Zvezda 1:43 Soviet military off-road vehicle UAZ-469

The first UAZ-469 rolled off the assembly line of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant on December 15, 1972. This all-wheel-drive vehicle with increased off-road capability was produced for over 39 years and was actively used in both military and civilian service. From the mid-1970s, the UAZ-469 became the main command vehicle in the Soviet Army, as well as in the Warsaw Pact countries. It was supplied to Cuba, Vietnam, and African countries. The vehicle could carry up to seven people, including the driver, or up to 600 kg of cargo. The UAZ-469 could also tow a trailer weighing 850 kg.Removable canvas awning protected passengers from bad weather. If necessary, the awning could be removed, and the windshield folded onto the hood. This significantly reduced the height of the vehicle, allowing it to be transported by air, inside a helicopter or airplane. In August 1974, three standard UAZ-469B vehicles, as part of a test drive, ascended Mount Elbrus to a height of 4200 meters above sea level in just 38 minutes.