I have decided to write an article about a heavy truck Tatra 813. More exactly, it is an 8 x 8 version, so it has all eight wheels gearing. Tatra 813 8 x 8 is also called 'Kolos' (Colossus).
Tatra 813 is a product of the Czechoslovak factories. The production began in 1967, the last pieces left the factory line in 1982. This heavy truck was developed instead of the previous version Tatra 815. T 813 has been made for the military purposes. This model was invented for the technical level increase, performance and economic efficiency. During the constructing this Tatra, the most sophisticated technologies were used and world trends were applied. For instance: use of the wide-profiled tyres, cab forward design and many more. Tatra 138 and Tatra 111 are the ancestors of the T 813, so it has inherited some of their features. T 813's basic model is the 8 x 8 Kolos version and models 6 x 6 and 4 x 4 were created from it. 11,751 pieces were made.
The body frame of Tatra 813 8 x 8 consists of the chassis that is formed by the central supporting tube. It is created by several important parts. In the front, there is a first steerable front axle, next is an interaxis differential gear. It continues with second steerable front axle, additional transmission, interaxis differential gear. The chassis continues by the first rear axle, interaxis differential gear and second rear axle. So, the front axles are steerable, the rear are not. As I have already noticed, all four axles are in constant mesh. The axles are also sprung by the semi-eliptic lengthwise suspension springs. The whole chassis contains 7 frontal differentials. The drive unit is a four-cycle diesel multi-engine with the direct injection with 12 cylinders, cylinder capacity 17 640 cm3 and maximum power of 250 hp / 2000 rpm. The maximum possible speed is about 80 km/h, fuel consumption of the truck is 42 l/ 100 km, fuel tanks capacity 500 l (2 x 250 l). The engine bonnet is set between the driver and front passangers seats. There are 6 passenger seats plus driver´s seat in the cabin. The giant like this Kolos cannot miss a winch. It is 100 m long and can tow 20 000 kg heavy objects. On the firm roadway, T 813 can tow one or more trailers with the total weight of 100 000 kg! In the terrain, the vehicle can tow “just“ 15 000 kg. Tatra 813 8 x 8 Kolos includes a feature for tyre pressure regulating during driving. I have to notice that Tatra is a standard drop-side truck with a platform body.
The use and purpose of Tatra 813 8 x 8 Kolos is really wide. Its construction as a heavy trailers towing unit allows to execute extremely difficult works as well as on the road as on terrain. T 813 can be equipped by the pontoon bridge launcher, dump trucks, cranes, etc. Its chassis was used for the M1972 multiple rocket launcher.
The concept unique of the Tatra 813 chassis lies in unbelievable variability allowing usage of this machine practically on any terrain and under any conditions. There are decades of various add-on units adapting the vehicle for executing many activities. In the past, this Czechoslovak truck was exported to several countries (India, East Germany, etc.) and it is still much used by the Czech and Slovak army, in the present. And I have to notice also the sport version of this Tatra which you can see in the pictures.
I have not chosen Tatra 813 as a topic of this article by chance. I am writing about this vehicle because I am impressed by the CSLA (Ceskoslovenska ludova armada = Czechoslovak People's Army) Tatra 813 made by MAA and his CSLA Studio team from OFP Tiscali. They have created 813 8 x 8 Kolos, opened Tatra 813 8 x 8 Kolos and Tatra 815 6 x 6 VVN. In the upcoming civil pack, we will see a civilian and fire-fighting version of T 815 6 x 6.
