ZIS-6

The ZIS-6 (ЗИС-6) is a Soviet general-purpose 6×4 army cargo truck, a three-axle version of the ZIS-5 two-axle truck. Prototypes occurred in 1931, serial production started in 1933, lasted until October 1941 at the Moscow Zavod imeni Stalina factory and reached a total production of 21,239. It had a payload capacity of 4000 kg and 2500 kg 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 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.

Specification

 * 6×4, 3-axle 2,5-ton (4-ton - highway)
 * ZIS-5 based truck
 * Bore/Stroke: 101.6/114.3 mm
 * Tyres: 34 x