 1973), which differed mainly in the shape, structure and finish of the body, as well as an updated aggregate part.

This model was equipped, like its predecessor, with a 1.2-liter 40-horsepower MeMZ-969A engine, however, it was equipped with a separate brake drive with a hydraulic vacuum booster on the front circuit. The exterior of the car has been modernized: the front panels and the shape of the windshield have changed. The doors were equipped with locks, their side windows received a rigid frame and opening “vents”, a soft instrument panel, a safety steering column and “Zhiguli” seats appeared in the cabin.

Even before the launch of the LuAZ-969M series, it was highly praised at the Exhibition of Economic Achievements of the USSR, and in 1978, at the international salon in the city of Turin (Italy), it (as indicated in a number of sources) entered the top ten best cars in Europe. In 1979, at an international exhibition in the city of Ceske Budejovice (Czechoslovakia), he received a gold medal as one of the best cars for the villagers.

MODIFICATIONS

FAMILY "969"

• LuAZ-969V(1967-71) - temporary version, front-wheel drive;
• LuAZ-969(1971-75) - serial with a 4x4 wheel arrangement;
• LuAZ-969A(1975-1979) - the first modernization, the MeMZ-969A engine;
• LuAZ-969M(1979-1992) - second modernization, updated body;

OTHER

• LuAZ-Proto(1988) - an alternative prototype of the LuAZ-1301 with a very modern design at that time and a plastic body, developed at the NAMI Leningrad laboratory under the leadership of G. Khainov in 1988-1989;

Engine - MeMZ-245 (Tavria); Gearbox - 6-speed, synchronized, first two gears - reduction;

• LuAZ-13019 "Geologist"(1999) - a unique all-wheel drive three-axle (6x6) floating off-road truck based on the LuAZ-1301 units and assemblies of the 1990 prototype with a diesel engine;

CAR NAME

• "Volynianka", "Bagpipe" - a popular nickname for the place of origin: Lutsk is the regional center of the Volyn region;
• "Lunokhod" - for wheel reduction gears that make the car look like this rover;
• "Louise" is a popular nickname;
• "Jerboa" is a popular nickname;
• "Lumumzik" - from the designation of early versions of LuMZ-969;
• "BMW" - Fighting Vehicle of Volyn;
• "Iron" - due to the shape of the body;
• "Jewish armored car" - a popular nickname;
• Fantomas is a popular nickname.
• "Hamer" - due to high cross-country ability
• "Luntik" - comes from the name "lunar rover"
• "Piano" is a popular nickname.
• "Cheburashka" - similarity with a cartoon character due to large headlights

Selling a / m LuAZ-969M, 1985, beige color, mileage 400 km (!), the owner is one .
It was acquired 30 years ago for specific purposes, but was never used for its intended purpose.
After a long garage storage, the front and rear brake cylinders, the clutch cylinder, and the vacuum cylinder were sorted out and cleaned. Replaced with new plugs, high-voltage wires, brake switches, rubber seals and all front and rear gear oil nipples.
Improvements were made: the headlights were replaced with halogen ones. in the new headlights there were already lamps of dimensions, then the standard dimensions were connected as LED Daytime Running Lights, which will automatically turn off when the dimensions are turned on. Fog lights are additionally installed.
The dashboard has a backlit button for turning on the fog lights and a red indicator lamp for the generator operation.
The car is completely ready for use. All documents are available.

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