MAZ-535

MAZ-535 is a family of heavy four-axle (8x8) tractor trucks developed between 1954 and 1959 by the Special Design Bureau of the Minsk Automobile Plant under the direction of B. L. Shaposhnik. From 1958 to 1961, they were produced at the Minsk plant, and from 1961, production was transferred to the Kurgan Wheel Tractor Plant, where they were manufactured until 1964, when they were replaced by the more powerful MAZ-537 family of tractors. The design of the MAZ-535 featured several distinctive technical solutions, including: a trough-shaped frame with Z-shaped side members, independent suspension of all single-wheel drive wheels, bogey-type axle arrangement, steerable wheels of the front bogey, central tire inflation system, hydromechanical transmission, inter-axle and inter-wheel self-locking differentials, all-metal four-seat cabin, power steering, pneumatic-hydraulic brake system, as well as a third headlight with infrared illumination in the center of the cabin for use with night vision devices. MAZ-535 tractors were widely used in the Strategic Rocket Forces of the Reserve of the Supreme High Command for transporting ballistic missiles. It was in this role that the vehicle was often seen during numerous military parades on Red Square. On the MAZ-535B chassis, prototype launchers for the tactical missiles "Onega" and "Ladoga" were developed. The MAZ-535V towed launchers for the short-range missile complex "Temp" and unmanned aircraft Tu-121 and Tu-123 (DBR "Yastreb-1").