Tatra 813

The Tatra 813 was developed by the Czechoslovakian manufacturer in the 1960s, production beginning in 1968, and continuing until 1982. The T813 was superceded by the T815.

Most T813s went to eastern bloc armies, and all military versions have a central tyre inflation system and a 20-ton winch. A dozer blade can be fitted to the front. Pictured is Bruce Curtis' truck, now in the USA [12/'00].

This is the standard T813 drop-side truck. Special versions include a pontoon bridge launcher, a scissor bridge layer, dump trucks, cranes and a prime mover. The chassis was used for the M1972 multiple rocket launcher.

There are also 6x6 and 4x4 versions of the truck.

The cab has seating for the driver and six crew; it is pressurized. The bulge of the engine cover can be seen between the driver and front passenger seats.

The Tatra shares the backbone construction and swing axle suspension with hub reduction gearing of the Pinzgauer - same designer!

• Tatra 813 8x8
• drop-side truck, 1+6-seats, 4-doors
• loa: 8.75m, width: 2.5m, height: 2.7m (cab)
• weight: 14,000kg (unladen), GVM: 22,000kg, towing: to 100,000kg (braked!)

• Tatra T930 air-cooled, 17.64L, diesel, V12
• (later T813-12 19L 310hp multi-fuel engine)
• transmission: (5 fwd + rev manual) x (2 overdrive) x (2 transfer case), differential locks, hub reduction gearing 5.75:1 overall axle gear ratio
• top speed: 80km/h (50mph)
• suspension: indep' by swing axles, brakes: air
• tyres: 15x21 CTIS, fuel-tank: 520L
• winch: 20,000kg, 354ft of 7/8" steel cable, forward or rearward winching
• electrical system: 24V

Go to the Tatra and military vehicle pages