The high local authorities praised the car, promised to find investors. Moreover, the second, not less interesting car - "Stils" (m2). Alas, and him, and "Roxane" was destined to remain only prototypes ... But designers and testes of the Riga bus factory were calculated that their minibus and at the beginning of the twentieth century would be modern.
Back in the mid-1980s, when a huge country lived with restructuring hopes, on Rafa, the modernization of the model 2203 was on the raf. grabbed. The durability of the suspension, steering, the brakes was very low. By the way, despite the two hydraulovers (one in each contour), were also ineffective.
Riga designers who have conceived "tighten" RAF-2203 to an acceptable level, found a like-minded person in us - an ardent supporter front drive Vladimir Andreevich Mironova. It created a simple and reliable suspension with the guide apparatus of two inserted one into another pipes and shock absorbers, resting the upper ends in the body - a certain simplified similarity of Mac-Fersson. There were no suitable racks in the USSR, but especially for a relatively small minibus plant, no one would produce them. Pendant designed by Mironov in us, Riga designers called McMiron.
Mironov, together with the chief designer of Rafa, Ivan Stepanovich Danquis conceived and root modernization of the brakes. On the minibus installed two "Nivov" caliper on each front wheel and vacuum, instead of hydrovacuum, amplifier. Designed a new trauma-safe steering shaft. In parallel, the design "Rafa" was refreshing: new grille appeared, the glass of the front doors, the mirrors. Tests of 1986 showed that not only reliability improved, but also the handling of the car.
The most "little" was to convince the plant management and, most importantly, Maintoprom to allocate considerable funds for modernization. Riga saved as they could. The suspension was decided to do themselves - in Jelgava they planned for this shop. So far, the decision in the top matured, in 1989, two modernized RAF-22038-30 was sent to the mileage to Vladivostok. Machines (one of them passed before the long journey of state tests) returned to Riga almost without complaints. But the series managed to launch only version 22038-02 with an old suspension. As very often happened in those years - "while" ...
And the country has already begun the time of unprecedented hopes and grand projects. What is there modernization of a model of almost 20 years ago? New, first in the USSR selected by the team (remember this?) Rafa Director Viktor Davydovich Bossert proclaimed: We will do the CHI century car! Which of the designers and designers would not respond to such a call. The Bossert initiated a All-Union Competition, patronized by the Komsomol Pravda, on the design of a minibus. Participated specialists of several Soviet factories, but they won their, Riga. No travelers: they were just more "in the subject."
Initially planned the machine with the front actuator, but still stopped on the classic layout. Such a car was easier to bring to the conveyor, relying on the components manufactured in the USSR. On the prototype M1 with the design of Riganina Vladimir Vasilyeva, there was an injection engine ZMZ-406 - the most modern in the union at that time, the rack "Mac-Fersson" from the promising representative's "Volga" GAZ 3105, a five-speed gearbox UAZ. The steering rack and the amplifier for the prototype had to be borrowed from Ford. In the 1990th minibus, a little similar (but not a copy of it!) On Transit, made the first flight near NTC Raf on Dutz Street in Riga.
Prototype trusted to the British company IAD, which has already cooperated with us and UAZ in the creation of a semi-trial truck (SP, 2003, No. 1). The British had a great job, bringing to the mind of the body and the interior of Roxani and taking a lot of Riga. By the way, the car has acquired the car just at this time. But Danquis and Mironov have already promoted another project - the car with a shortened "nose" and, after all, the front-wheel drive. The end of the 1980s is the maximum time!
The RAF-M2 project led the deputy chief designer Roman Popov. The design was developed in us, the layout was done on the promise, with which Rafa had good ties. The motor on the "Stils" collected in 1993 was all the same - ZMZ-406. The front suspension is duct, because high racks in a bad car were not placed. The rear suspension on the design resembled Moskvich 2141. Riga dreamed of pneumatic, but they understood that this is not close to tomorrow. The steering on the prototype again delivered imported - from Mercedes-Benz.
Road tests failed. Testers, like other specialists, one after another left the plant, life on which, as in many other enterprises of the USSR, slowly sighed. However, the Body of Stylis was tested for strength and vibration resistance at a still working Riga car-building. The car, or rather, the body, as engineers say, turned out to be "honest" - showed good results.
The designers still hoped to bring the car at least to small-scale production. We went to the factories of the former USSR, trying to find suppliers of electrical equipment, gearboxes, glasses. To begin with, planned to produce "Styls" in the shop of small series, along with trucks and specials on the basis of RAF-22038.
The minibus was taken by exhibitions. The press and, of course, "behind the wheel" did not go through his attention, praised for the advanced design. But it was not destined to become at least a petrolery car. To make it entirely in Latvia - absolute utopia, and foreign, after the collapse of the USSR, the developments in the former fraternal republics nobody was interested. In Russia, also began to produce Gazelle.
Now this is the story. After all, the years have passed "after Rafa", everyone has changed very much. But, looking at the miracle, "Roxana" and "Styls", who involuntarily think: But the creators of these machines were right - they and at the beginning of the twentieth century do not look dinosaurs.
The dynamics of modern standards is modest. Seventy five horse power The engine for a thousand seven hundred with nuts of kilograms of the exhaust mass is not much at all. But in the sixties it was enough. Some European analogs have been loose more. And now Raf, even if it is not fast, you can take it to quite sufficient for urban speeds. We just need not to forget that the brakes are not at all modern here: drum and without amplifier. Of course, they try, as they can restrain the car, but it is not necessary to put pressure on the pedal, and the slowdown is still not the god of the news.
Roured also requires skills. Even on a straight rate at 50 km / h, "Rafik" begins to swim a little, demanding constant infringement. By the way, the car can rather confidently can go and at a speed of 100-110 km / h, but such a pace is not a rustling of the 977th Rafa.
In rapid turns, the high minibus is noticeably cubed, but the stroke is soft. In general, in the 1960s, and in the early 1970s, the comfortable RAF-977 was undoubtedly the best Soviet serial nurse and a car, quite comparable in many of the parameters with imported analogues.
Latvija from Latvia
Minibuses of UAZ and RAF, including in the sanitation, appeared in the country almost simultaneously. Such machines doctors were very necessary. After all, until the end of the 1950s, the main sanitarian was the Paz-653 - a booth on the chassis of the GAZ-51 truck, as well as the ZIS-110. The car on the chassis cargo was spacious, but very shaking. ZIS and winters went softly, but the doctors were closely in them: you can carry the patient, but you will not find serious help on the road, and you will not place the necessary equipment. In addition, the cost of sanitaries on the basis of a large expensive sedan, especially a governmental melk-sector limousine, was very high.UAZ was performed primarily for rural areas and at first in very small quantities. So the main urban machine for hospitalization of patients was RAF. In the early 1960s, the challenges, however, began to leave and fast on the basis, but they are again less comfortable for physicians.
It was small, and it is not too great. By the way, the cars collected were drowning on the stands with wheels and pushed along the rails - a shaped hand conveyor. Before the construction of a new plant in Jelgava, there were still almost two decades, so the natives and minibuses on the units of the 21st Volga did only a small Riga plant. In order not to reduce their production, the release of vans was transferred to Yerevan.
The first samples of medical machines were made from 1958 on the basis of RAF-977B. In the large series in 1962, the sanitary raf-977 was launched - this is a modification of the RAF-977D minibus. After modernization in 1968, who touched the main body (it was once again strengthened, the side windows changed), the medical machine received the index RAF-977. The car on which I managed to ride exactly such.
Foreign analogs |
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| Volkswagen T2, 1967-1979. Engines: gasoline, 48 hp, later - from 67 to 71 hp Volkswagen T2, 1967-1979. Engines: gasoline, 48 hp, later - from 67 to 71 hp | RENAULT ESTAFETTE, version 1968-1980. Engine with a capacity of 43 hp RENAULT ESTAFETTE, version 1968-1980. Engine with a capacity of 43 hp | Ford Transit. (second generation), 1965-1978. Engines: gasoline, power 75-83 hp, as well as diesel in 70 hp Ford Transit (second generation), 1965-1978. Engines: gasoline, power 75-83 hp, as well as diesel in 70 hp |
Cabinet number 977.
Of course, the suspension from the Volga worked on a heavy car at the limit of possibilities (especially the front), but the course of "Rafa" is very soft. And this, believe me, is important and those who are taken, and those who are lucky. At one time I experienced a sanitary gazelle, and then an imported minibus. Difference, I share you, huge! And the raf in the smoothness of the stroke is about in the middle between them, and certainly more comfortable gazelles with a rigid cargo suspension.
The doctor here, of course, is much more convenient than in the 22nd Volga, - Mésta plenty. The sanitary "rafiki" was very different from each other with a complete set, but in any case, the medical compartment was accompanied by everything necessary and possible equipment in those years, including an artificial respiratory unit. In this sense, the car was quite modern. He would have a high roof ... the first similar soviet cars appeared on the basis next model - RAF-2203, and even at first only Finnish production.
How many lives saved such rafs, no one knows. They diligently worked in all corners of the Union, in large and small cities. Of course, Raf, especially the sanitary worked during the day and night almost without breaks, demanded constant attention. The details of the already remembered Volgovsky suspension and steering, not the most durable and durable was carrying the body. However separate cars served in the early 1980s, when a completely new, powerful and quite modern at that time, the Yelgava plant was already far from the first year released a new model.The sanitary 977th was shot in dozens, and even in hundreds of Soviet films - in drams, detectives, household stories from medical life. Thanks to this, the connoisseurs of the Soviet retro today can learn how such cars looked and were staffed. By the way, this RAF, on which we went to the challenge today (of course, fictional), participates in filming, helping more accurately recreate the long-stayed era. In general, a car in good health and is ready for this work. We assume that it is not retired, but simply in stock.
COLLEAGUESSectional doctors at home calls in the USSR took all models on Muscovites, starting with the "four hundred." Simultaneously with RAF-977, several other domestic models worked in the ambulance service. |
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| GAZ-22D, 1962-1970. Sanitary Volga could carry a lying patient and two passengers sitting next to him. A similar gas-24-03 car came to the change of this model, created on the basis of the GAZ-24-02 universal. GAZ-22D, 1962-1970. Sanitary Volga could carry a lying patient and two passengers sitting next to him. A similar gas-24-03 car came to the change of this model, created on the basis of the GAZ-24-02 universal. | ||
"Rafik 2203" is the favorite of many car enthusiasts, he also causes nostalgic notes in their souls. And even now, when this model has long been no in production, this minibus remains a valuable rare instance for retro and antiquity lovers.
Shoust and maneuverable raf-2203
RAF model 2203 was produced in Riga from 1976 to 1987. It was intended for various purposes. Most often, this vehicle was used as a route car, emergency care carriage and simply as civil and service cars.
The layout of the minibus RAF-2203 is the car. His salon consists of 2 compartments:
- Front compartment, where the driver's place is located and one place for the passenger.
- The rear compartment, equipped with nine passenger seats, followed by a luggage space.
I must say that the minibus RAF-2203 reviews are exceptionally positive. People who had a chance to work on this "raffika" do not hide their delights about the named vehicle. According to them, the car is magnificent, high-speed, hardy and economical. In addition, highly appreciated good assembly, excellent maneuverability and wiriness when turning and reversal of this obedient in the management of the car.
Motor - the heart of any car
The RAF-2203 engine with a carburetor fuel supply, which was equipped with a minibus, worked on gasoline. For this model used the engine from GAZ-24. He was located in front and operated rear wheels. The engine had a row layout, 4 cylinder and 8 valves. Actually, I must say that this model has been equipped with two types of engines:
- ZMZ 2401;
- ZMZ 402-10.
The fact that the second engine was more powerful was the only difference between them. However, there was another distinctive nuance - the first engine worked on gasoline AI-76, and the second - on AI-93.
The mechanical 4-speed transmission of the minibus has synchronizers on all front-wheel transmissions, which increased the service life of the Rafa gearbox.
The car could develop the speed, which was one hundred and twenty - one hundred and thirty kilometers per hour.
Body and pendant minibus
Body RAF-2203 - carrier, all-metal. The car has 4 single doors:
- 2 of them - right - are intended for landing of passengers;
- the door on the left is intended for the driver;
- the rear door opens access to the luggage space.
Pressure minibus suspension with shock absorbers, and as for brake system "Rafa", it is performed on the system of drum brakes installed on all four wheels of the machine. If necessary, make repairs RAF-2203 could be on many domestic one hundred.
Production - Latvia
The very first serial models of minibuses RAF-2203, whose photo you can see in this article, moved from the assembly line of the new Latvian auto plant in December 1975. And the next year a green street was opened for them mass production. A year later, a separate modification was also in a conveyor - RAF-22031 ambulance coach.
When modifying the car as a minibus, its capacity allowed to carry out transportation to eleven people in a row. Due to this, and other other RAF-2203 qualities were widespread throughout the USSR. After the collapse of the country into separate states, these minibuses were ousted with new models, in particular the Gazelle car. But individual specimens are still preserved in some countries of the former union.
Some technical specifications of the car
Technical data and dimensions of RAF-2203 are as follows:
- In length, the car reaches 4 m 980 cm, in width - 2 m 035 cm, and the height of the machine is 1 m 970 cm.
- Kalo front wheels "Rafa" - 1 m 474 cm, the rear track - 1 m 420 cm.
- Mass of a minibus with equipment - 1670 kg.
- His full mass - 2710 kg.
- Engine carburetor, 4-cylinder, ZMZ 2203 / 2.445 l.
- Number of places - 11, plus driving.
- The brake path at a speed of 60 km / h is 25.8 m.
- Front Sve is 1 m 200 cm.
- Rear Svez - just 1
- The height of the steps of the car over the level of the road - 40 cm.
- Dry one-piece clutch.
- Mechanical
- Hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Spring front suspension independent on transverse levers.
- Dependent rear suspension on longitudinal semi-elliptic springs.
Features of the minibus Raf
Filmed by all minibuses, which in the people affectionately nicknamed "rafiki", was distinguished by a roundable front bumper without "fangs", windows of the front doors windows, overall white lights on the roof, round rearview mirrors and chrome wheel caps, like the "Volga" gas -21.
Prior to the completion of 1976, the serial minibus RAF-2203 was completed with the original high-equipped round dials. In 1977, the model acquired a new panel with a combination of instruments, tormented by the gas-24 car. At the same time, it was decided to abandon the ventilation hole located under the middle window from the left side.
Reviews of "Rafik"
Let us turn to what people say about RAF-2203. Owners' reviews, as already mentioned above, very good. There are only some small partswhich can be considered a minus, but they are not so significant for general affairs. Representatives of companies, as well as those who acquired raf for business, argue that given the small price of the machine, the payback from it is simply great. This is first, and secondly, an important fact is the lack of spare parts problems. Almost everything that is needed, comes from the Volga car, except body iron.
The little reliable "tank" is so called some car enthusiasts RAF-2203. Owners' reviews most of them are imbued with respect for this auto-worker. Some marked comfortable landing in the car, thanks to which it is possible to get used to it literally in one day. And although the instrument panel is not estimated on the highest score, but most of them found it quite comfortable. High clearance of minibus makes accessible driving
From the negative it is said that in winter with handling a little worse, but again the habit is needed here. A little training for the driver, and the skill will come. As the minus is noted that the position of the engine is ahead, because of which the weight of the minibus is shifted to the front part of it. And, of course, the minus can be attributed big flow Fuel RAF-2203.
Characteristics of the minibus (in what all expressed) do it perfectly suitable for small businesses, since this car is inexpensive and very practical.
Beginning of the model 2203
In the late 1960s, the Latvian auto industry experienced a catastrophic lack of production space. Due to this, satisfy the needs of a large country in minibuses was almost impossible. And because in 1969 they began to build a new plant, which was located 25 km from Riga in the city of Jelgava.
Actually, this giant plant was initially designed and was built under the release of a new minibus model and was equipped with modern equipment at that time. Officially, the production began its work in 1976. It was in the same year that the production of a serial release of a minibus with an index 2203 began.
Mass production
In terms of production, Rafik-2203 minibus has significantly surpassed the predecessor, 977 model. In 1984, in February, the plant released the anniversary hundredsmaking RAF-2203 - and this is just 9 years after the launch of serial production!
In the coming 80s at the factory in Yelgava, approximately 17 thousand minibuses per year were already produced. For this purpose, all old workshops and enterprises of the enterprise in Riga were also involved, but mostly small small-scale car parties were going to them in their special orders. In Riga, there was a design bureau itself, and a special discussion, intended for testing.
Moments of history
The earliest cars RAF have their own distinctive signs, such as farlights from GAZ-24 and the availability of the factory emblem on rear door. The frontier of 1978-1979 was marked by the replacement of optics from the "Volga" with uniform bus repeaters, plus the emblem of the plant was removed from the rear door. Further, almost for 10 years, minibuses were produced precisely in this form without making any significant changes.
Quality mark at the peak of achieved
In 1979, RAF received a state-quality mark for its products. But for some kind of irony, the fate immediately after that the quality of the cars produced every year began to fall. The plant increasingly began to receive claims, complaints and complaints, especially from medical workersEnabled emergency medical equipment. An unpleasant incident happened in February 1986, then the Gradework almost about 13% of new minibuses returned the plant to eliminate detected defects.
Disagreements among the governing link
In the same year in 1986, a public discussion unfold among the management of the plant. A sharply raised topic just touched the reasons for the steady reduction in the quality of the products of the Yelgava Automobile Plan. During the conflict, they came to the decision that to improve the established situation, the plant requires the release of not only new models of minibuses, but also another director.
After the elections held, Victor Bossert became them. In connection with the entire Riga bus factory, there has been significant funds from the country's budget for total technical re-equipment with the requirement to make models, including RAF-2203, specifications have been significantly improved.
Termination of production
After the USSR broke up, the RAF plant, like many other similar industrial Baltic giants, turned out to be doomed. The gap with Russia did not play a production. Because the cycle of production works of the plant demanded supplies from Russia, and it concerned almost all components. At the same time, everything is the same due to the breaking of links with Russia, the market has declined sharply, because of which production had to be reduced to the release of 4-5 thousand cars per year.
Trying to survive and stay afloat, the plant management attempted to expand product range. The production launched a number of new and minibuses of special database based on RAF-2203. In small parties, RAF-2920 vans were issued, RAF-3311 cargo-passenger pickups and other cars. But, unfortunately, such measures for success did not bring, because, in fact, basic model "Rafa-2203" by this time is quite hopelessly outdated.
The production of the sensational "Rafa" closed final
1993 was marked by the beginning of the production of Nizhny Novgorod "Gazelle", as a result of which the Baltic plant, which produces "rafiki", finally lost its largest sales market - Russia. Local, that is, the Baltic citizens, also not particularly showed their interest in products, their preferences were given to used cars from Western Europe.
To help the company could change the basic model, especially since at about the late 80s, the plant created at once 2 modern concepts, it is Roksan and Styls. These models had great hopes. But in order to go to their serial production, the root modernization of the enterprise and significant investments were required. The search for an investor did not succeed, the number of rafikov produced monthly became less, and also grew the debts of the plant.
Moment came when in 1997 the Baltic Plant RAF released its last batch of products, and in the spring of 1998, the enterprise declared bankrupt. This was the history of the most mass minibus in the history of the Soviet Union itself, and the history of the Latvian auto industry was completed with it.
Hi-minibus in Riga began to be engaged shortly after the serial release of RAF-977 began. Already in 1963, Rafa designers were developing a new model, whose body was planned to perform not from traditional metal, but from reinforced glass fiber. Such a direction in those years was quite popular - it is possible to remember both the petrolery, and other experimental models with fiberglass bodies.
Alternative material was selected for several reasons. First, the Chemical Industry of the USSR at that time actively engaged in innovative materials for widespread use - and this meant that fiberglass could also be used in the automotive industry. Secondly, the use of plastic instead of a traditional sheet metal would theoretically make a car not only much easier, but also more durable - after all, from the point of view of corrosion resistance, the plastic body would be "eternal". Finally, such a reception enulged a good saving of steel sheet, which, on the scale of the country, it seemed a very promising option to reduce the cost of production.
However, for a number of reasons, the development of fiberglass as a material for the manufacture of body parts was suspended. The change in the country's leadership meant the revision of priorities and trends - including this and the chemical industry. In addition, experiments with fiberglass showed that this material does not have sufficient mechanical strength and loses metal in the stability of the characteristics.
Two options
After the fiberglass work was finally minimized, the designers returned to a more traditional metal from which the body of the future minibus should have been manufactured. The technical task at the end of the sixties has not yet been specifically formed, but everyone in the Riga bus factory was understood that the car should be based on the aggregate base of the same "twenty-first" Volga. The only limitation is passed: minibus eventually had to get twelve.
In a specially organized competition, two creative groups of factory designers took part, each of which was to build two prototypes of their own design. The prototypes differed only by the "added" digit in the index: Group A. The Arise was built by RAF-982-1, and the team A. Bergs - RAF-982-2.
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The team of the Giazisis tried to escape from the wagon layout to the half-door - about the same scheme was performed newest Ford. TRANSIT Sample 1965. An important difference between such a scheme - the driver and the passenger did not sit "on the wheel", like the first minibus RAF, and behind the front axle (as on modern gazelles). At the same time, the minibus according to the appearance turned out to be rather heavy and obsolete. The effect only intensified by a small area of \u200b\u200bglazing and highly raised lateral line.
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But the option that designed the Bergs group turned out to be completely different. Not retreating from the familiar wagon layout with the location of the driver and passenger over the front axle, the second team was able to create a very unusual outwardly single-visuous car, which, thanks to a large glazing area and a strong slope. windshield It looked unconventional and at the same time very modern.
At the end of the sixties, a member of the Union of Artists of the USSR, Arthur Eiser, RAF-982-2 looked at the same "aliel out of the future" - a minibus, who won his time.
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Indeed, even a foreign car industry at that time did not release cars with such a bold and distinctive appearance. And the most amazing thing that with all the nontriviality of the minibus turned out to be very attractive - harmonious aesthetically and simply beautiful.
The interdepartmental commission of the Mainstoprom at the show of the first copies of each group carefully examined both options and, together with representatives of the Ministry of Health and the specialists, we concluded that a more traditional and usual version of the feature in terms of launching in mass production looks preferable. However, by the next "Watching" in 1971, the Bergs group was able to prepare an improved version of RAF-982-2, having relocated its prototype from the most obvious deficiencies. At the same time, the appearance of the car deliberately slightly "landed", which subsequently had a favorably on the perception of the "Concept".
The "second edition" was made better than the first, and the Commission made his verdict: a car created on the basis of the prototype 982-2 will be produced in Latvia. True, it was first necessary to ... Build a new plant, since the Riga factory in terms of technology and production facilities did not meet the requirements that were laid at the stage of developing a new minibus project. Therefore, the second generation raf should have been released not in Riga himself, but in the neighboring Yelgave, where the construction of a new auto plant soon began.
The future RAF-2203 appeared on the cover of the journal "driving" in 1974, but in 1971 the photography of the prototype flashed on the pages of the publication!
Since at the beginning of the seventies, the automotive industry was on the rise, at the new enterprise, installed the most modern presses, stamping and painting equipment. At this time, in Armenia, it was just actively changing the equipment for production, but the factory in Jelgava was not exceeded by the Yerevan Plant in terms of technology, then in terms of future production was an order of magnitude higher, in one moment becoming the largest manufacturer of minibuses in the USSR.
But at the time of starting the construction of a new auto plant in Latvia, work on the minibus itself was not yet completed. For the finishing of the new design, specialists from us were connected, whose task was to make the car "the most" technical characteristics, reliability and even competitiveness in foreign markets. Finally, it was necessary to cover the entire range of modifications, because the future minibus was to master the mass of professions and appear in a wide variety of hypostatas. Unlike the previous rafts and already mentioned Erazov, the minibus of the new generation also had to become the most massive car of this type - and this means that the technology of its production, and the design was to "hide" under this important nuance.
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In the process of finishing, the minibus was far away from his prototype - the first version of Bergs with an index 982-2 is guessed in the serial RAF-2203, but not more than that.
At the same time, during the development of a new model and a conveyance cycle, the Rafa appeared a new "donor of the aggregates" - in the bitter instead of the familiar and already outdated GAZ-21, the release of a more modern Volga GAZ-24 began. Of course, for the Latvian new items decided to use the nodes and units "Twenty-four" - good, structurally differed from the components of the predecessor not so much so that it requires major changes in the design or layout of the minibus.
New "Rafik"
Compared to RAF-977D, the second-generation minibus has become not only modern externally, but also more comfortable. Thanks to other proportions, the car has noticeably reduced the center of gravity, which has favorably affected the ravings and, as a result, manageability and sustainability. The safety of RAF-2203 answered a more modern two-door brake actuator system, and convenient separate seats for all passengers appeared in the cabin; Metal interior elements covered with soft linings.
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Interesting detail: new minibus I got my own ... The emblem, consisting of a stylized silhouette of a car, in which the Latin "entered" the factory abbreviation RAF. Therefore, some Soviet citizens at first were confident that this minibus was manufactured "abroad", and the effective design of the novelty only strengthened such an impression.
At the end of 1975, the first batch of minibuses RAF-2203 was collected in Yelgava, and already since 1977, the series launched and modifying the ambulance of RAF-22031. After all, it was the "ambulance" on the volume of issue planned as the main modification of the new model.
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Early minibuses (release until 1979) differ from later "rafikov" by some details of the finish. You can visually identify such a car on a round housing of side mirrors and smooth corners front bumper Without individual "fangs", a pair of small bumpers in the corners of the back, "subharbaths" from GAZ-24 and chrome-plated caps from the "twenty-first" Volga. Also cars of the first issues were equipped with the original instrument panel, from which they subsequently refused in favor of the standard Detail of GAZ-24.
Later RAF-2203 is easy to distinguish with "bus" turning signs under the front bumper. It is the same version of "Rafika" (up to 1987) without any special changes.
"Rafik" was used not only on flight routes, but also as a taxi Despite the fact that in 1979, the products of the Riga bus factory were awarded a state mark of quality, already from the beginning of the eighties to the level of manufacturing and assembling of route taxis and emergency carriage was made a lot of complaints.
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When the level of marriage exceeded 10% of the number of cars issued, the plant management was changed, and considerable public funds were identified for the modernization of the minibus.
As a result, RAF enhancements were planned to be made not only modern, but also better. Even at the beginning of the eighties in Riga, a prototype of RAF-22038 was created - as they would say now, the restyled version of the first model. During the update, the body enhancement was planned, improving the ventilation of the cabin due to the presence of a hatch and additional vents, more modern chassis With another front suspension design and a new interior.
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However, by the mid-eighties, it became clear that the plant was not able to immediately implement all the innovations, so in 1987 the production of the "transitional" model under the index 2203-01 began. Her main thing technical difference - ZMZ-402.10 engine from the Volga GAZ-24-10, and externally, the model is easily distinguished from the first iteration "Rafa" for a number of characteristic features. Thus, the front "turn signals" moved under the grille, instead of "round" bumpers, parts made of aluminum profile with black side fangs appeared on the car, the front doors were lost to the forces and got large plastic mirrors, and instead of chrome-plated caps in the center wheels Plastic inserts appeared.
In addition to the main modifications (route taxi and ambulance), in Riga, other versions of a special purpose minibus were developed - a mobile fire headquarters or a machine for the operational service of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, subsequently, such "specials" in Latvia were not produced, and various repairs for orders were altered by ordinary passenger RAF-2203.
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In 1979, several were issued to serve the upcoming Olympiad-80. The Riga plant has prepared specials and until the beginning of 1980 made about 300 copies of the Olymp Rafikov in the workshop of the small series. Thus, the honorary support of the Olympic Fire from Greece in the USSR (tribute to ancient Greek tradition) was assigned to RAF-2907, in which the responsible keepers, together with spare torches, accompanied the runners. Of course, the specificity of such a low-speed ride for a long time demanded a serious improvement of the cooling system, but RAF coped with the Olympic Mission.
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The most unusual option was RAF from the Finnish company Tamro, which by order of the USSR was engaged in re-equipment of "rafikov" in reanimal ambulance. In Finland, there were not so many "reanimations", but in the eighties in the streets of many cities it was possible to meet micro-buses of lemon yellow with bright red stripes and a high fiberglass roof superstructure.
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Soviet drivers public transport And Emergency workers quickly fell in love with a small, but comfortable and maneuverable minibus.
Of course, RAF-2203 had disadvantages - except for the flaws of manufacture and assembly, a constructive minibus was not too secure for the driver and the front passenger. After all, with a frontal accident, depring deformation zones, a carrier bodie machine, weakly absorbed the impact energy. Yes, and the "Volgovskaya" platform at maximum load was weak, therefore, the rafiki worked on routes "after 4-5 years of intensive operation required overhaul. At the same time, due to the car layout, the minibus was not very convenient in service, and access to the engine was possible only from the cabin, so any serious intervention required dismantling the power unit.
At 4400 rpm
| ZMZ-402.10 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | ZMZ |
| Brand: | ZMZ-402.10 |
| A type: | petrol, carburetor |
| Volume: | 2445 cm 3. |
| Maximum power: | 98 hp , at 4500 rpm |
| Maximum torque: | 180.4 N · m, at 2400-2600 rpm |
| Configuration: | inline, 4-cylinder. |
| Cylinders: | 4 |
| Valves: | 8 |
| Cylinder diameter: | 92 mm |
| Piston move: | 92 mm |
| Squeezing: | 8,2 |
| Supply system: | k-126mm carburetor |
| Cooling: | liquid |
| Taxity (number of clocks): | four-stroke |
| Cylinder Operation: | 1-2-4-3 |
| Recommended fuel: | AI-93. |
mechanical 4-stupas., Synchronizers on all transmissions of the front turn.
Transfer numbers: 3.50; 2.26; 1.4 1.00; R 3.54; The main transfer is 3.9.
Characteristics
Mass-overalls
Dynamic
As a result, two prototype vehicles were created: RAF-982-I Group of Mason and RAF-982-II of the Eyster Group. The first minibus had a half-door layout, this car was called "cyclone". The second promising car had a wagon layout.
Both cars were sent to Moscow to pass the interdepartmental commission. As a result, the Commission found the best RAF-982-I. However, director of Rafa, Ilya Poznyak, was dissatisfied with the decision of the ministry. He considered Futuristic ( wagon layout Buses then was in a novelty) RAF-982-II more promising model. Rafov prototypes were again sent to Moscow. After the "second round" test, the test was made about the future production of RAF-982-II.
Production
The Riga Automobile Factory annually produced more than fifteen thousand RAF-2203 (the plant was designed for production of 17 thousand minibuses per year and from 1987 to 1990 exceeded this volume). The modernized version of the minibus, which received the designation of RAF-22038 began to produce a modernized version of the minibus. This minibus used aggregates from the GAZ-24-10 car. Externally, RAF-22038 was distinguished by the facing of the front with the new false radiator lattice and aluminum bumpers with plastic side sections, as well as the lack of branded emblem of Rafa. On the prototype 22038, demonstrated at the exhibition "Auto industry of the USSR 60 years" in the back of the sidewalls, narrow swivel windows were placed, but on the serial model was actually preserved the body of type 2203. Since 1993, RAF-22039 was produced. This modification was characterized by increased passenger capacity (thirteen man). It was achieved due to a reduction to a minimum of the luggage space. RAF-2203 was the most massive Soviet minibus.
The production of RAFs was stopped in early 1997 due to the collapse of their purchases by Russia.
Exploitation
Route taxi
Also, a number of special modifications of RAF-2907/2911 were created for servicing the Olympiad-80 competitions, including electric cars RAF-2910, as well as Pickups -Velovoza RAF-2909.
In the 1990s, on the basis of RAF-22038, in the territory of the old Rafa in Riga, Melkossorino produced one-photon trucks RAF-3311 (on-board or kung, for example, RAF-2920) and RAF-33111 (with a double cabin or kung, eg, emergency RAF-33114 and Catafalk RAF-2926), which also supplied to Russia. There was also a small-scale production of armored marketing vans Raf-Labbe, campers and other machines based on Rafov.
Design
RAF-2203 - Minibus of the wagon layout. The minibus salon consists of two offices. The driver is located in the front and one passenger seat, in the back - ten passenger seats. For passenger seats there are luggage space.
Body - carrier, all-metal. A minibus has four single doors: two on the right (for planting passengers), one left (for the driver's landing) and the rear (for access to the luggage space).
The engine from GAZ-24 was used on RAF-2203. The engine was located in front, he drove the rear wheels. The rear axle also took from GAZ-24, while the front suspension and steering It was original, but the designs and elements of the gas-24 and gas-21 suspension were used in the design.
Initially, all the brakes were drum, but on the buses modifications 22038, disc brakes were installed on the front wheels.
Modifications
| Model | Purpose | Years of release | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2203 | basic model | - | |
| 22031 | ambulance car differed in the presence of inside medical equipment | ||
| 22032 | car to work as route taxi, seats in the passenger compartment were along the sides | ||
| 22033 | service car for the police. In a specially equipped cabin was a penny for 2 detainees, a place for a dog, 3 seats and a pyramid for weapons | ||
| 22034 | service car for firefighters. Designed for transportation 5 firefighters and 5 sets of equipment | ||
| 22035 | special car for transportation of donor blood | ||
| 22036 | special car having an ambulance and police. The only experienced sample was released | ||
| Toro-Raf | resuscitation car, with the equipment of the Finnish company Ground. Had a high roof and stained in bright yellow color with orange stripes | ||
| 2203-01 | transitional model from 2203 to 22038 | - | |
| 22031-01 | ambulance car | ||
| 22032-01 | |||
| 22033-01 | service car for militia | ||
| 22034-01 | service car for firefighters | ||
| 22038 | the updated model, with a new suspension system and some other aggregates, had a modified radiator grille, there were no windows | - | |
| 22039 | car to work as a route taxi | - | |
| 2921 | small-sector passenger version with high roof | ||
| 2907 | small-sector "Olympic" version, cooling system is refined for a long movement with a runner speed | - | |
| 2909 | small-sector "Olympic" version - Pickup biblios with a double-round cabin and awning | - | |
| 2911 | small-sector "Olympic" version with a judicial boiler on the roof | - | |
| judge electric car | |||
| 2915 | ambulance by type 22031 | - | |
| 2914 | reanimobile by type Toro Rafa | - | |
| 2912 | small Version - Window Laboratory | ||
| 2916 and 2924-Toro | the small version is a chartless van (postal, catatball, etc.) | ||
| 3407 | small-sector version - Park road train from saddle tractor and one or two trailed open trailers RAF-9225/9226 | ||
| 33113 | pickup with a double-shot cabin and awning | ||
| long-tone pickup with a single-row cab and awning | |||
| 33111 | on-board mini-row cabin | - | |
| 2920 | minigurizer-van with a single row cabin and kung | ||
| 3311 | on-board mini truck with a double-round cabin | - | |
| 33114 | minigurizer van with a double-round cabin and kung | ||
| 2926 | minigurizer-van with a double-round cabin and isothermal kung |
Evaluation of the project
Dignity
Compared to the preceding Rafa model (RAF-977), RAF-2203 was a spacious minibus. It raised the level of passenger comfort and had paramount importance for the use of RAF-2203 as an ambulance car: in the Body RAF-2203 there was enough space for the most important medical equipment. In addition, RAF-2203 had a soft smooth move.
disadvantages
Too heavy engine, placed above the front axle, created a bad impact (over 55% of the mass accounted for the front axle), which led to increased wear and even damage front Bridge, as well as bad manageability of an unloaded minibus on a slippery road and significantly worsened the permeability (because of this, the back of the minibus was sometimes loaded with ballast). The body was different not too high quality welds and paint, as well as bad anti-corrosion properties. The bottom was made plywood (except the latest version of the route taxi 22039), which also aggravated the problems of operation. Significant problems were and with the quality of the aggregate base from the car GAZ-24 "Volga".
In gaming and souvenir products
Large-scale models and souvenirs
- The model of the car RAF-2203 (A18) was produced at the Radon factory (Marks) from the year to 1987.
- Car model RAF-22031 (A27), but due to an error, the number A26 was standing first, which belonged to GAZ-24. Rafa A26 is now big rarity.
In 1980, a model of small-sector special vehicles RAF-2907 (A21) was released in two versions: "Judges" and "Escort of Olympic Fire". This model has a rather high value among collectors and rare in our time.
The model is different from Saratov very good detail, but has several small shortcomings, in particular - the missing signboard "Latvija" on the hood and too deep seams on the roof.
In Soviet times, a toy react to sound was produced.
- On December 6, 2011, within the framework of the Magazine "Automoled of the USSR", the RAF-22038 model appeared behind the number 74. White minibus with blue stripe.
