MAZ-541

The MAZ-541 was a Soviet aircraft tug in the MAZ vehicle family. Development began in 1956 because the arrival of the Tu-104 and Tu-114 airliners called for more powerful tow vehicles than the conventional trucks used before. MAZ-535 tractors were tried, but their height required a longer tow bar and made turning difficult, which caused flight delays and was unsafe at the airport. The MAZ-541 was based on the MAZ-525 truck, taking its engine and rear wheels, with front wheels from the YaAZ-214. Only three were produced, and they stayed in use until 1970. Ten more units were planned, but they were never built because newer airliners kept growing heavier. It was reportedly used at Sheremetyevo International Airport.