Tatra 138

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Tatra 138
GCBA 6,6 32 Tatra 138 Karosa from Muzeum Ratownictwa during "Straz pozarna wczoraj i dzis" exhibition on Jezioranskiego square in Krakow 1.jpg
Tatra 138 firetruck
Overview
Manufacturer Tatra
Production1959-1971
Body and chassis
Class Heavy truck
Body style Conventional
Powertrain
Engine V8 T 928
Transmission 5-speed manual + 2-speed auxiliary gearbox
Chronology
Predecessor Tatra 111
Successor Tatra 148

The Tatra 138 was a truck produced in Czechoslovakia by the Tatra company. Known as the immediate successor to the Tatra 111, the model introduced a number of new features while continuing the evolution of Tatra concept. The truck was produced from 1959 to 1971.

Contents

History

The decision to replace the Tatra 111 was made in 1952 as part of a central state planning economy, where Tatra Kopřivnice was to produce 7 to 10 ton utility trucks. In 1956 at II. At the Czechoslovak Machinery Expo in Brno, Tatra exhibited 2 new models, the T137 and T138. Both vehicles had up to 70% of parts in common across the range. New design features were introduced, such as improvement in driver environment and usability e.g. hydraulic power steering, a compressed air assisted clutch and electro-pneumatic auxiliary gearbox gear selection.

Design and technology

The design was of central backbone tube construction with modular power train concept in 4×4, 4×2, 6×6, 6×4 and 6×2 configuration. Version 4×2, 6×4, and 6×2 were produced in very low quantity. The main advantages of central load carrying backbone tube are in its high torsion and bend strength protecting truck body against load stresses. The secondary advantage is that it houses all important parts of the drive train. In addition, it enables a concept of modular construction where designers and customers can specify 4- or 6-wheel drive and various length and wheelbase combinations.

Engine

T 928
Overview
Manufacturer Tatra
Layout
Configuration 75° V8
Displacement 11.8 L; 717.8 cu in (11,762 cc)
Cylinder bore 120 mm (4.7 in)
Piston stroke 130 mm (5.1 in)
Cylinder block material Cast iron
Cylinder head material Aluminium alloy
Valvetrain OHV
Compression ratio 16.5:1
Combustion
Fuel system Direct injection
Fuel type Diesel
Cooling system Air-cooled
Output
Power output 132.5 kW (178 hp) @ 2000 rpm
Torque output 720 N⋅m (531 ft⋅lbf) @ 1200 rpm
Dimensions
Dry weight 595 kg (1,312 lb)

The engine was located ahead of the front axle. It featured an air-cooled V8 75° with dry sump design and a new featured thermostat controlled cooling fan by engine oil temperature via hydraulic clutch drive to reduce noise and fuel consumption. The engine was also used in the OT-64 APC.

Chassis

Central backbone tube, front and rear axles with independent swing half axles. The front suspension by torque arms (torsion bars) and hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear suspension by longitudinal half elliptic leaf springs. Front axle drive selectable on demand, differential locks electro-pneumatically controlled via dash switches.

Transmission

Brakes

Bodywork

T138 CAS firefighting vehicle T138 fire1.jpg
T138 CAS firefighting vehicle

All steel cab construction with various body builder equipment such as tippers, flatbeds, concrete mixers, tankers, cranes, excavators and firefighting. The vehicle had a top speed of 72 km/h (45 mph), capable of water crossing depth 800 mm (31 in), with maximum payload of 12,000 kg (26,500 lb) and could tow trailers up to 15,000 kg (33,100 lb) GCM.

Production

Total production exceeded 45,900 units. The Tatra T138 was exported to the USSR, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, France, Austria, Yugoslavia and the Netherlands.

Primary variants

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