KamAZ-5350 explained

Manufacturer:Kamaz
Production:2003-present
Assembly:Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia
Class:Rough terrain truck
Layout:All-wheel drive
Predecessor:KamAZ-43118 (indirectly)
Successor:KamAZ-53501
Motor:eight-cylinder diesel engine
Powerout:191 - 206 kW
Weight:6 - 7,3 tonnes
Type:General utility truck

The KamAZ-5350 (Russian: КамАЗ-5350), also known as "Mustang" (Russian: Мустанг) is a six-wheel drive truck produced by Kamaz in Naberezhnye Chelny. The vehicle has been in production since 2003 and is also designed for military applications. With the KamAZ-53501, there is a version with a slightly lower payload.

Besides the KamAZ-5350 with its three axles, there is also the KamAZ-4350 with two axles and the KamAZ-6350 with four axles. These vehicles are all part of the "Mustang" family of vehicles, sharing the same cabin and basic chassis design.[1]

History

The general utility truck is a development of the older KamAZ-4310, which has been used since the early 1980s. It was officially accepted into military service with the Russian Ground Forces in 2002. In 2003, small-scale production of the truck started.[2]

The standard KamAZ-5350 has a payload capacity of 6,000 kg and has the ability to tow trailers or artillery pieces. Different modules have been designed to be fitted to the truck for different purposes. Additional armor can be fitted to the cabin to increase protection for the crew inside. The cabin can seat three people and has a sleeping berth.

The vehicle is powered by a KamAZ-740.13.260 turbocharged diesel engine, providing 250 horsepower. It is equipped with a cold weather starting device which is effective at temperatures down to -50 °C. The truck is fitted with a central tyre inflation system.

Variants

Operational history

The KamAZ-5350-379 was used by Russian forces in an armoured personnel carrier role in Syria. One of the variants used was fitted with the MM-501 modular armoured compartment for passengers with eight firing ports and two roof hatches.

Various KamAZ 5350 variants have been used in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As of the 25th of June 2024, Russian forces have lost at least:[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: КамАЗ-5350 "Мустанг" . 2023-07-06 . русская-сила.рф . ru.
  2. Web site: KamAZ-5350 General Utility Truck . 2023-07-06 . www.militarytoday.com.
  3. Web site: Grad-K Multiple Launch Rocket System MilitaryToday.com . 2023-07-07 . www.militarytoday.com.
  4. Web site: Oryx . Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine . 2024-06-25 . Oryx.