Source: Reddit
The sad state of the Russian Federation's inability to adequately supply front line troops with logistical vehicles has seen the deployment of mules to some units but more often than not, Russian troops commandeer whatever they can find that has wheels. Case in point is this vehicle, a civilian GAZ-69 taken into service by a Russian unit and fitted out with a crude anti-drone metal screen arrangement. Development of the GAZ-69 began in 1946 and after trials and acceptance, production of the GAZ-69 commenced in 1953. It remained in production until 1972.
The 2.4-ton GAZ-49 is powered by a modified M-20 straight-4 engine that was used in the GAZ-20 “Pobeda” (“Victory”) passenger car. Developing 55 horsepower, the M-20 is mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. The maximum road speed is 55 miles per hour. The GAZ-69 has two fuel tanks with a 12 gallon tank underneath the floor and as one can see in the photograph, the other is a 7 gallon tank under the passenger seat. On average, the GAZ-69 consumes around 3.7 gallons for every 62 miles so a maximum cruise range is somewhere in the vicinity of 325 miles.
The GAZ-69 is not armored and besides the front driver and passenger seats, there are two folding benches in the back for a total seating capacity of six passengers. One of the folding benches can just be seen behind the passenger seat. There would be a passenger and driver side door but neither is present on this vehicle. It is a good possibility that the doors were removed to allow the crew to quickly evacuate the vehicle in case of attack. The side mirrors are not of the type used on the GAZ-69 nor does the GAZ-69 have a roll bar. These were added on by the unit whom this vehicle belongs to.
Other features of the GAZ-69 include spring suspension with double-acting shock absorbers, single-plate dry clutch, drum brakes, canvas top, and canvas upper sides (which would be on the doors). There is also a heater but it only works when the vehicle is in motion.
