The IFA-V50L flatbed truck transports 5.22 tons of cargo at a speed of 90 km/h. The car is equipped with a 125-horsepower diesel engine and consumes about 16 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Dr. Gerhard Tietze, Commissioner of the Automotive Industry Administration of the German Democratic Republic, talks about trucks that have been delivered to the Soviet Union since last year. On the roads of many regions Soviet Union last year, two new trucks with a cab over the engine appeared - a flatbed truck and a dump truck. These are IFA vehicles of the V50L and V50L/K models built in the German Democratic Republic. Since these cars are little known to Soviet motorists, we want to tell the readers of the magazine at least in general terms about them. Trucks IFA produces a car factory in Ludwigsfelde, not far from the capital of the republic - Berlin. He produced his first products - five-ton trucks - in July 1965 *. Today manufacturing program national enterprise - 22 thousand cars a year, representing about forty modifications of the base model V50L. The plant is designed to satisfy the national economy of the GDR with a large number of vehicles for various purposes, widely unified with each other. This greatly simplifies the organization of maintenance and the supply of spare parts. Part of the plant's products is exported to other countries. In addition to the basic model (V50L), a modification with an extended chassis (V50L / Sp), with an isothermal body (V50L / IKB), refrigerated (V50L / IKST) and furniture (VbOL / M) vans, a truck with a hydraulic crane for self-loading ( V50LSH), dump trucks with one (V60L/K) and two (V50LA/K) driving axles, truck tractor(V50L / S), aerial platform (V50L / U), garbage truck (V50L / LK), as well as sweeper (V50L / RK), fecal (V50L / F), fire (V50L / DL, V50L / LF, V50LA / TLF) cars. All cars of the IFA-B50 family are equipped with four-cylinder (6560 cm3) diesel engines with direct injection fuel. At 2300 rpm, such a diesel engine develops 125 hp. With. The maximum torque is 43 kgm at 1350 rpm. From the engine it is transmitted to five-speed box gears in which the second, third, fourth and fifth gears are synchronized. The box is made not in a block with the engine, but separately from it. This somewhat unusual design offers certain advantages during installation and dismantling. This principle is convenient for the use of a transfer case (for modifications with all-wheel drive), as well as for connecting various additional units and their drives. Among other features of the IFA-V50 gearbox, it should be noted the location of all shafts in a horizontal (rather than vertical) plane, the presence of four shaft supports (most often they are made by two or three) and a horizontal crankcase connector. The rear axle of the truck is also peculiar - the axle shafts are not located inside the axle beam, but outside. The presence of gearboxes at the wheel hubs made it possible to reduce the dimensions of the final drive gearbox and thus provide increased (up to 300 mm) ground clearance. At the same time, the torque transmitted through the axle shafts has decreased. Most of the modifications of the base-. See "Driving". 1966, No. 9. The IFA-V50L / K dump truck with three-way unloading, unified with the V50L truck, is designed for 4.4 tons of cargo and develops a speed of 76 km / h.30

After the end of World War II, Germany was divided into four zones of occupation. In the territories occupied by the allies of the USSR, which eventually turned into the Federal Republic of Germany (Federal Republic of Germany), they began to build a liberal market economy. In the Soviet zone of occupation, later called the GDR (German Democratic Republic), naturally, preference was given to planned centralized management ...

The Soviet Germans got quite a lot of enterprises, both large and small. Some were badly damaged by fighting and bombing, others less so. But many components and assemblies were supplied to their conveyors by specialized manufacturers, such as, for example, the giants Bosch and ZF, which ended up on the other side of the Iron Curtain. And now everything had to be released on their own.

Of course, all enterprises were promptly nationalized by 1947. From automobiles, Industrie Fahrzeuge Automobile was formed - the Association for the Production of Automobiles (abbreviated as IFA), subordinate to a single leadership. Now in the name of each of the plants that were part of the IFA, three additional letters appeared - VEB (abbreviation Volkseigener Betrieb - "People's Enterprise"). Quite quickly, both slightly modified pre-war models and new items began to roll off the assembly lines. Among which, of course, there were cars - all-terrain vehicles, which at first went into service with the People's Police and an analogue of the internal troops of the GDR, and then, from 1956, with the National People's Army (NVA).

IFA P1 EMW 325/3. The first post-war SUV of the GDR, created on the basis of nodes and
units of the passenger car EMW 340 (developed at the former BMW plant).
A total of 161 copies were produced in 1952.

ON THE LETTER "P"
If we do not consider various prototypes and simplified versions of army passenger cars (kubelwagens), then the first passenger SUV of the GDR was the P1 (aka EMW 325/3), whose small-scale production was established at the former BMW factories in 1952. Under the hood was an in-line six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a power of 55 hp. With.

The next model, P2M, was already created by the engineers of the former Horch plant, but was produced at the Barkas plant from 1953 to 1956. The all-terrain vehicle was equipped with a 2.4-liter in-line "six" with a capacity of 65 hp. With. and accelerated to 95 km / h. Due to torsion independent suspension on the trailing arms it had a solid ground clearance of 300 mm. On the basis of this all-terrain vehicle, P2S amphibians were built.

The last East German light SUV was the P3 (1961-1966), produced first by VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau (former Horch) and then by VEB Industriewerke Ludwigsfelde (former Daimler-Benz subsidiary). The car was with the same engine as its predecessor, but boosted to 75 hp. with., with a different suspension - a completely independent torsion bar, in front on triangular wishbones and with a clearance that has grown by another 30 mm.

IFA P3.
The most massive and most perfect of the East German
SUVs. (1961-1966)

STRONG AS OAK
In 1949, the nationalized firm Phänomen resumed production of the Granit 1500, renaming it "27". Under the hood was a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 50 hp. With. Feature of this engine air cooling- four cylinders arranged in a row. It is curious that the engineers of the plant did not recognize other designs until the closure of the enterprise in 1991.

In 1951, an all-wheel drive modification appeared. Moreover, some of the Granit received an open passenger body. In 1953, it was replaced by the Garant 30 model, which was offered with two three-liter engines: a diesel engine with a capacity of 52 liters. With. and petrol in 55 l. With. (both at 2600 rpm).

In 1957 Phänomen was renamed VEB Robur-Werken Zittau. Translated from the German Robur - "oak". This, apparently, was supposed to hint at the strength and reliability of the car. For some time, a modernized Granit was produced under the new brand, until in 1961 Robur of the LD / LO series appeared with a payload capacity of 2-2.6 tons with a non-folding cab above the engine. Like its predecessor, the cabover Robur was produced in two versions. The first - with a diesel engine with a working volume of 4 liters and a power of 68 liters. With. at 2600 rpm. Second - with gasoline engine(3345 cm3, 75 hp). Speed ​​- 75-80 km / h. After the reunification of Germany, the car received a Deutz diesel engine with a capacity of 73 liters. with., of course, air cooling. But she was released for a short time.

Robur means "oak".
This model was produced without any changes in appearance for exactly 30 years.

FAMILIAR STRANGER
Because light truck models as well as cars associations acquired their own names during the 50s, the abbreviation IFA became strongly associated with medium trucks and received the status trademark. At the same time, there were many rear-wheel drive models. But there are only three all-wheel drive.

The first was the IFA G5 (1954-1964), adopted by the NVA. The three-axle "five" was distinguished by a six-cylinder diesel engine with a volume of 9 liters and a power of 120 hp. With. and could accelerate to 60 km / h. The carrying capacity corresponded to the number in the title. The truck was produced by the Ernst Grube enterprise in the city of Werdau in two versions: with a folding windshield and canvas awning and with a closed cab.

Then, in 1965, the G5 was replaced by the familiar to many with Soviet childhood IFA W50L with a loading capacity of 5 tons. The letter W in the name meant the place of development - Werdau (the plant itself was later redesigned for the production of trailers). And the letter L is the place where the car was produced, the city of Ludwigsfelde (Ludwigsfelde). For the sake of the new truck, even the P3 SUV had to be discontinued.

In 1957 Phänomen ("Phenomenon") was renamed VEB Robur-Werken Zittau

The new IFA W50L quickly acquired all-wheel drive versions: W50LA and W50LA / A (allrad - "four-wheel drive", armee - "army"). The design of the car was both conservative and modern. A conservative element is a non-folding cab with a late 50s design. And the modern one was the chassis with a pneumohydraulic dual-circuit brake system, a pneumatic drive of the parking brake and a rear differential lock. In this case, the axle shafts were taken out of the beam rear axle and transmitted torque through wheel gears. "Army men" were additionally equipped with a central tire inflation system.

Eternal IFA. Models L60 (top) and W50LA (bottom) were produced from 1965 to 1991

Initially, IFA received a four-cylinder vortex-chamber diesel engine with a working volume of 6560 cm3 and a power of 110 hp. With. In 1967, it was replaced by a more advanced direct injection engine with the same displacement. Power has grown to 125 liters. With. at 2300 rpm. The speed at the same time ranged from 70 to 90 km / h, depending on the transmission. With subsequent upgrades, the engine acquired an engine brake with a pneumatic drive and a system for shutting off half of the cylinders at low speeds. Gearbox - five-speed. All-wheel drive versions were equipped with power steering.

The car was actively exported, and the lion's share went to the USSR. However, all-terrain trucks with a plug-in front axle were almost never supplied to the Soviet Union. At the same time, the IFA W50 LA and LA / A, for example, were actively used by the Iraqi army in the first Gulf War in 1990. Most of these cars burned down in the desert...

nosy.
The G5 off-road truck was first adopted by the NVA

In 1971, a prototype was built with a 6 × 6 wheel arrangement and a 180-horsepower six-cylinder diesel engine. But he never got into the series. A base model lasted without any changes until 1987, when it was replaced by the IFA L60.

"Sixty" was distinguished by a new six-cylinder diesel engine (9160 cm3, 180 hp), a four-speed gearbox with a divider, constant all-wheel drive with a central differential lock and an updated cab, which now leaned forward. In 1991, the car was discontinued as obsolete. Instead, the new - the old owner of the Daimler-Benz enterprise - launched the production of light trucks.

Multicar mini-trucks managed to serve both in NVA (model M25),
and in the Bundeswehr (Mungo). He even fought in Afghanistan

Bigger and more powerful.
Multicar M26, produced in the 90s of the last century, featured a new
front design, larger wheels and IVECO engine

DIESEL ANT
The only car factory that benefited from German reunification was VEB Waltershausen, better known as Multicar. He started in 1951 with a simple self-propelled truck DK3 Dieselameise (literally - "diesel ant"). Then, in 1958, the bogie grew into a humble DK4 microtruck, which received its own name - Multicar. In the form in which it was remembered by Soviet citizens, Multicar began to be produced only in 1974. And the M25 model was supplied to the USSR (1978-1992). She, despite her miniature size (length 3.7 meters), could transfer 2 tons and was optionally equipped with all-wheel drive. A small diesel engine (1997 cm3, 45 hp. Speed ​​​​- 50 km / h) was hiding under the reclining cab.

The Multicar 25 was something like a miniature Unimog. It was used by public utilities with pleasure, because due to its small size and excellent maneuverability, the 25th could drive almost everywhere. There were no analogues in Germany, so production was continued. In 1993, a modernized M26 appeared with a 90 hp Iveco diesel engine. s., then it was time for the M27 model and the heavier Fumo and Tremo. And for the Bundeswehr in 2005 they even released an armored Mungo.

Sometimes the past comes back to us. On the roads, especially far from big cities, you can find a German-made IFA Multicar. GDR, is a manufacturing country of a small, compact truck with diesel unit. We are interested in the IFA Multicar car for a reason. We want to find out the possibilities of the "long-liver", technical characteristics. Find out the basic requirements for a trailer. Read the reviews of the owners and find out the possibility of acquiring it at the moment.

General information

german car IFA Multicar photo, which is in the article, has already left the conveyor of the IFA Multicar company. At the peak of his fame, about 10,000 trucks came out of the factory assembly line per month. Almost 100,000 units. Before the start of the Olympic Games, which were held in the USSR, 20,000 units of German equipment were brought in, which to this day works and is found on our roads despite the retirement age.

At that time, the IFA Multicar 25 was equipped with a compact two-seat cab with an excellent control panel. Compact, maneuverable, he could squeeze into any lane or street of the city, village. The turning radius was only 5 (five) meters.

German truck IFA Multicar characteristics , which we are about to consider, was designed on a station wagon platform, where it was possible to install equipment different type. The versatility of the model is evidenced by 20 (twenty) variants of its execution. The IFA Multicar truck, the cost of which is posted on the Web, was produced as a van, a bulldozer.

A crane was often installed on it. Used as a dump truck. IFA Multicar, the price of the photo, which is available in sufficient quantities on the Internet, was equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel power unit with 45 selected German horses. Now about this in more detail.

IFA Multicar 25 car, truck modifications

The technique in question was produced in only two versions:

1. Truck model M 2501.
2. Compact small truck M 25L 02.

It should be noted that there were practically no differences. Design, wheelbase and power unit like twin brothers. The only thing that distinguished them was the cargo platform. For the IFA Multicar model M 2501, thick sheet steel was chosen as a platform. This made it easier to repair work. She dismantled very quickly. The IFA Multicar car had one feature: a simplified procedure for loading and unloading various cargoes. This was possible thanks to the simple and quick opening of the rear and side walls. At the same time, the design of the fastening of the sides was simple, reliable and thoughtful.

Unlike the M 2501 model, the M 25L 02 model has a higher board. This is their fundamental difference.

We deliberately do not focus on the exterior and interior of the truck, believing that this part of the equipment is of no interest today. For those interested in " interior decoration» cabin designed for two passengers, we recommend that you search for videos on the Internet.

Specifications IFA Multicar 25

The IFA Multicar, which we are reviewing, was equipped with a small four-cylinder diesel power unit with a capacity of 45 l / forces. For the baby, this was quite enough, because his weight was 1750 kg. Naturally, the use of diesel fuel as a fuel made it economical.

Close ties between the two states and a well-established supply chain of spare parts ensured their stable price. Made the repair work a seamless process. Multicar lineup , which we are considering, consumed only 8 liters of fuel per 100 km with a combined cycle. Speed ​​capabilities were limited to the figure on the speedometer 50 km / h.

Dimensions:

• length - 4240 mm;
• width - 1850 mm;
• height - 2000 mm.

Judging by the data, the truck could easily fit in any garage. Dimensional data give reason to talk about its compactness and maneuverability. Especially when it comes to moving around the city.

It is forbidden at air temperature below 0 0 C to start the engine at increased speed. A gradual warm-up of the power unit is required. Failure to do so may result in damage or failure of the bearings.

The IFA Multicar characteristics we are talking about were very hardy and easily endured increased loads. The German comrades seem to have created it for our roads. "Khodovka" was simply not killed. IFA Multicar model of the photo, which is posted on the World Wide Web, is equipped with a trailer, with a clearance of 26 cm.

Such a distance from the ground made it easy to move along country and dirt roads, overcome pits and potholes. IFA Multicar model photo, which is on the Internet, was shod in standard 13-inch wheels. If necessary, increase ground clearance used larger wheels.

The IFA Multicar trailer model M 2501 in question could take on board up to 1200 kg of various cargo. The trailer was especially appreciated by the rural population, collective farms, farms and small industries.

Service of the universal truck

Although, in the repair and maintenance of equipment does not cause inconvenience, you need to know and follow certain rules. Check and give Special attention those nodes and mechanisms that most often fail.

Such nodes include steering, truck electrician. Level control brake fluid and technical oil in the power unit. Compliance with the rules of constant monitoring and verification can significantly extend the operation of the car.

Nuances of operation

The versatility of the German truck lies in its versatility. It can become a reliable assistant when cleaning snow in winter. In autumn, it can be used to clean up fallen leaves. He was involved in the repair work of the roadway. Used for road cleaning.

trailer requirements

The use of a special trailer allows you to transport oversized cargo. There are certain parameters and rules for the operation and transportation of goods. More than 800 kg cannot be placed on a single axle trailer. Multi-axle can withstand up to 2400 kg.

It is forbidden to transport cargo in a trailer with an empty body.

Transportation of cargo is allowed at a ratio of 50/50 of the filled body in relation to tow hitch.

IFA Multicar owner reviews

The opinions of the owners are unambiguous. It is not a ghost that roams our roads. The legendary truck of the German assembly of the last century is moving along them even now. There are many ads on the Internet for the sale of this technique. If there is supply, then there is demand. When selling IFA Multicar, the price of the photo is laid out without fail. You can see in what condition, at least outwardly, the proposed truck is. In the Russian Federation there official dealer, which is engaged in the supply and sale of this equipment. Now the IFA Multicar lineup will be represented by the M27 and M31 variant. This means that we will see this equipment on our routes and in cities for a long time to come.

Advantages and disadvantages of ultra compact technology

The IFA Multicar, which we will announce soon, had a number of positive properties:

• small maintenance costs;
• ease of repair and ease of maintenance;
• maneuverability.

Disadvantages of the model:

• the low speed that the truck could develop - 50 km / h;
• Today there is a shortage of spare parts.

Price

After reviewing the ads for the sale of used equipment, you can draw certain conclusions. The car is exhibited and sold. average price is $2,500 in the post-Soviet space. We are talking about transport from 2000 to 5000 km in normal condition. Year of manufacture 1985. Diesel power unit, manual transmission.

In custody

The extravagant-looking truck of the last century reminds us what quality is. After all, today it is found on our roads. Carries out the transportation of goods, it is operated mainly in rural areas and small provincial cities. However, it works. Although with spare parts every year it becomes more and more difficult for German trucks to be in demand and sold. Buyers are attracted by the low price and economy of technology. The possibility of transporting various kinds of goods, including on roads with problematic coverage.

IFA W50L at home in the GDR did not do anything: a dump truck, a manipulator, a van for cargo transportation, but fire trucks were especially common - power and traction, coupled with running characteristics perfect for this job.

Of modern drivers, few can clearly talk about the cabover IFA W50 van. However, drivers of the 70s and 80s remember this unprepossessing, boxy truck very well. Moreover, until now, on the Internet, you can find ads for the sale of a long-discontinued truck. Together with the brand of the car, the manufacturing country itself has sunk into oblivion.

IFA W50 car: historical digression

15 years have passed since the release last truck off the assembly line - a long time. The car itself regularly went out for a quarter of a century, starting in 1965 and 1990. During this time, 571,800 cars saw the light and were able to demonstrate their performance. Many of them worked on the territory of the Soviet Union. And its history began with the Second World War.

Or rather, from the end. The post-war period is the time of creation and restoration of the destroyed economy and industry. When, if not at this time, to engage in the development of transport? One of the clearest examples of this approach is the countryman IFA 50w,.

The history of the Ifa W50 began at the factory in Ludwigsfeld. Before the war, this plant was owned by the Daimler-Benz company, and at the end of the war, Germany was divided and the plant came under the control of the GDR authorities. The needs of the market at that time were simple: a convenient and simple five-ton truck with good cross-country ability was required. Developments new car began at the plant in the city of Werdau on the basis of the already produced Sachsenring S4000 van, carrying about 4 tons.

One of the many versions of the IFA W50 - the cabin is doubled and it can fit a whole team of workers

This is how the W50 prototype was born. The plant in Ludwigsfelde at that time (since 1960) produced W45. However, the series by that time had already ceased to be relevant. W50 was supposed to become the receiver of the W45 model, while from the S4000 he received a vortex chamber diesel engine for 4 cylinders and 110 hp

Especially for the new truck, the power was increased from 90 hp. The car was tested in two versions: with rear and all-wheel drive. The model was rated as promising and a decision was made to start mass production. For production, a new plant had to be rebuilt, at which new five-ton trucks were released.

Years of release IFA w50: the formation of the lineup

The correct spelling of the truck name is W50. The "W" stands for Werdau, where the car was built and tested. The letter "L" added at the end indicates the origin - the manufacturer. Over time, the abbreviation IFA began to be added to the car, as the car was actively exported and the abbreviation for the Industrial Association of Automotive Manufacturers of the GDR (Industrieverband Fahrzeugbau) helped to navigate the origin of the truck.

The number in the title indicates the carrying capacity, but not in kilograms, but in centners. New IFA immediately received mass distribution and recognition. There were several reasons for this. Firstly, the cabin located above the engine looked unusual and curious.

True, during the operation it turned out that it was not folding, which means that the repair causes a lot of inconvenience. Secondly, due to such a cabin, the dimensions were reduced, while the length of the loading platform was convenient for loading. Thirdly, at that time it was a fairly powerful five-tonner. The first versions of the truck had the following technical parameters:

• cabover design with a double cab;
• Diesel engine with water cooling;
• Engine torque - 422 Nm already at 1500 rpm;
• Dependent, spring suspension;
• Clearance - 300 mm;
• Brake system: hydraulic, drum brakes;
• The turning radius is only 7.1 meters.

Some details of the truck can be seen in the video clip dedicated to one of the modifications:

And even though the car turned out to be not very economical (consumption up to 25 liters per 100 km / h), it turned out to be quite frisky. Max Speed, developed by IFA w50 was 83 km / h. The car quickly spread throughout the countries of the so-called "socialist camp", and also got to other continents, Africa and exotic countries. In the USSR, he had to give battle to such proven trucks as the four-ton GAZ-53 and the five-ton ZIL-103.

Compactness, greater reliability, maneuverability and relatively low fuel consumption allowed the IFA to take the lead. And the review of the W50L was better and better due to the cab layout. The car entered the export market in two versions: the main W50L (base 3200mm) - flatbed truck. No less popular was the W50L/K three-way dump truck.

Also offered were trailers manufactured by the same IFA - HW60.11, for using the truck as a road train. All wheel drive versions isothermal vans, auto repair shops and chassis based on the 50th were less common in the Union, although they were also produced in the GDR. In the GDR itself, these vans were most popular as fire service vehicles. According to the common German tradition, cars of this kind were converted into auto-motors.

IFA W50 specifications and vehicle upgrades

The first changes were not long in coming and they affected, first of all, the internal systems of the truck. The engine was dispersed to 125 "horses", increased the volume. The direct fuel injection system and the engine itself were manufactured under license from MAN. In addition, the power unit received a motor brake.

When the gas pedal was thrown off, a special damper was opened, blocking the exhaust. Thus, braking occurred due to the diesel engine. Soviet drivers fully appreciated the opportunity to save on brake pads and took advantage of slippery road and in difficult, mountainous terrain. There was also an opportunity to save on fuel.

At low speeds, only two of the four cylinders were provided, which made it possible to reduce the overall consumption. However, vibrations from engine operation in this mode were more strongly felt in the cabin. The transmission was mechanical box gears, having a synchronizer from the second to the fifth gear. Separately, it is worth mentioning the design of the rear axle.

Fans of dirt and off-road will certainly appreciate this modification of the IFA W50 - for many, having such a “horse” is a dream.

There was also a military version of the truck. What was its difference from the civilian one, it is difficult to say now. Perhaps this is a round hatch design (on ordinary vans it was square). We can definitely say that the air intake was in the zone windshield and not under the cab. Be that as it may, the IFA W50L was in service with the Iraqi army during a military operation in the Persian Gulf in 1991.

Due to the presence of final drives in the design, the designers managed to achieve a 300-mm ground clearance. The torque applied to the axle shaft was reduced, and the tubular beam took on additional loads. Knowing about the harsh Russian climate, it was optionally proposed to include a center differential lock in the package. Since the 70s, changes have also affected the suspension.

Spring dependent suspension added transverse stabilizers and depreciation of the telescopic type. Owners of all-wheel drive versions had the opportunity to install power steering. In 1973, updates touched the steering mechanism. The brake system had at that time a pneumatic output and a brake pedal booster.

Truck IFA w50: end of production

The reliability and quality of the truck has never been disputed - relatively rare upgrades speak of this. In addition, there were dozens of models for various purposes regularly rolled off the assembly line all these 25 years. Be that as it may, the IFA W50L by the beginning of the 80s began to inevitably lose relevance, retreating before the novelties that spawned like mushrooms after rain. By that time, the manufacturer had prepared the next generation of IFA.

The cabin and interior of the IFA W50 are simple, but at the same time convenient: the landing is high, and the visibility is better than many trucks of that time.

Soviet motorists no longer found new truck but have heard about it. The IFA w50 was replaced by the updated IFA 60L. The difference between these cars is directly evident. All minor flaws were taken into account: the cabin became folding and now accommodated three passengers.

The working power increased: the 9-liter engine developed 180 hp. and worked in tandem with an updated 4-speed gearbox with a synchronizer. The carrying capacity has also increased to 6 tons. And the car would live happily ever after ... But the course of history that launched the IFA W50L and its descendant also inexorably ended their release. In 1990, Germany reunified, the GDR ceased to exist, the plant again became owned by Daimler-Benz. IFA W50 and 60L seemed unprofitable to German specialists and production was discontinued.

In the period from October 13 to November 5, 1969, the Gorky Automobile Plant conducted operational tests of the IFA dump trucks in comparison with the GAZ-53B dump truck.

Tests of dump trucks manufactured by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) were carried out in order to determine and evaluate the performance in the transportation of various agricultural goods, to determine the feasibility of using IFA dump trucks for the transportation of agricultural goods in the middle zone of the European part of the USSR.

Standard 4x4 and 4x2 dump trucks were tested. The IFA W50 LA/Z all-wheel drive dump truck was designed only for the transport of agricultural goods. The IFA W50 LA / K 4x2 dump truck could carry both agricultural and construction goods.

Dump trucks were operated in the Voronezh region for the export of sugar beets, then in the Gorky region, where various agricultural goods were transported at the Doskino state farm.

The IFA W50 dump trucks arrived without a driver's tool, the W50 LA/Z without mirrors, and the W50 LA/K did not have a sun visor or windshield washer reservoir.

The production of five-ton trucks IFA W50 L was started in July 1965 in Ludwigsfelde. Trucks had 4-cylinder diesel engines 125 hp at 2300 rpm. The dump truck base was 3200 mm, length - 5820 mm. The IFA company also produced trucks with a wheelbase of 3700 mm.

The W50 LA/Z dump truck had a load capacity of 4,700 kg, while the W50 L/K had a load capacity of 4,880 kg. Saransk dump truck with gasoline engine 115 hp had a base half a meter larger (3700 mm), and a length of 550 mm (6370 mm), but could only carry 3500 kg, that is, more than 1.39 times less than the W50 L / K, and 1.34 times than W50 LA/Z.

Diesel dump trucks, despite the large mass, turned out to be much more economical than gasoline Saransk. On the highway, the W50 LA / Z consumed 27 liters per 100 km, the W50 L / K - 21, and the GAZ-53B - 31 liters. Operating costs amounted to 42 respectively; 38 and 60 liters. That is, per ton / kilometer, the W50 L / K dump truck was almost twice as efficient without taking into account the cost of fuel. The efficiency of the W50 dump trucks in operation should actually have been even higher, since they were designed to work with trailers and were equipped with hitch European sample.

At the same time, high vibration and noise of the IFA W50 engine, felt in the cab, as well as inability to work in winter conditions. To insulate the engine, heaters were sewn onto the radiator lining. However, at temperatures below -15 ° C, the engines did not warm up to operating temperature.

The IFA W50 LA/Z truck was equipped with transfer case controlled by one lever - when turned on low gear turned on at the same time front axle. The speed of the car was reduced from 75 to 40 km/h. The all-wheel drive truck was distinguished by a rigid suspension. It did not provide for the installation of a spare wheel. On its wheels were installed wide-profile tires measuring 16x20. The W50 LA/Z was fitted with regular 8.25-20 tires.

The large cabin of the IFA W50 looked unusual. Switch lever that controls the direction indicators, signaling high beam and turning on the signal, was found to be convenient. Drivers noted comfortable seatbacks, the ability to adjust horizontally and height, as well as the backrest tilt. When hauling dump trucks from Gorky to Voronezh and then back, as well as during operation, the driver’s back got less tired than when working on a GAZ-53B car. 16 drivers, including test drivers, took part in evaluating the qualities of the cabin and the vehicle as a whole. Drivers noted the high dynamic qualities and good adaptability of the IFA W50 engine, easy and comfortable steering (4x4 cars had power steering), low brake pedal effort ( hydraulic brakes equipped with pneumatic booster). The parking brake acted on the rear wheels. In addition, if there is compressed air in the receiver when using parking brake the service brakes of all four wheels were activated, which ensured reliable braking of the car.

No less significant relief for the driver of the dump truck were automatically opening sides, as well as automatic shaking of the body in the upper position to separate the packed load of the IFA W50 LA / Z dump truck. At GAZ-53B, all these operations were done manually.

At the construction dump truck IFA W50 L / K 4x2, only the tailgate was automatically opened and closed during rear unloading. When lateral unloading, the sides were opened manually. The loading height of the W50 L / K and GAZ-53B bodies was the same - 1360 mm, while the W50 LA / Z was 100 mm higher -1460 mm. The bodies of the IFA dump trucks were wider, but shorter (2350x3000 mm versus 2160x3738 mm).

The designers of the Gorky Automobile Plant under the leadership of A. Prosvirin came to the conclusion that IFA W50 dump trucks cannot be recommended for the transportation of agricultural goods in the central zone of the European part of the USSR.

It is not known how the designers of the automobile plant were commissioned to conduct operational tests of agricultural trucks. By that time, at the suggestion of the All-Union Association Soyuzselkhoztekhnika, a 4x4 dump truck NAMI-072C with three-way unloading for agricultural purposes with a carrying capacity of 4.3 tons (road trains - 9 tons) was created on the NAMI-072 chassis. The NAMI dump truck was equipped with a ZMZ-41 engine with a power of 140 hp and a speed of 87.5 km/h. The Solnechnogorsk Machine Testing Station of the USSR Ministry of Agriculture (Central Machine Testing Station - TsMIS) tested this vehicle. In 1968, the dump truck received a diploma of the 1st degree of the All-Union Competition for the best work on unification and aggregation in mechanical engineering. The design of the dump truck used the GAZ-66 cab, the body and dump equipment of the MMZ-554 dump truck.

A serious drawback of the IFA W50 cars was, perhaps, the vibration inherent in all diesel engines. In 1970 and early 1971, IFA experts approached NAMI for advice on vibration issues. automotive engines. In the second half of the year, at the initiative of the GDR, a contract was signed to carry out computational and experimental work to select new suspension for engines trucks IFA W-50. By this time, IFA W50 trucks had already begun to arrive in the USSR.

The calculation work included the determination of the natural vibrations of the engine with 15 suspension options, random vibrations under the influence of road bumps, as well as laboratory road tests. A large amount of computational work was carried out on the computer "Minsk-22M" L.M. Minkin (department of computer technology - OBT). The analysis of six-coupled oscillations of the engine was carried out with the help of L.V. Korchemny.

Based on the calculations carried out, two experimental options were recommended for testing on vehicles. In October, at the test site, together with specialists from the GDR, an experimental evaluation of the engine suspension began with the participation of the instrument operator V. Sidorov and test driver I. Ulanichev. The measurement results obtained from the magnetographs developed by specialists of the GDR were processed on the Dnepr computer. The conducted research allowed to reduce the level of vibration. In 1973, IFA released the W50 car with an upgraded engine. Cars were produced until 1990, 571.8 thousand units were produced.