TAM-110 (1976)
Yugoslavia
Light Truck (1976-1991), c6000 built.
The TAM-110 in brief
The TAM-110 is a military truck developed in the former Yugoslavia and used primarily by the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and later by the armed forces of the successor states (Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, etc.). Manufactured by TAM (Tovarna Avtomobilov Maribor) in Slovenia its production Period was between the 1970s and 1990s. This 1.5-ton 4x4 military transport truck was a 4x4 (All-wheel drive) powered by a Deutz air-cooled diesel engine such as the F6L 413 rated for 120 hp (varies), combined with a manual, 5-speed gearbox.
Top Speed was c80 km/h (50 mph) and with a fuel Capacity of 100 liters it was capable of c600 km with a 1.5 ton Payload. The Crewcomprise a driver, co-driver and up to 10–12 troops in the rear compartment. It was suspended by Leaf spring with shock absorbers and had Air brakes.
It had excellent off-road capability due to high ground clearance and 4x4 configuration, was a rugged and reliable design, suitable for diverse terrain in the Balkans, fitted with canvas-covered cargo areas and foldable troop benches and prominently featured in the Yugoslav Wars. Many TAM-110s are still operational in Eastern Europe, used by military reserve units, police, civil protection, and even in civilian roles. Due to its durability, it is comparable to other Cold War-era military trucks like the Unimog or ZIL-131.
About TAM (Tovarna Avtomobilov Maribor)
TAM (Tovarna Avtomobilov Maribor) was a major vehicle manufacturer based in Maribor, Slovenia, and played a significant role in Yugoslavia’s industrial and military production during the 20th century. It was founded in 1947, initially as a part of Yugoslavia's post-war industrial expansion at Maribor, Slovenia.
The original name was Tovarna avtomobilov in motorjev Maribor (Factory of Automobiles and Motors Maribor) and its primary focus was to manufacturing trucks, buses, military vehicles, and engines. Its Military Vehicles were TAM-110 1.5-ton 4x4 military truck and TAM-150 – 3-ton 6x6 military truck (larger cousin of TAM-110) that we will cover soon as well. The were armored variants and support vehicles of the latter.
TAM also had a range of Civilian Vehicles, notably buses used across Yugoslavia for public transportation sometimes branded as Maribor buses. They were exported to several countries, especially in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. There were also trucks Light and medium-duty commercial models and the company also produced Deutz-licensed air-cooled diesel engines and made technological Partnerships with Magirus-Deutz as well as for air-cooled diesel engines and truck chassis. Its Deutz F-series engines visually and mechanically similar to Magirus truck engines were a best sellers, far cheaper than the German ones.
The Decline and Legacy of the company started with the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s and loss of unified markets, that severely impacted it.
The company faced bankruptcy in 1995 and production ceased but was partially revived later. TAM-Europe was revived and established in 2014 to produce modern buses and electric vehicles, still at Maribor, in particular in electric buses, airport shuttle buses, and custom-built vehicles, now owned by Chinese investors. Overall, TAM was a pillar of Yugoslav industrial self-reliance, contributing to both military readiness and civilian infrastructure. Its vehicles are still in use in ex-Yugoslav countries and are known for their ruggedness, simplicity, and reliability.
Design of the TAM-110
Development
AM 110 T7 B/BV is a general purpose off-road lorry from Yugoslav company, post-breakout Slovenian vehicle manufacturer Tovarna avtomobilov Maribor. This four-wheel drive lorry was designed for transport of personnel, weapons and material as well as towing guns or trailer up to 2.5 tons, (1.5 off-road) and be the prime mover of the Yugoslav People's Army aside older Soviet trucks.
The story of the TAM 110 started in 1965 with the Department for Traffic and Federal Secretariat of People's Defense uniting their skills to create a work group in charge or analyzing the needs for soft skin vehicles for the Yugoslav People's Army. The result were specifications for vehicles and trailers with specification laid down at the Main Military Technical Council in 1966. The study concluded that the legacy of 129 different vehicle marks in 320 types in service was detrimental to maintenance and repairs, mostly legacy vehicles, some Germans, some allied, some Czech and mostly Soviet either WW2 and cold war.
Decision was made to reduce this to just five vehicle classes, sharing in addition as many components as possible. There was at its core a 0,75 tons 4x4 off-road vehicle, and higher-up, a 1.5 tons 4x4 off-road truck, 3 tons 6x6 off-road truck, 6 tons 6x6 off-road truck and 9 tons 8x8 heavy off-road truck , the latter usable to carry a T55/56 tank or higher.
The 1976 plan for 1.5 tons 4x4 off-road truck was given to Tovarna avtomobilov Maribor , which came out with the TAM 110 T7 B/BV, basically its first mass-produced military truck. It was developed from a German Magirus-Deutz design. Approved for mass production the The TAM 110 T7 B/BV went on in the factory line from 1976 until 1991, so basically the end of the cold war, before the breakup of Yugoslavia, which was fatal o the company TAM.
Design
The TAM-110 is somewhat reminsicent of both the Austrian Pinzgauer, and German Unimog. It was a lighweight, compact, high ground clearance full all-drive vehicle designed to negociate the worst terrains, mud and snow if needed, while still carrying troops and supplies. The basic military variant, the most produced had not hardtop but insteas a soft top mounted in a removable frame, and a forward-foling windshield. There is a classic ladder frame based on Magirus-Deutz light trucks. This is not a pure COE (Cabob Over Engine) per se, rather semi-COE, as the engine in mounted transverse in the nose which is short. This gave an excellent view to the driver untlile classic long bonnets and a smbol fo modernity.
The T11 B/BV had a wheelbase of 2,850 mm (112.2 in) for a length of 4,850 mm (190.9 in), Width of 2,270 mm (89.4 in) nad height of 2,470 mm (97.2 in). Its Curb weight is 4,505 kg (9,932 lb) with a payload of 1.5 tons. The load capacity, off-road/on-road varied between 1,5 and 2,55t. The xaximum trailer weight that can be towed is 1,8t. The payload on-road thus is 1500 kg and off-road of 2500 kg. The Bodywork allowed weight is 2000 kg.
It is powered by a Deutz F 4L 413 FR, 4-cylinder in line diesel, coupled with a transmission Z5-35 S. The Engine displaces 6381 cm3 for a maximum power of 81 kW at 2500 min. The tracks has a front approach angle of 49° and rear approach angle of 45°, and it can climb a 22° ramp. Top speed on road is 90 km/h, down to 28 kph on a 8° slope or negociate a maximum gradient of 67%, climb over a 50 cm vertical obstacle. It is not amphibious by can cross without preparation up to a meter water. It has also a self-unditching winch of 2500-kg capacity. The driver can be given also an Active/Passive IR sight upon a bracket. The cab has a roof made of PVC plastic that can be removed. The dashboard came out with a heater.
Main and specialized Variants
The basic model is intended for the transport of personnel or carry 1.8 t of supplies in the flatbed, and towing weapons and associated crew up to 1.5 t.
In its designation, the designation has the following meaning:
TAM - the name of the manufacturer,
110 - engine power in horsepower,
T7 - the maximum permissible total weight of 7 t,
B - the designation according to the TAM standard for the trambus cabin (cabin above the engine),
BV - the designation according to the TAM standard for the trambus cabin and the vehicle equipped with a winch.
In addition to the basic open-top box truck, there are also special models with a closed cabin and various superstructures:
AL-RH - radiological-chemical laboratory car, a vehicle with a van superstructure equipped with a laboratory
S-4 - ambulance,
HAK 4.5 - a 4.5 t automobile hydraulic crane, this model has a long cabin,
BMB - mine well driller,
TAM 110 A5 - a minibus for transporting 16 passengers,
communications vehicle,
fire engine.
In the late 1990s, for the needs of the Military Police of the Yugoslav Army and the Special Police Units of the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs, an armored version of the TAM 110 T7 B/BV was developed, known as the Ris. The Serbian Gendarmerie also has standard TAM 110 T7s converted into vehicles for dispersing demonstrations.
Standard variant (1979):
Short cab with canvas and standard cargo bed. Personnel transport, 12 + 2 troops with equipment, as well as supply and materials andtractor for light artillery and anti-aircraft artillery weapons.
Hardtop variant (1982):
Used for different bodyworks: mobile NBC laboratory (AL-RH), communications vehicle, ambulance (S-4), 4.5t mobile crane (HAK), platform for well drill (BMB), fire truck and minibus for 16 passengers. The Serbian army and Serbian Gendarmerie also used amrmoured TAM 110 T7 B/BV trucks known as the Ris (Lynx), and special anti-riot vehicles.
- TAM-110 T7 B/BV: Basic troop/cargo transport variant
- TAM-110 Ambulance: Medical evacuation vehicle
- TAM-110 Workshop: Mobile repair station
- TAM-110 with shelter (radio/command post)
- TAM-110 with winch (for recovery tasks)
The TAM-150 is a 6x6 which shares most elements with the TAM-110.
| Specs 110 |
| Dimensions: | 4,85 x 2,27 x 2,47/1,786 m. WB 2,85 m |
| Cargo Bed: | 3,02 x 2,12 x 0.64 m |
| Weight: | Curb 4,50t, max body weight 2t |
| Tires: | |
| Crew: | 2+ 12 |
| Propulsion: | Deutz F 4L 413 FR Diesel 6,381 cm3 |
| Speed: | 90 km/h |
| Range: | |
| Armament: | None |
| Production: | |
Active Service and Operators
Top folded, Serbian Army, 1986 vehicle.
TAM 110 T7 B/BV was mainly produced for the needs of the Yugoslav People's Army and milicija. Number of vehicles have been exported to several Middle Eastern countries during the 1980s. Saudi Arabia also imported those trucks for its army.[6] After the breakup of Yugoslavia most vehicles were passed to successor states. Today TAM 110 T7 B/BV are used by militaries of Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of North Macedonia and Montenegro. It is also used by the Serbian Gendarmery.