The all-wheel drive flatbed truck GAZ 3308 with the working name “Sadko” began to roll off the assembly line of the Gorky Automobile Plant in December 1997. True, the Gorky residents created the prototype of this two and a half ton all-wheel drive 2 years earlier, assembling it under the symbol GAZ-3309P. The car was a logical development of the famous "Shishiga" with its engine located under the cabin (which made the car dangerous for the driver if it was detonated by a mine), and was initially aimed, like the GAZ-66 "Shishiga", at the army. The axles and transmission are the same as on the GAZ-66-40. But the hood version of the cabin was taken from the previously developed Gaz-3309, however, the wings above the wheels are made with enlarged arches, which made it easier to access the shock absorbers and drives during maintenance and repair.
Purpose of the car and history of creation
Along with plans to use the new truck for the army at the time of its creation, it was also planned for its equally active use in the civilian sphere. Although the promising model, which was initially ordered by the army and which had a working index of 3301, did not go into production: the requirements for the car were serious, going beyond the performance characteristics of the Shishiga, which had been in operation for many years. In particular, there was a requirement to develop and install a diesel power unit on the car. But then the collapse of the Union happened, a decline in government purchases almost to zero, and GAZ did not put the car into production, and the “sixty-sixth” continued to fill the niche of cars of this class.
Diesel, moreover, in its turbine version from MMZ called D-245.7, began to be installed on the hood version of GAZ since 2003. In 2005, the engine was brought to the standards of the Euro-2 environmental class, and since 2013, a modification of this Minsk engine D-245.7E4 began to correspond to the E-4 environmental class.
Starting from the year of serial production, the GAZ “Sadko” with a 4x4 wheel arrangement began to replace the veteran GAZ-66 in all its versions in active units. Moreover: in 2000, negotiations were underway to equip the GAZ 3308 for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. For various reasons, the contract was not signed, although the military had no complaints.
Since 2014, the Sadko-NEXT version has been produced with a lifting capacity of 3 tons.
The cargo variation “Sadko” was produced until the beginning of 2022. Now the production of this truck has been discontinued, with the exception of the GAZ-330811-10 “Vepr” model, produced to order and which is a cargo-passenger version with a rigid van. Very convenient as a small shift bus for transporting oversized cargo and small groups of people.
Device
GAZ 33081 is made on the basis of a two-axle frame platform with spring-dependent rear and front suspension with longitudinal semi-elliptic springs. The design is complemented by telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers with double action on all wheels.
The truck received a dual-circuit braking system with a hydraulic vacuum booster, a hydraulic drive and a vacuum receiver for each circuit. The Sadko is also equipped with an ABS system. All wheels have drum brakes. In addition, the machine is equipped with a mechanically operated parking brake.
The model has a standard steering system, built using the “screw-ball nut” system. Thanks to the power steering, the driver does not have to make significant efforts to control the car.
Regardless of the model of the power plant, the GAZ 33081 is equipped with a synchronized 5-speed manual transmission. Thanks to the excellent selection of gear ratios and all-wheel drive, transportation by truck can be carried out at any temperature and weather. The Sadko also has a 2-speed transfer transmission and a power take-off.
The interior design of the car differs little from the interior of the GAZ-3307. There is a minimal amount of unnecessary elements and things on the panel; the dial instruments are made in a round shape. The latest versions of GAZ 33081 are equipped with an improved ventilation and heating system. The driver will be pleased with a slightly revised instrument panel combination with a simpler layout and the presence of steering column switches. Among the pleasant little things are a bright lamp in the interior, hooks for clothes and side pockets. The large hood provides easy access to the engine.
The all-metal cab is offered in two versions (5- or 2-seater). The driver's seat is adjustable in two directions and is equipped with a 3-point seat belt and side support bolsters.
The main disadvantages of the model include the huge steering wheel. Taking into account the hydraulic booster, the diameter of the steering wheel could have been reduced. There are also no handrails inside, so getting in and out of the cabin is seriously difficult. For passengers, the travel conditions on the GAZ 33081 are truly “Spartan”. There is almost nothing to grab onto while moving, so you have to lean against the torpedo. When off-road, there is strong shaking inside the cabin; it is problematic to endure such conditions for a long time. However, on the highway there is practically no discomfort.
For its class, the GAZ 33081 is a quite attractive model and does not stand out from a number of other similar cars. The “base” model is equipped with a rear fog lamp, a wheel inflation system, 18-inch wheels, halogen optics, a cabin heater and all-terrain tires. But the winch is offered only as an option.
Design features
Frame
Steel, is an improved and reinforced version of the frame from Shishigi. The frame is slightly lengthened compared to its predecessor (due to the hood version of the engine location on it), the parts of the stamped frame elements are connected to each other by hot-set rivets. On the elongated front side members there are U-shaped towing forks rigidly built into the structure with a kingpin in the hole. The same fork is located on the rear cross member of the frame, and is intended for towing a trailer or artillery piece.
On the sidewalls of the side members, in the area of the rear of the cabin, brackets for fuel tanks with a volume of 105 liters are mounted.
Engine
The GAZ 3308 of the first years of production and until 2003 had a conventional ZMZ 5231 gasoline engine. Number of cylinders - 8. Fuel - A-80, without any modifications the use of A-92 gasoline is allowed (the only requirement for this is to increase the ignition timing) . The basis for the creation of this engine was the previously used GAZ 53-66 power unit, but with the cylinder diameter increased to 92 mm (for the GAZ-33081 - 110 mm, with a piston stroke of 125 mm), which increased the working volume to 4670 cm³. The torque with increasing volume was 290 N*m. When reaching 3200 rpm, the engine produces maximum power of 113 hp. The compression ratio in the cylinders is 7.6.
When installing Belarusian diesel turbine units MMZ D245.7, the engine power is already expressed as 122.4 hp. And the volume increases to 7.75 liters. MMZ D245.7 has a 4-cylinder engine block with charge air cooling and liquid cooling. Compression ratio – 17.
The direction of rotation of the crankshaft for both engines is right.
Early versions of the engine, which were installed on the GAZ-66, produced a maximum power of 130 hp. – but they lacked a neutralizer.
To comply with international environmental standards, all currently produced engines are equipped with a catalytic converter located in the muffler. The lambda probe, located in such a muffler, sends signals to the engine computer control unit, adjusting its operation by changing the ignition timing for complete and efficient combustion of fuel in the cylinders.
Also noteworthy is the intake socket of the air filter, which is located on the same level as the cabin glazing. And sometimes even higher - which allows the machine to force water obstacles without fear of water hammer due to water entering the circuit of a running engine.
Transmission
The version with D 245.7 comes in a pair with a 5-speed manual transmission, which allows the car to accelerate to 93 km/h with a fuel consumption of 16.8 liters per 100 km. Trucks equipped with a YaMZ 53442 engine are supplied with a 5-speed synchronized manual transmission with constant mesh gears.
Dry single-disc clutch. The disc has a damping device in its design that reduces vibrations that occur when the crankshaft rotates.
To overcome difficult sections of the road, a 2-speed transfer case is provided, which reduces the transmission speed from the engine to the gearbox without loss of power. For high off-road capability, the cross-wheel differential with increased friction was retained from the GAZ-66.
A truck like the Sadko is, naturally, not produced in the same configuration for the army or for national economic needs, where the requirements are different and the operating conditions are sometimes strikingly different. For example, the ground clearance of an army version is 335 mm, while that of a civilian version reaches only 315. But professionals know what it’s like to have two extra centimeters of ground clearance! The “tenacity” of the car on the road surface with different conditions is also surprising. The diesel version of the Sadko allows it to “climb” uphill slopes of 31 degrees.
Suspension
The Shishigi frame biaxial base was taken as the basis, but it was significantly redesigned and strengthened. The extension under the hood has already been mentioned. But the basic configuration of the GAZ-66 was at one time designed for a load capacity of 2000+500 kg (as a reserve). For the Sadko, especially in its NEXT variety, this reserve was increased by another half a ton, which brought the total carrying capacity of the vehicle to 3 tons.
About
Technical equipment of GAZ 3308
As noted above, the van fully complies with all international standards and is in no way inferior to Western military equipment. The Jaeger can easily cover long distances in any weather conditions and feel comfortable off-road. By the way, thanks to military tests and constant modernization, the car is not afraid of many obstacles, including fallen trees, or even shallow swamps.
Today, there are three options for installing a motor: diesel, Minsk or Yaroslavl production, and gasoline from the Zavolzhsky plant. It is worth noting that the gasoline engine is best combined with the GAZ 3308 model, and most customers prefer it.
The petrol version consists of eight cylinders and has a carburetor type. The power of such a machine is 122 horsepower and can easily climb various heights. True, there are also two opinions here, since many customers complain about poor load capacity when fully loaded. But, as a rule, if used correctly, there should not be any special problems with movement. If we talk about diesel, engines based on it have even less power.
Be sure to read: Technical characteristics of MAZ-53366
The built-in carburetor is equipped with two chambers. Thanks to the liquid heater, the temperature of the mixture is at an acceptable temperature and does not overheat. Also, air is constantly monitored and circulated inside the system, helping to maintain an acceptable temperature.
The truck is widely used both for military operations and for transporting any cargo.
An additional advantage of the van is the original suspension structure, which allows you to drive on soft ground and not be afraid of dirt. As for the drive, it acts simultaneously on two axes. For example, the total volume of the diesel model is 6.3 tons, and the petrol version is slightly less than six. According to experts, this is a fairly large weight indicator for a car of this class.
Touching upon the disadvantages of the truck, it is necessary to say about the high ground clearance, which often causes braking. On the Jaeger, drivers can easily climb hills at an incline of no more than 31 degrees and drive through watery terrain up to one meter deep. By the way, it is not recommended to transport cargo with a volume of more than 2000 kg on a truck!
Once again touching on the technical characteristics of the GAZ 33081, it is worth mentioning the excellent alarm system, including sound, which helps maintain communication between the body and the main cabin.
Modifications "Sadko"
"Taiga" GAZ-33081
It has a comfortable cabin with a sleeping compartment. It is used mainly in Siberia, in hard-to-reach places in off-road conditions. It can be equipped with all types of equipment that may be required in the repair of power lines, in geological exploration, and in logging.
"Sadko" GAZ-33081-50
An onboard version of the truck, created specifically for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
"Jager-2" GAZ-3308/33081
In most cases, it is available with a two-row cab. “Eager-2” is most often used as a shift vehicle, and “Eger” with attached special vehicles and equipment (cranes, hoists, electrical kits, drills, fire extinguishing equipment, etc.) The body can be equipped according to the orders of the Federal Penitentiary Service with the “paddy wagon” option, as well as interested organizations order special bodies for transporting explosives or especially dangerous substances.
"Countryman" GAZ-33086
It is equipped with dual rear wheels, which increased the vehicle’s load capacity to 4 tons.
"Vepr" GAZ-33081
A military vehicle with an all-metal body created on the Sadko platform. It has a unique engine in its class, which allows the vehicle to be operated at an altitude of up to 4 and a half kilometers above sea level. The operating temperature range for using the car is from minus 50 to plus 50⁰С.
The main use is in the Ministry of Emergency Situations and law enforcement agencies.
Application
The GAZ-3308 “Sadko” all-terrain vehicle has replaced the “shishiga” in the army and is used to deliver personnel and military cargo. Closed vans of the “kung” type can be installed on the chassis base, designed to accommodate equipment or as staff vehicles. The onboard army GAZ-3308 is used to tow 120 mm 2B16 “Nona-K” guns and transport crews.
Civilian vehicles are used as trucks to deliver goods off-road. The cars are in demand as shift vehicles. A number of fire trucks have been created on the basis of the GAZ-3308, which are used to fight fires in remote areas. An example of a fire engine is the ATs-1.0-30 tanker truck.
It is possible to produce special vans upon request. An example of a car of this type is the GAZ-3308 “Taiga”.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
"Minuses":
- Let's start with the shortcomings, one of which (although not critical) is the outdated design of the cabin and all external contours... unless, of course, this indicator is important to the customer.
- Comfort may be inferior to similar models from the European auto industry.
- The ergonomics of the seats also leaves much to be desired - during long flights, both the passenger and the driver (if a special seat has not been purchased for him) begin to look for a more comfortable seat.
- The “weight-carrying capacity-power” ratio is far from ideal.
- In addition, in the difficult 90s. He relied on small-scale production, with corresponding conveyor capacities - which caused the rise in price of products. And this, in turn, hinders price competitiveness; the car turns out to be unnecessarily expensive.
"Pros":
- The “4x4” wheel arrangement, which ensured excellent cross-country ability, is why the vehicle has a reputation as an all-terrain vehicle. The survivability of the vehicle is associated with its high ground clearance and the system for maintaining tire pressure in a critical situation (for some models).
- Maintainability, as well as the possibility of interchangeability of spare parts from all extensive GAZ modifications of this series.
- Huge operating temperature range. Allowing the machine to operate both in the continental climate of Siberia in winter, and on the southern borders of the country in the conditions of the steppe, semi-deserts and deserts.
- Fuel consumption is average, which makes the car economical. The motor complies with European emission standards.
- Easily overcomes water obstacles with a depth of up to 1 meter.
- With average vehicle dimensions of length 6250 mm, width 2340 mm, height 2570 mm and wheelbase 3770 mm, the turning radius along the axis is 11 meters, that is, less than two lengths. The front wheel track is 1820 mm, and the rear wheel track is 1770.
- Fuel consumption when driving at an average speed of 40 km/h on off-road will be about 13 liters, at 60 km/h – 17 liters per 100 km.
Specifications
The table shows comparative technical characteristics of the most common GAZ trucks with all-wheel drive.
| GAZ-3308 | GAZ-66 | GAZ-33086 | |
| Curb weight, kg | 3710 | 3610 | 4000 |
| Total weight, kg | 5950 | 5940 | 8150 |
| Load capacity, kg | 2000 | 2000 | 4105 |
| Passenger capacity, persons | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Length, mm | 6250 | 5806 | 6430 |
| Width, mm | 2340 | 2322 | 2340 |
| Height, mm | 2780 | 2520 | 2520 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 315 | 315 | 265 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 13,5…17 | 20 | 14…16 |
The overall dimensions of the GAZ-3308 allow the vehicles to be placed in pairs on a standard railway platform.
All-terrain vehicles are secured with straps placed behind the front towing eyes and behind the rear part of the frame.
Technical characteristics of GAZ 33081
Wheel formula 4X4, self-locking wheel function is provided. A unique tire inflation system allows you to continue driving even after being hit by a bullet. This equipment was developed specifically for use in the army and for the work of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Until now, the car is in great demand among these law enforcement agencies. Its design can be a salvation for the crew - if it hits an anti-personnel mine, the engine protects the interior and people have a great chance of surviving.
Sadko is used for transporting cargo, military equipment, towing trailers and other vehicles. Its body can be equipped to transport people - provide lighting and install longitudinal side seats.
Vehicle specifications:
