Beta 1980 Raffik Blatvija 1.1

1976-1982 Raffik Blatvija (aka RAF Latvija 2203)

The Story:

Raffik Blatvija was actually the Soviet answer to the Familiewagen Carrier (VW Transporter T3) in terms of design and even some kind of mechanics. Like Carrier, it has snub-nose bonnet, but difference is Blatvija's front-positioned, longitudinally mounted engine. Made in Latvian SSR / Republic of Latvia until the mid 1990's, Blatvija was designed specifically as the multipurpose van in the Soviet Union, and was used as a police bus, ambulance, small delivery van and even as a microbus for fixed lines, or so-called "marshrutka" all along the former communist superpower.
In terms of mechanics, it was some kind of the Frankenstein vehicle. On original, western-influenced body was mounted most of existing 1970's vehicle parts. The front grille was "borrowed" from Moscovia 412 (later 2140), engine was simple and robust ZMZ-24 (from Wolka M24) 2.4L inliner-four, suspension was "borrowed" from ZMZ-13 Sobachka 1950's sedan and the rims were retrofitted from ZMZ-21 upper-niche sedan (discontinued production in 1970). All retrofitting was made in Latvian SSR capital Riga.
The main problem of this van was sometimes unresponsive handling and similar performance issues, along with quality issues, but even with these flaws, it was very well accepted multi-purpose vehicle because of durable and proven engine and suspension tailored even for most gravel and dirt Soviet rural roads. In some terms, it could reach top speed of 160 km/h.
In this BeamNG version, it comes as a minivan for 11 passengers.

Technical stats - see below:

• Country of Origin: Latvian SSR / Soviet Union
• Production years: 1976-1982 (mk.1)
• Engine: 2445cc Inliner-4 with OHC-8
• Compression: 8:0:1
• Fuel system: Single-barrelled Eco / Twin Carburettor
• Redline: 4800 RPM
• Wheelbase: 2.54 meters
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel Drive / Front-mounted engine
• Transmission:4-geared manual
• Suspension: Double Wishbone (front) & Solid Coil Axle (rear)
• Empty Weight: 1476 kgs
• Engine power: 96.4 bhp @ 4600 RPM
• Engine torque: 169.2 NM @ 3200 RPM
• Brakes: Classic drums on front and rear
• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h for 15.31 seconds
• Fuel type: Cheap 85 RON
• Fuel economy: 13.1 l / 100 km
• Top speed: 161 km/h (recorded)
• Drag coefficient: 0.386 Cd
• Exterior material: Steel space frame with plastic & chrome details
• Car colour(s): Latvija Blue / Dirt White
• Interior material: Plastic & leather
• Steering type: Manual Rack & Pinion
• Extra: Nothing