ZIL-Sides VMA-30 - the most beautiful fire truck of the USSR

When you look at this car, you don’t want to believe that an ordinary ZIL-131 is hiding under such a beautiful appearance. But speaking in technical terms, this is a “carriage-mounted fire truck tank”. Work began back in 1973, and then the ZIL-130 was taken as the basis. The first car turned out to be beautiful in appearance (Soviet designers tried), but in technical terms, somehow not very good. However, it was still shown at one of the international exhibitions, where it attracted the attention of the French.


The result was the joint development of the Soviet Vneshtechnika and Sides. When creating a fire truck, foreigners tried to adhere to the exterior design concept that they liked.


However, the “stuffing” was made out according to French ideas (it was classified as VMA-30). They decided to put the chassis from ZIL-131.

What is unusual and unusual in the design

There were a lot of Soviet ideas in the car. For example, swing doors and a low floor, like a bus. Through them, firefighters could instantly leave the car, when compared with getting out of the cab. The calculation was located in two compartments on opposite sides of the frame, which passed through the center. It also had a separate place for the fireman, who was in charge of the double-barreled gun. From it water was supplied with foam.

Equipment

The most unusual thing for Soviet firefighters is the presence of a unit equipped with low and high pressure pumps. The latter was located between the compartments for the fighters and had fairly free access. With the help of this unit, as those who happened to serve on the VMA-30 recall, it was possible to “finish off” up to the 24th floor. However, more often, smoky garbage heaps were extinguished by means of a high-pressure pump.


Another positive point is the placement of equipment. If on the Soviet “pozharki” it is in uncomfortable boxes, then here it is behind curtain doors, which was a curiosity. The roof is flat, made of stainless steel. Obviously, it was supposed that they would put out a fire from it (a staircase leads upstairs). However, it is possible to fall off a wet surface. Under the roof is a cistern, at the bottom of which there is a heating element. With its help, water and foam are heated in winter.


For firefighters, uncomfortable hard plastic seats are provided. But, as a rule, it is usually not long to go to the place of the fire. Secondly, after extinguishing, the uniforms of the fighters are heavily soiled, and it is easier to wash the plastic surface than any other.

Cabin

It is spacious and primarily distinguished by ergonomics. The gearshift handle is nearby, it’s also easier to reach the “handbrake” than in the ZIL-131. The control levers for extinguishing equipment are also at hand, next to the side. Under the steering wheel is a convenient foreign switch. Devices on the panel - foreign production. The exception was the pressure gauge and speedometer. Above each light bulb, “round” there is a sign: you can’t confuse anything! Under the feet of the right passenger (the crew commander should be there) is a niche for a radio station.

Why didn't you go into the series?

This had its drawbacks. For example, problems with maintenance and spare parts, many of which were made abroad. The second point is a weak engine. Although it could be replaced by YaMZ-236.


And no one forbade transferring the entire body to KAMAZ: at least try it. Another drawback is the dimensions exceeding the ZIL-131. In small yards filled with cars, it is difficult to turn around.

The fate of the VMA-30

At first, the car “served” in the capital, where it proudly showed off at the 80 Olympics, attending the most important events and demonstrating the modernity of the Soviet fire system. Then, until the 90s, the car was in Leningrad (Moskovsky district). Over time, an overhaul of the engine was required. Like, what's wrong with that? The motor is "Zilovsky". However, it was located inside and for some reason they could not or did not want to pull it out. Therefore, they decided to simply write off the car, why suffer?


Didn't the French foresee the upcoming "capital"? Of course they did! The motor was removed through the roof, where there was a special hatch. It's good that there was a person who bought a rare car and kept it. Today, the car has been restored, on the move and is a unique exhibit, reminiscent of the potential of Soviet constructors and designers.