In 1966, the production of the ZIL-131 off-road truck was started in the USSR, which was distinguished by reliability and unpretentiousness, had good operational characteristics and was widely used in the army of the Soviet Union. A number of specialized vehicles for various purposes were created on its basis, including vehicles for airport maintenance of aircraft. Among them was the APA-50M, which was used to supply electrical power, start and maintain aircraft engines, on-board equipment and on-board systems of aircraft. To generate electricity, it had an autonomous diesel engine placed in a special body, all functions were controlled from the driver's cabin. This truck was used both on military and civilian airfields.