RAF-2203

The RAF-2203 Latvija (nickname Rafik) was a cabover van designed and developed by Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika from 1976–1997. They were widely used throughout the USSR as fixed-run taxis (Marshrutkas), medical cars, used for trade and as a special services vehicles. It was the successor of the RAF-977.

RAF-2203
RAF-2203 Latvija
Overview
ManufacturerRīgas Autobusu Fabrika (RAF)
Body and chassis
ClassLight commercial vehicle (M)
Body style4-door van
4-door minibus
Doors4
Powertrain
EngineZMZ 4-cylinder, gasoline 2,445 litres
Power output95 hp
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Length4980 mm
Width2035 mm
Height1970 mm
Curb weight1670 kg
Chronology

This van used the 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) engine of the GAZ-24, between the front seats (not unlike the Dodge A100 or the Volkswagen LT 1st generation), with independent front suspension also from the GAZ-24 (but springs from the GAZ 13).[1] It borrowed headlights and brake system parts from the Moskvitch 412, outside door handles from the Moskvitch 408,[2] and 15 in (38 cm) wheels of the GAZ-21 Volga.[3] The single rear door hinged at the top,[4] rather than the more-usual side-opening. There were two major models: one, the 2203, seated ten plus driver and passenger, powered by a 95 hp (71 kW; 96 PS) 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) with 8.2:1 compression; the other, the 22032, a twelve-seat "route taxi", had longitudinal seats and lower 6.7:1 compression (to use more readily available 76 octane petrol), and produced only 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS).[5] (The 2203-02 would run on liquified propane).[6] An ambulance, the 22031, was soon added to the range, and made up fully a third of all 2203s built; there was also a 22035 for blood donor clinics.[7] These were joined by the 22034, for fire departments.[8]

RAF 2203 Rear

In addition to the uncommon 22033 and 22036 for state militias, there were prototype electric vehicles.[9]

While the 2203 looked good, it was susceptible to rust, especially in the frame rails,[10] and was unpleasant to drive in bad weather.[11] Quality control of the assembly was also poor.[12] Oil leaks and axle bearing failures were frequent.[13] It also suffered overheating, serious vibration issues, failures of front suspension parts leading to poor handling, and high fuel consumption.[14] On top of it all, access to the cab was difficult, despite the forward-control position.[15]

They have now been replaced mostly by GAZ products (GAZelle, Barguzin, etc.).

Variants
An RAF-2907 adopted for use at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
  • RAF-2203 Latvija – 4x2 4dr van, 1976
  • RAF-2203 Latvija [delivery] – 4x2 4dr delivery van
  • RAF-2203 Latvija [cardiology] – 4x2 4dr cardiac ambulance
  • RAF-2203 Latvija [fire] – 4x2 4dr fire minivan
  • RAF-2203 Latvija GAI – 4x2 4dr police van
  • RAF-2203 Latvija [mail] – 4x2 4dr mail van
  • RAF-2203 Latvija [taxi] – 4x2 4dr taxi van
  • RAF-2203 Latvija VAI – 4x2 4dr military police van
  • RAF-22031 Latvija – 4x2 4dr ambulance
  • RAF-2907 – special car based on RAF-2203
  • RAF-2203
  • RAF-2203
  • RAF-2203
  • RAF-22031
  • RAF-2915-02
  • RAF-22038
  • РАФ-22038-021
  • RAF-2914
  • RAF-2909
  • RAF-2203 (far right) that was used during the liquidation procedure of the Chernobyl Disaster
  • RAF-2203
  • RAF-2203 1:43
gollark: That's why C is so awful to use lots of the time.
gollark: Good tools are important!
gollark: Er, knightslime HEAD embossment.
gollark: I'm thinking maybe a cobalt head, sponge binding, ardite tool rod, with a knightslime embossment. Either that or paper, for more modifier slots.
gollark: Do you even TiCon?

References
  1. Thompson, Andy. Cars of the Soviet Union (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.195.
  2. Thompson, p.197.
  3. Thompson, p.195.
  4. Thompson, p.196 caption.
  5. Thompson, pp.195 & 197.
  6. Thompson, p.197.
  7. Thompson, p.197.
  8. Thompson, p.197.
  9. Thompson, p.197.
  10. Thompson, p.197.
  11. Thompson, p.195 caption.
  12. Thompson, p.198.
  13. Thompson, p.198.
  14. Thompson, p.198.
  15. Thompson, p.198.
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