The motorized rifle formation of the combined arms army of the Eastern Military District in Transbaikalia held the first drills in the new training period to drive two-section GAZ-3344-20 Aleut snow-and-swamp-going vehicles, the district said. The vehicles operated properly in Transbaikalia frost.
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All-terrain vehicles GAZ-3344-20 "Aleut" parts of the Eastern Military District at the parade in Khabarovsk, May 9, 2021 (Picture source: Russian MoD)
In 2012, top.war.ru recalls, the Zavolzhsky plant of tracked tractors (part of the GAZ Group) began production of the multipurpose snow and swamp-going vehicle GAZ-3344, intended for a wide range of potential customers. Later, the Russian Ministry of Defense opened the Korobochka development project, the purpose of which was to create a vehicle for army units operating in regions with a harsh climate and difficult terrain. To participate in the "Korobochka", ZZGT modified the original design of the GAZ-3344, as a result of which the GAZ-3344-20 "Aleut" transporter appeared. The design, the composition of the units and the equipment of this vehicle are determined taking into account the needs of the armed forces.
By the mid-2010s, new samples were made in metal and went out for testing. The manufacturer and the Ministry of Defense carried out a full cycle of various checks, including in future regions of operation. So, since 2017, GAZ-3344-20, along with other promising models, repeatedly took part in Arctic races and other similar events. According to the results of all tests, in 2017, the Aleut received a recommendation for acceptance for the supply of the armed forces. Soon, the army officially accepted it, and placed the first order for mass production. At the beginning of 2018, the first batch of equipment entered the armed forces.
GAZ-3344-20 "Aleut" is amphibious, like its original western predecessors and current equivalents (Picture source: Russian MoD)
The GAZ-3344-20 is a typical two-link tracked (unarmored) transporter. Some changes were made related to the peculiarities of operation in the army. In particular, in the military modification, units of mainly domestic production are used. "Aleut" is divided into two module links. The front link is designated as a power module. It has a separate cab for 5 people, including the driver. The power plant is placed behind the habitable compartment in its own casing. The rear link is made in the form of a transformable passenger module. Its habitable compartment can accommodate up to 15 people. Both cabins received sound and thermal insulation, as well as autonomous heaters.
The main task of the army GAZ-3344-20 is the transportation of personnel in difficult terrain. A relatively comfortable overnight stay is also provided. At the same time, it is possible to re-equip the rear module, as a result of which the snow and swamp vehicle becomes a specialized machine. The transporter can be turned into a command post, an ambulance, etc. The cargo module has a 2,500 kg payload capacity.
The all-terrain vehicle for the army is equipped with a YMZ-53402-10 diesel engine of Yaroslavl production developing 190 hp, associated with an automatic transmission. The original transmission provides power transmission to the drive shafts of both links. One shaft from the transfer case goes into the nose of the front link, the other goes through the joint and drives the rear tracks. Removable shoes are available for driving on hard surfaces. Specific ground pressure is on average 0,2-0,21 kg/cm XNUMX. The two modules are connected by a hydraulic articulation unit. This device provides controlled mutual movement of links in two axes.
The Aleut can carry light weapons. In the roof of the front module, there is a hatch, in front of which there is a pivot mount for a machine gun of normal caliber.
All-terrain vehicles GAZ-3344-20 "Aleut" can carry light weapons (Picture source: Russian MoD)
