In 1956, the MAZ-541 airfield towing vehicle for especially large aircraft was designed and built at the Minsk Automobile Plant . It was an exclusive project initiated by the USSR government in connection with the need to create a powerful aircraft tractor. Specialists of the MAZ Design Bureau in a short time submitted documentation, and the assembly of a unique machine began. In total, at the first stage, three MAZ-541 tractors were produced. Comprehensive tests of new equipment have been completed at the factory site.
Practical use
The MAZ-541, a new-generation airfield tractor , replaced the MAZ-535 military trucks, which were used at that time to tow large aircraft. Five hundred thirty-fifth power was barely enough to move the airliners, in addition, the MAZ-535 body height did not allow the car to drive directly under the aircraft body, and an additional rod had to be used to extend the hitch.
The new tug was made with the most understated sedan-type bodywork. MAZ-541, in fact, became the only tractor in the world with the external characteristics of a car. However, it was possible to classify the car as a “passenger car” only conditionally, since the wheels on the towing vehicle were far from small. The front ones were borrowed from the YAZ-214 truck, and the rear ones were delivered from MAZ-525, a mining dump truck.
MAZ-541 was an all-wheel drive car with a demultiplier, thanks to which the front axle could be turned off if necessary. The grip of the tractor wheels with the roadway was ideal, which ensured maximum traction.
Dual control
The tasks of towing airliners are associated with certain rules for maneuvering. Therefore, the machine was controlled by a dual steering wheel. In the cabin were mounted two independent from each other "bagels". One steering wheel was located in the usual place, in front, on the left, and the other was placed diagonally, behind, on the right side. Other controls, clutch pedals, brakes and accelerator are also duplicated. This arrangement required the specifics of maneuvering the tractor.
Operation of the first MAZ-541 car in test mode showed good results. The car easily towed the Il-62, Tu-114 and even the Tu-144 Concord. After the tractor passed all the tests, the USSR Ministry of Aviation Industry ordered 13 more cars. However, the tractors were not released due to a change in technical conditions and the transition of the Minsk plant to the production of more modern types of airfield equipment.
Memory
The MAZ-541 airdrome tractor remained in the history of the automotive industry as a unique example of creative engineering. He became a champion in his weight category, and, in fact, he had no equal. Soon, new tractors appeared on the airdromes, powerful and maneuverable, which performed the additional function of a tanker. But all the existing copies of the five hundred and forty-first successfully worked until the end of the seventies.
For a long time, the tractor, in addition to towing liners, performed another function that can be called honorable. The car met international flights to Sheremetyevo; it seemed to represent Aeroflot, and therefore the whole country. In the eyes of foreign guests, the MAZ-541 was another achievement of the Soviet aviation industry. Light ocher painted in color, the car made an indescribable impression when it was flanned across a spacious area before approaching a liner arriving from abroad. Foreigners descending the ramp, certainly tried to photograph a giant passenger car.
And when, after disembarking the passengers, the tractor pulled the liner to the parking lot, it was a real theatrical action, and foreigners who were already in the terminal building again took out cameras to at least publish, but to capture an unforgettable sight.
The mass of the MAZ-54 airfield tractor was a little less than 30 tons, but the car at the same time looked quite elegant. The necessary traction was provided by a powerful tank diesel engine with high efficiency. The gigantic tractor was a real decoration of the runway and all adjacent territories of Sheremetyevo Airport.
MAZ-541: technical specifications
Weight and overall parameters:
- tractor length - 7800 mm;
- height - 2200 mm;
- width - 3400 mm;
- wheelbase - 4200 mm;
- total weight - 29 tons;
- wheel formula - 4 x 4.
Power point
The engine mounted on the tractor from the tank register - D-12A.
- The number of cylinders is 12.
- The gas distribution mechanism (GRM) is an overhead valve.
- Configuration - V-shaped cylinder arrangement.
- Power - 300 liters. from.
- Maximum traction load - 85 tons.
- Fuel consumption - 130 liters per 100 kilometers.
- Fuel consumption at aerodrome sites is 45 liters per hour.
Friction transmission designed for multiple pulling away with slipping. The gearbox is modified, two-stage, with one reverse gear.
Chassis
The machine is equipped with two continuous bridges, in the middle of which are planetary hypoid mechanisms. Rotation from the propeller shaft and the transfer case is transmitted to the wheels by means of half shafts with flanges at the end, which serve as a mounting point for the wheels.
Both suspension springs, reinforced. Mounting brackets are borrowed from MAZ-525 trucks. Springs are assembled from parabolic sheets with lower support. Due to the low bending of the package, the tractor’s travel was tough, however, they did not begin to soften the springs, since there was a danger of their subsidence and breakage under the vehicle’s own weight.
The steering knuckles of the front wheels of the pivot structure, as well as the worm-hypoid steering mechanism, were taken from a MAZ-535 military truck. The driver had to make every effort to turn the steering wheel, therefore, exclusively strong and tall soldiers from the airport service company were accepted for the position of tractor driver.
Modeling
Like all rare instances of automotive technology, an aerodrome tractor is copied on a miniature scale. A technical copy of MAZ-541-1: 43, where the last figures indicate the scale of the product, can be a worthy exhibit of any collection.