Multi-purpose light armored transporter. "Kalashnikov assault rifle" among tracked vehicles. MTLB vehicles

Putties 22.07.2021

Putties

The MTLB all-terrain vehicle, or as it is also called the “moto-tolyga”, was originally produced at the Kharkov Tractor Plant and supplied to service both in the Soviet army and the allies of the USSR. After the collapse of the union, various modifications of the MTLB are still being produced at the Muromteplovoz and Uralvagonzavod plants.

Multipurpose Tractor Light Armored took part in almost all armed conflicts on post-Soviet space. The technique is actually very versatile and can be used not only as a transport for peaceful purposes, but also as a combat vehicle - a supporting structure for various guns. Now, anti-aircraft machine guns with a caliber of 12.7 mm, an AGS-17 Flame grenade launcher, a 23 mm automatic cannon, a 9M133 Kornet ATGM launcher, a 30 mm cannon, etc. are installed on the MTLB chassis. or a whole tower installation from the BTR-80.

Features of the all-terrain vehicle

For civilian purposes, this car is now used as a tractor-transporter for transporting people, and most often it can be found in the north-eastern regions of our country, where there are roads far from everywhere, and it is very necessary to get to your destination. The MTLB has excellent cross-country ability, it easily goes through the forest, through the fields in any weather, through the snow of any depth. And this is not a tractor, in terms of maneuverability it can compete with a car. And with the new engine, it can reach speeds of up to 90 km / h on the highway. But there are also not very pleasant features here - the relatively low weight of the MTLB (about 10 tons) and the fact that the control levers do not automatically return to the neutral position can lead to loss of control, and if this happens on some highway, then possible accident with all the ensuing consequences. There were many cases when this caterpillar tractor flew off the track at speed or collided with cars or trucks.

The installed engine in MTLB is YaMZ-238V, diesel, 8-cylinder, V-shaped, 4-stroke with direct fuel injection. The average consumption of diesel fuel is about 100 liters. per 100 km., it is very convenient to count. The interior space or salon (if you can call it that) is divided into two parts. There are 3 seats in the front, one for the driver's mechanic and two more for passengers. And a large body designed for the transport of goods or people in the amount of up to 10 people. Fuel tanks with soft seats with backs installed on them are used as seats.

MTLB is generally also a floating conveyor, but with one drawback. It has a hatch in the bottom, which easily bends and deforms in every possible way when driving on fierce off-road (stumps, stones, ravines). And if you didn’t check the condition of this very hatch before diving into the water, then your “floating” all-terrain vehicle will quickly turn into a “sinking” one. And there are no pumps for pumping water. There is some reliable evidence of how such machines easily and naturally sank to the bottom of the rivers that they tried to force. But the later model MTLBu already has a sealed boat at the base of the bottom and can stay on the water much longer and more reliably than its predecessor.

Specifications

Engine
Power
Max highway speed
Average speed over rough terrain
Fuel consumption	100 l/100 km. (44 liters per hour)
Oil consumption	up to 2% of fuel consumption

load capacity
Mass of the towed trailer
Passenger body capacity
dimensions	6.452.851.86m.
Ground clearance

"> Prices for MTLB

It all depends on the modification technical condition etc. parameters, as usual for any technique. A new, basic MTLB can now be bought at a price of about 2.9 million rubles. A car from military storage (conservation) is offered at a price of 1.2 million rubles. Well, second-hand here, how lucky you are, how you bargain. We met copies on the go for 850 thousand rubles and more. In not very good condition and conditionally on the go, you can search for 500 thousand rubles. Well, all the additional upgrades and attachments will cost extra money. You can install a hydraulic manipulator, a drilling rig, a crane rig, expand the space in the body, etc. on the “motorbike”. Here much depends on your imagination, desires and possibilities.

23.10.2017

Any war is not only direct fire contact with the enemy, but also the most difficult logistical task, without which it is pointless to count on success. Hundreds of tons of cargo need to be delivered to the troops every day, so without a significant fleet of vehicles, any modern army simply cannot fight. In addition to cargo, personnel, as well as various types of weapons, must be delivered to the front line. It is clear that military specificity imposes its own requirements on the design and technical characteristics of vehicles.

A typical example of a vehicle designed for army needs is the Soviet tracked all-terrain vehicle MT-LB, which was developed by the designers of the Kharkov Tractor Plant in the early 60s. The abbreviation MT-LB stands for "multi-purpose transporter (or tractor) light armored."

Initially, this light tracked transporter was created to deliver people and goods and as a tractor for artillery pieces. In the army, the MT-LB is often used to transport motorized riflemen, although it was never intended for this role.

In general, this car can be safely called legendary. For many years, she was a real "workhorse" first of the Soviet, and then the Russian army. By introducing the word “multi-purpose” into the name of the transporter, its creators probably did not even know how right they would be. It is difficult even to enumerate all the talents possessed by the MT-LB: more than eighty special vehicles and modifications were created on the basis of this tractor.

Why didn’t the military use MT-LB: and for reconnaissance (artillery, radiation and chemical), technical assistance and medical care, as a minelayer or a mobile radio station. The list can be continued for a long time. You can also add that on the basis of this lightly armored multi-purpose tractor, several self-propelled mortars, the Strela air defense system and the Gvozdika self-propelled guns were created.

There is an opinion about the weak security and slowness of the MT-LB, but those who talk about this have little idea why this tractor was created at all. Yes, indeed, the armor of this all-terrain vehicle can only protect against small arms fire and shrapnel. But it is not intended to go on the attack, and the 7.62-mm machine gun mounted on the machine is needed, rather, for self-defense. The main task of MT-LB is the delivery of goods and people to the front line, and not participation in hostilities. In fact, the MT-LB is an army truck with caterpillar tracks and protected, albeit by weak, but still armor. In this case, the absence of heavy weapons is not a disadvantage, but rather an advantage of the transporter. In addition, the experience of the Afghan war and two campaigns in the North Caucasus showed that the Kalashnikov machine gun allows an armored personnel carrier to protect not only itself, but also the weapons crew assigned to the vehicle.

In the army, MT-LB is affectionately called "motorized leagues". The operation of the machine continues today, in 2010 the Russian army had about 4 thousand of these tracked tractors.

Today, this machine is in service with several dozen armies of the world, it has taken part in countless military conflicts of various localities and has proven itself very well. Since the start of mass production, a total of 9.6 thousand units of MT-LB have been produced, and it seems that only the lazy did not deal with the modernization of the "moto-leagues".

MT-LB armored personnel carriers were produced in Poland and Bulgaria under a Soviet license.

The excellent reliability of the tractor, its high maintainability and ease of maintenance were also appreciated in the "citizen": MT-LB has found its application in geological exploration, has become a favorite transport among hunters, foresters, oil and gas workers.

History of creation

In the early 60s, the Soviet military leadership decided to upgrade the transport fleet and replace the AT-P tracked artillery tractors that had long served their time with a new vehicle. And in order to make this process cheaper, it was decided to take something from civilian technology as a basis. The most suitable candidate turned out to be the MT-L light transporter, which didn’t really need to be redone, only to develop an armored hull for it. Most of the systems and mechanisms of the machine remained the same.

The development of the tractor was carried out by the designers of the Design Bureau of the Kharkov Tractor Plant, it began in 1964, and two years later mass production of the new machine was launched.

The body of the caterpillar conveyor was made of steel plates of small thickness, which provided protection only from small arms fire and shrapnel. However, this solution made it possible to save a small mass of the machine - less than ten tons. Thanks to this, the designers did not have any particular problems with the buoyancy of the conveyor - it can overcome water obstacles at a speed of 5-6 km / h. And the MT-LB caterpillars provide the machine with a low ground pressure, which is the key to the tractor's excellent cross-country ability.

In 1966, the machine was put into service, the Kharkov Tractor Plant was engaged in the production of MT-LB. In the late 60s, the transporter began to massively enter the units of the Soviet army. MT-LB was actively exported, thanks to which it took part in a large number of regional conflicts. Soviet troops used "motorbike" during the Afghan war, after the collapse of the USSR, this machine had a chance to fight also in the expanses of the former "great and mighty".

Excellent tactical specifications machines made it possible to create on its basis a number of special machines for both military and civilian purposes. All-terrain vehicles on the chassis of this armored personnel carrier became especially popular. Already in the 70s, such cars became a familiar vehicle in Siberia and in the regions of the Far North.

After the collapse of the USSR, the design bureau and the production base, which was engaged in the production of MT-LB, remained in Ukraine. Since that moment, Kharkiv residents have managed to create several successful military and civilian modifications of the car.

In Russia, several enterprises are engaged in the modernization of MT-LB. The most famous of them are Muromteplovoz (Murom) and the Rubtsovsk branch of Uralvagonzavod. These manufacturers cooperate with the Russian defense department, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and regularly present their products at various exhibitions. Although, in fact, much more companies, enterprises and ordinary craftsmen who simply like this wonderful car are engaged in the restoration and “upgrade” of the MT-LB, of course.

From time to time there are publications that the MT-LB tractor is outdated and needs to be replaced with something newer. Usually they are accompanied by stories about the lack of security of the vehicle and its weak armament. As a possible successor to the MT-LB, the BTR-3F armored personnel carrier is often called.

This idea doesn't seem very good. The combat characteristics and purpose of the MT-LB were written above. As for the BTR-3F, this vehicle was created on the basis of the BMP-3, reviews of which, to put it mildly, are very ambiguous. In addition, the cost of MT-LB and BTR-3F is simply not comparable. The designers of the “moto-league” have laid down so many opportunities for the modernization of this machine that relatively small investments make it possible to create quite modern vehicles on its basis.

Description

The MT-LB hermetic body is made of armored steel plates, welded together. Their thickness is 7-14 mm. The interior of the machine is divided into several compartments. It should be noted that the conveyor has a significant internal volume, in which the crew members of the vehicle and its passengers are quite comfortably accommodated. You can also add that additional heating systems are installed on machines designed to operate at low temperatures.

At the front of the machine is the transmission compartment, which houses the gearbox and slewing mechanism, as well as the components of the lubrication system and final drives. To gain access to the transmission elements, it is necessary to open the cover located on the upper front armor plate.

The control compartment is located immediately behind the transmission, they are separated by an armored partition. It houses the jobs of the driver and commander of the vehicle. The driver observes the terrain through the windshield, which, if necessary, can be closed with an armored steel cover, or with the help of three periscopes. Above his head is a hatch through which he enters his workplace. It should be noted that the conveyor has a good overview, which allows you to confidently drive the machine both day and night. At night, two headlights and a searchlight are used to illuminate the path.

In the roof of the hull above the vehicle commander's seat is a circular rotation turret with a 7.62 mm machine gun. The commander's view is provided by the same frontal window as that of the driver or three periscopes. The commander gets into his place through the hatch in the roof of the hull.

An engine is installed along the left side of the machine immediately behind the control compartment. The main clutch is also located there. To gain access to the engine compartment, it is necessary to remove the removable panel in the roof of the case.

The airborne compartment occupies the entire rear of the tractor. It communicates with the control compartment by a manhole that goes along the right side of the hull. MT-LB can carry up to 11 paratroopers. Entrance and exit is carried out through the rear doors or hatches in the roof of the machine body. The walls are provided with loopholes through which the fighters can fire from personal weapons.

The MT-LB conveyor is equipped with a YaMZ-238V diesel engine with a power of 192 kW. The specific power is 19.0 kW/t, a very high figure for the mid-1960s.

The undercarriage of the conveyor includes a pair of driving and a pair of guide wheels, as well as twelve road wheels made of aluminum alloy. Inside each of them is an air chamber that improves the buoyancy of the machine. Track tension adjustment is carried out from the inside of the armored personnel carrier. For operations in wetlands or in deep snow, wider tracks can be installed on the conveyor.

Suspension MT-LB torsion type. The sealed body of the conveyor allows it to swim well. Movement on the water is carried out by rewinding the tracks, its speed is 5-6 km / h. On the front of the hull there is a water deflector that rises when forcing water barriers. In addition, the upper part of the tracks is covered with special screens that form hydrodynamic tunnels during navigation.

The MT-LB standard equipment includes a night vision device, as well as a complex of protection against weapons of mass destruction.

MT-LBu (Object 10) - Soviet multi-purpose amphibious tracked chassis with a universal hull. Developed in the late 1960s.

The demilitarized MT-LBu is designed for installation of various equipment (workshops, laboratories, cargo and passenger transportation), other applications in the geological, oil and gas industries and for off-road movement.

Currently, MT-LBu is being manufactured at OJSC Muromteplovoz. The cost of the MT-LBu chassis that passed overhaul is 4.5 million rubles, and made again - 5.8 million rubles.

History

In 1967, by decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 609-201, the Kharkov Tractor Plant was appointed the main developer of the 122-mm self-propelled guns.
The primary option was to install the D-32 howitzer on the MT-LB platform. During the tests, it turned out that the tracked chassis on 6 track rollers could not withstand the load. In this regard, the 7th track roller was added to the chassis design. A modified sample of the chassis with an elongated body was named MT-LBush ("product 26"). It became the platform for the 122mm self-propelled guns, which in turn was named 2S1 Gvozdika.
The new ACS was developed in a short time. By August 1969, 4 units entered the state tests.
In the same period, active development of artillery fire control automation systems (KSUAO) and air defense anti-aircraft missile systems was carried out, which required the creation of tracked and wheeled chassis with high cross-country ability. According to the plan set for the defense industry for the first half of the 70s, the development of "product 10" began - a unified tracked chassis with increased payload.
The development was entrusted to the design bureau of the Kharkov Tractor Plant. The new product was based on MT-LB, which was produced by this plant and operated by the troops since 1964.
To accommodate a large amount of equipment, an increase in the internal volume and carrying capacity of the machine was required, which in turn required an increase in engine power.

The cardinal changes from MT-LB in the design of the new machine, which received the name MT-LBu, were the following:

Changing the machine body
extension of the hull by 810 mm due to the addition of the 7th track roller;
an increase in the height of the machine by 200 mm, which made it possible to increase the internal volume and move the control compartment from above the transmission compartment. If in the MT-LB the control compartment is located in the front of the vehicle through the partition after the transmission compartment, which was accessed through the hood from the outside of the vehicle, then on the MT-LBU the driver is directly above the transmission compartment, which is accessed through hatches in the floor;
since on both sides in the aft compartment space was required to accommodate equipment, instead of two rear doors opening similarly to the doors on the BMP-1, one door was installed in the middle;
machine gun turret removed.
installation of a more powerful YaMZ-238N engine with a power of 300 hp. (versus 240 hp on MT-LB);
installation of lowering hydrodynamic shields in front and grilles in the back, which improve the control of the machine when moving afloat;
installation of an auxiliary power unit (since 1985), which provided power to the equipment without turning on the propulsion engine.

Design description

The light multi-purpose tracked chassis with a universal hull MT-LBu is designed for mounting various objects of military equipment on it. In front of the hull are the transmission compartment and the control compartment, behind them - at the left side of the middle part of the hull - the engine is installed, then - the aft compartment. The body of the MT-LBu is all-welded, box-shaped, made of armored steel. Inside it is divided by partitions, panels and floors into functional compartments. Sealed, waterproof. It has a displacement that allows a car with a nominal load to overcome water obstacles afloat.

Power transmission mechanisms, pneumatic systems, part of electrical equipment are installed in the transmission compartment. Chassis transmission consists of main gear, intermediate gear, central cardan shaft, cardan shafts, final drives, brakes and control of turning mechanisms. Above the transmission compartment is the control compartment, separated from it by removable floors. There are four soft seats in two rows. The front left is for the driver. It is adjustable in distance from the front wall, in height, inclination of the backrest, depending on the height and "dimensions" of the driver.

In front of the driver's seat there are control and gear levers, as well as clutch, brake, fuel supply pedals, a manual fuel supply control handle, and a heater shield. On the front wall there is an instrument panel, a blower fan, a headlight-spotlight control knob and its switch. Observation of the road and the terrain is carried out through windshields equipped with wipers, through six viewing devices. Windshields can be closed from the outside with protective covers. On the left side of the compartment there is a filter-ventilation unit, a relay-regulator, a radio interference filter, a supercharger shield, a left instrument panel, a power supply unit for the TVN-2B device, an A-4 intercom device, a battery switch, a drive gearbox to the navigation equipment path sensor, a housing device TNPO-170A.

The engine compartment is enclosed by insulating panels. Here is the power plant: an engine with cooling, heating and lubrication systems, as well as fuel and air. Diesel engine YaMZ-2E8N - multi-fuel, 8-cylinder, four-stroke, V-shaped, with gas turbine supercharging. Its rated power is 300 hp. at 2100 rpm. In the aft part of the vehicle hull, designed for mounting equipment and transporting goods, there is a heater (on the starboard side) and fuel tanks (two each on the right and left sides).

A torsion bar suspension is used in the running gear. On each side there are seven rubber-coated hollow aluminum alloy track rollers. Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers and balancer stroke limiters are installed on the front and rear suspension units. Caterpillar - steel, fine-pitched. The width of the caterpillar tracks is 350 mm. On icy roads, especially on slippery ascents and descents, additional lugs available in the spare parts kit can be attached to the tracks. When driving on the highway, the car develops a speed of up to 60 km / h, when driving afloat - 6 km / h. The cruising range for fuel is 500 km. The maximum angle of elevation is 35°, and roll - 25°. Movement afloat is provided by rewinding the tracks. To increase their efficiency, hydrodynamic flaps are installed in the front part of the fender liner, and feed bars are lowered at the rear.

The electrical equipment of the product consists of: two batteries, a generator, a relay-regulator, a starter, heater electric motors, HVU superchargers, a blower fan for the driver and wipers, heater and heater glow plugs.
Batteries - two starter acid (6ST-190TR), battery connection in series. Generator set - G290V-0.
Water pump - vortex, two-section. Supply of one section of the pump at a back pressure of not more than 0.1 MPa (1 kgf / cm2) of at least 450 l / min. Heater - OV-65.

Tactical specifications MT-LBu

Weight in working order - 11500-11800 kg
Mass of objects mounted on the product - no more than 4000 kg
Dimensions:
~ length - 7210 mm
~ width - 2850 mm
~ height (on the body) - 2035 mm
Ground clearance (clearance -) 400 mm
Track - 2500 mm
Base - 4445 mm
Average specific ground pressure - 0.5 kgf/cm2
Engine - YaMZ-238N,
Rated power - 220 (300) kW (hp)
Fuel tanks - four (refueling volume 550 l)
The maximum speed on a dry dirt road is not less than 60 km/h
Average speed when driving on a dirt road - 26-32 km / h
Average fuel consumption per 100 kilometers - 100-120 liters
Fuel range - at least 500 km
Maximum elevation angle - 350
Maximum bank angle - 250
Movement speed afloat - 4-5 km / h
The angle of entry into the water - no more than 200
Angle of exit from the water - no more than 150

Modifications and machines based on

MT-LBu-M - in 2003, a modified version of MT-LBu-M was created at the Motovilikha plant. The MT-LBu-M all-terrain vehicle is a modernization of the MT-LBu chassis, in which the following changes have been made:
increasing the height of the body in the driver's and working compartments while maintaining the dimensions of the engine compartment
installation of glazed side doors in the driver's compartment
changing the windshield with the installation of enlarged windshields on it
installation of glass on the side walls of the working compartment
installation of effective windshield wipers on windshields
installation of additional rotary lighting headlights from the back of the product
installation of turn signal lights, repeaters, flashing beacon, additional lighting shades in the driver's and working compartments of the product
installation of an additional electric heater in the driver's compartment
installation in the roof of the working compartment of an enlarged hatch with a cover for mounting equipment in the working compartment
installation of emergency hatches in the roof of the driver's and working compartments
installation of a wooden floor in the work area
installation of upholstery on the walls of the driver and work compartments, consisting of polyurethane foam, wood fiber board and leather pasting, to provide sound and heat insulation and improve the appearance inside the product

Transport vehicle of the front edge TMPK "MUL" based on MT-LBu

Designed for the delivery of ammunition, fuel and other material and technical means to the positions of the first echelon troops, operations in areas (zones) requiring increased protection of the transported goods and personnel. Machine application options:
- transport;
- transport and evacuation medical;
- transport-loading for self-propelled guns;
- fuel tanker

Tactical and technical data TMPC "MUL"

Base……………………………………………………………………………...MT-LBu
Mass, t: machines…………………………………………………………..11.3
transported cargo………………………………………….....………………4
Crew, people………………………………………………………….………………2
Cargo platform area, m2…………………………………..6.5
The volume of reserved space of the cargo compartment, m2...8
Fuel range, km………………………………………………500
Reservations………………………………………………...bulletproof
Armament………………………………………………...7.62 mm machine gun

Transport in the armed forces plays an undeniable role. Among the equipment of this category there are legends, there are workhorses that any service person knows about, or who is interested in "in the subject."

In the post-war period, when the ground units were saturated with equipment, the question of an efficient tractor capable of delivering goods and personnel, transporting non-self-propelled equipment with relative safety was acute. The most significant development was the MTLB, the decoding of which sounds like a light armored multi-purpose transporter (or tractor), often called “moto-leg” in slang.

Machine creation

The 1960s were marked by the realization among the generals that the tractors adopted for service did not meet many safety standards. Remembering the Komsomolets armored tractor common in the early 1940s and taking into account the experience of participants in the Second World War, the process of designing a new model of a tractor capable of protecting itself and crews in the event of a surprise attack was launched.

For greater savings and speed of work, a decision was made to design a model based on an existing and put into series machine. It turned out to be the MT-L, a caterpillar tractor with excellent performance characteristics, for which it only remained to refine the armor protection. In 1964, military tests of the machine began, and a couple of years later the model was in service with the Soviet army.

The production of a tractor and an all-terrain vehicle was established at the Kharkov Tractor Plant, known primarily for military products. The machine received its baptism of fire in Afghanistan, and immediately the army began talking about the "uselessness" of this machine. The reason for this is the misuse of MTLB. The army men, calling the car "junk", compared the car with infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers.

Meanwhile, the sample in question is in a different class of military transport. In this “motorcycle league” there were no equals.

Bulletproof armor protected personnel and transported supplies well, and in the event of an unexpected attack, a 7.62-mm machine gun came into play.

After the collapse of the USSR, the main production of this equipment necessary for the army turned out to be abroad, in independent Ukraine. This created many difficulties in the purchase of new units and in the repair of equipment in service.

The government decided to launch the creation of MTLB in the city of Murom, on the basis of the Muromteplovoz enterprise. The factory workers were imbued with the idea, and it was there that a large number of modifications and experiments with sizes and dimensions were born.

The combat use of this machine continued in the conflicts of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. It was widely used during the First Chechen campaign, and both sides. This is due to the spread of this machine, as well as an interesting legal incident.

According to international laws and agreements on the limitation of weapons, MTLB does not fall under prohibitions. At the same time, for specific military operations, such as guerrilla and counter-guerrilla warfare, the device is ideal. It is also used in ongoing clashes in Syria and Ukraine.

MTLB design

The body of the vehicle consists of several armor plates several millimeters thick, the armor effectively protects only from fragments and small arms. This also gives a plus, the tractor has high buoyancy and maneuverability. With a weight of only 9.7 tons, this is not surprising.

The hull inside is roomy and comfortable, both for the crew and passengers, this is the main feature of the parameters, as is the low silhouette.

The layout consists of a transmission compartment located in the bow. The control compartments are in front, a turret with a machine gun is also installed here, which is under the control of the vehicle commander. The engine compartment and compartment for cargo and passengers are located, respectively, in the middle and end of the tractor.

The movement is provided by an 8-cylinder YaMZ-238V diesel engine with a capacity of 240 horsepower. Suspension independent, torsion type. Management is carried out, as on all Soviet tracked vehicles, with the help of levers. The place of the MTLB driver is adapted to control all the electronics in the car. Using the instrument panel, you can monitor all electronic and mechanical systems.

In the designs developed for the north, an additional stove was installed. Tracks with a width of 350 mm provide excellent passage on almost any surface.

They, thanks to the movement, allow the floating structure to move relatively quickly over the water surface. The role is played by a small, only 9.7 tons, mass of the apparatus. But you have to pay for everything this case fuel consumption. The device eats 80-100 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

Modernizations and nearest competitors

Excellent technical characteristics made it possible to create a huge number of modifications on the basis of this machine. Transport tasks have retained 20 widespread modernized vehicles, about 50 varieties have acquired pronounced "combat" functions.

You can list with a small description of the technical device of some of them:

MT-LBV, model for the northern regions with extended tracks capable of moving through swamps and snow;
MT-LBV-N, "peaceful" machine for agricultural needs;
MT-LBVM1K adapted for high mountains;
MT-LBVM, armed with a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun;
MT-LBM, products of the Murom plant;
Object 6MA followed by an index from 1 to 4, with different weapons, placed on Ma hrerf=”https://site/voennaya-tehnika/boevye-mashiny/btr-80/”target=”_blank”>BTR-80 turret. So, under 1 there is a tractor with an installed , 2 and 4 - 23-mm guns, 3 - several ATGMs.

The army list can be continued by the Strela anti-aircraft system, an ambulance, a chemical reconnaissance vehicle, a command-and-staff version, technical tractors with an arrow for evacuating equipment, and much more.

In addition, there are many developments for geologists, foresters, fire service. Each has its own characteristic features, such as increased fuel supply, rotary conveyors and bridges, or built-in tanks, and so on. Since the tractor is used by more than 20 countries around the world, it is very difficult to keep track of all the alterations.

Analogues exist, but they are not as common as the sample in question. Caterpillar tractors, which were widespread during the Second World War, are currently not so popular, mainly due to the huge fuel consumption and the unreliability of some systems.

Soviet designers have created a machine that is equally good at coping with the most diverse tasks, while analogues, American or European tractors without armor and without weapons. For example, the M939, the truck is a wheel-type tractor, not a tracked one, which is in service with the US Army, not even lightly armored.

Despite some superiority in power (240 versus 250 horsepower) and speed (61 kilometers per hour versus 100), the American M939 is not so versatile.

Place of work

MTLB is a typical "working" type machine. In culture and everyday life, ordinary people know little about the existence of this multi-purpose tractor, and even more so how the abbreviation stands for.

For those associated with working in difficult conditions of the north or the military, it is difficult to imagine normal service or work without this machine.

Carrying capacity and capacity, trouble-free operation, relatively cheap spare parts and simple repairs give the MTLB tracked all-terrain vehicle undeniable advantages over competitors, both among the soldiers of the armed forces and among Transneft geologists from Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. Modifications can be seen in films and on pedestals in Siberia and Far East, in the regions where harsh people did harsh work on these harsh machines.

Video

IN next year 50 years have passed since the adoption of the MT-LB ("Object 6") machine. Developed at the design bureau of the Kharkov Tractor Plant, the “Light Armored Multi-Purpose Transporter / Tractor” was produced for several decades and eventually became one of the most common vehicles in the army Soviet Union. Initially, the MT-LB was assigned purely transport tasks: the transportation of goods and personnel, as well as the towing of artillery pieces. However, in the future, thanks to a successful design, the light conveyor became the basis for a mass of new armored vehicles for various purposes. The total number of modifications of the MT-LB machine exceeds two dozen, and the number of types of combat and auxiliary equipment based on it is close to fifty.

MT-LB in its original capacity is the tractor of the MT-12P Rapira anti-tank gun. On the roof in the stern, boxes with ammunition for anti-tank guns are visible, the standard PKT machine gun has been temporarily removed. The machine is equipped with a self-digging device at the rear of the hull. Totsk district training ground, February 2002

MT-LB in combat training. 27th Motor Rifle Division, Totskoye village, Orenburg region, July 2003

Landing in MT-LB during tactical exercises. On the left, instead of a landing seat, there was a rack for property. On it lie sappers with their dog, who discovered about 200 mines and land mines. 27th Motor Rifle Division, Totsk district training ground, February 2002

A description of all the options for upgrading and reworking the base conveyor will take a separate book, so we will limit ourselves to modifications in which the MT-LB machine has retained its original functions. In other words, this article will only discuss options for upgrading the machine, which are still designed to transport people and goods.

The first upgrade of the base machine was the MT-LBV project, which appeared a little later than the original one. The letter "B" in the title stands for "all-terrain vehicle". The fact is that when using the original tracks with a width of 350 mm, the tractor has good cross-country ability and a small specific load on the ground. However, on soft surfaces like deep snow or swamps, the basic MT-LB loses its driving performance dramatically. To remedy this situation, a new 565 mm wide track was created. Thanks to the use of this caterpillar, the specific pressure on the ground has become less than that of a person. The resulting MT-LBV vehicle is capable of moving where the original conveyor cannot go.

The all-terrain tractor underwent minor changes, as a result of which it received the name MT-LBVM and became the basis for a whole family of multi-purpose vehicles. From previous versions of the machine, it was distinguished by weapons. Instead of the native turret with a PKT machine gun, the MT-LBVM was equipped with a larger open weapon station with a 12.7 mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun. A few years ago, another update of the "line" of all-terrain transporters called MT-LB VMK appeared. Instead of the NSVT machine gun, it uses a large-caliber Kord. Also, a project was completed and put into production for installing a new more powerful engine (300-310 hp), new communication equipment, etc. Such an upgrade is designated as MT-LB VM1K.

MT-LB modernization option with the installation of a combat module developed by the Gorky Automobile Plant for the modernization of the BTR-80 (MT-LB 6MB) (photo http://btvt.narod.ru)

An upgrade option for the MT-LB (6M1B3) with the installation of an improved turret installation of our own design, on which an AG-17 automatic grenade launcher, a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun and a twin 23 mm GSh-23 automatic cannon are installed, the installation of two MANPADS is also provided. Needle". (photo http://btvt.narod.ru)

Option with the BTR-80 (MT-LB 6MA) turret installed (photo http://btvt.narod.ru)

It is worth noting that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Kharkov Tractor Plant remained in independent Ukraine, which had a corresponding effect on the supply of MT-LB to the Russian army. To make up for the losses, the production of tractors was established at the Murom plant "Muromteplovoz". Most of the modern modifications of the machine were also created there. Currently, there are several modifications of MT-LB in the list of products manufactured by the plant. In addition, the company offers the repair and modernization of machines in operation, bringing them to a certain form.

The basis for all new vehicles manufactured by Muromteplovoz was the MT-LBM transporter ("Object 6M"). This modification of the armored vehicle actually represents the basic version of the tractor with a number of technical and technological improvements associated with the production of equipment at the new plant. Nevertheless, even without major changes, the MT-LBM could become the basis for several vehicles for transport purposes.

In local conflicts of recent decades, MT-LB tractors were often used not only as tracked trucks or tugs, but also as armored personnel carriers for transporting personnel. The armored hull and the presence of defensive weapons allowed the tractors to partially perform the functions of armored personnel carriers. Of course, such a replacement was not complete - the MT-LB armor was noticeably inferior to the protection of the BTR-60 or BTR-70. However, if necessary, the soldiers also drove tractors. Already in the nineties, the concept was finally formed, in accordance with which it was planned to develop MT-LBM machines. First of all, it was proposed to improve the machines by installing new weapons. Thus, several new modifications appeared.

Photo MT-LB 6MB. The installation of a large range of interchangeable weapons is provided by the design of the tower. (photo http://btvt.narod.ru)

The first was created "Object 6MA". Instead of a native turret with a PKT machine gun, a combat module from the BTR-80 armored personnel carrier was placed on it. Thanks to this modernization, the multi-purpose tractor, in addition to the native 7.62 mm machine gun, received a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun. Soon, Muromteplovoz designed several more variants of the MT-LBM with various weapons mounted in a turret borrowed from an armored personnel carrier:
- “Object 6MA1”, the armament complex of which was expanded with an automatic grenade launcher AGS-17 “Flame”;
- "Object 6MA2". This version of the tractor is devoid of the KPVT machine gun, instead of which it was proposed to install a 23-mm automatic gun 2A14 (automatic anti-aircraft gun ZU-23);
- "Object 6MA4", which is a kind of hybrid of the projects "6MA1" and "6MA2". It was planned to install a PKT machine gun, a 2A14 cannon and an AGS-17 grenade launcher on it.

The logical end of the 6MA line was the Object 6MA3, whose armament came close to infantry fighting vehicles. These were a 30-mm AGS-30 grenade launcher, a PKT machine gun, and four Kornet anti-tank missile launchers. At the same time, the armored vehicle could still carry people or cargo.

Almost simultaneously and in parallel with the line of machines based on the “Object 6MA”, another direction developed. Its basis was the Object 6MB transporter, equipped with a combat module borrowed from the BTR-80A armored personnel carrier. This turret initially carries a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon and a PKT machine gun. With the help of such modernization, it was planned to significantly increase the combat potential of the MT-LBM and thereby compensate for the insufficient level of armor protection, since with the help of an automatic gun the crew of the vehicle could fire at the enemy without entering his affected area. "Object 6MB" also became the basis for several options with different weapons:
- "Object 6MB2". In addition to an automatic cannon and a machine gun, this vehicle could receive an AGS-17 grenade launcher;
- "Object 6MB3" and "Object 6MB4". It was proposed to mount a 23-mm GSh-23 cannon, a Kord heavy machine gun and an AGS-30 grenade launcher on the BTR-80A turret. From each other, the projects differed in the layout of the units and a number of other points.

MT-LB with a device for self-digging at the outpost position. Chechnya, May 2000

One of the command and control vehicles of the 42nd Motor Rifle Division in a deployed, "working" form. Chechnya, Khankala, June 2000

MT-LB of the sanitary company 71 MSP 42 MSD. Chechnya, July 2000

Data on the production of machines based on the "Object 6M" is not available. Judging by the available information, all of them remained at the stage of prototypes, which failed to interest the customer. The reason for this, most likely, was the insufficient level of protection of the base armored vehicle, the presence of full-fledged specially designed armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, as well as the difficult financial condition of the armed forces.

Of great interest are the modifications "Object 6M1" and "Object 6M2", developed by "Muromteplovoz" and "Kurganmashzavod", respectively. During these upgrades, the MT-LBM base machine received new engines with a capacity of up to 300-310 horsepower, new transmission systems, etc. According to open information, only the car from Muromteplovoz went into the series. It is equipped with a 310-horsepower YaMZ-238BL-1 diesel engine with a mechanical transmission, which allows it, with an increased weight, to have the same running characteristics as the base machines.

On the basis of the "Object 6M1" or MT-LB M1, two light armored vehicles were created, which are now available for order. The first of them, MT-LB M1A7, is armed with a Kord heavy machine gun with 1,050 rounds of ammunition, a PKT machine gun with 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and an AGS-17 grenade launcher with a reserve of 200 rounds. The second multi-purpose tractor called MT-LB M1B2 is equipped with a 30-mm 2A42 cannon, a PKT machine gun and an AGS-17 grenade launcher. Ammunition consists of 300 shells, 2000 rounds and 200 grenades. The armament is mounted on a turret with a 2E36 stabilizer, borrowed from the BTR-80A armored personnel carrier.

Both new vehicles, as before, are capable of transporting personnel. Simultaneously with three crew members, eight and six people can ride on the MT-LB M1A7 and MT-LB M1B2, respectively. At the same time, the possibility of towing cargo, for example, artillery pieces, remains. If necessary, the crew of the vehicles can use 902V Tucha smoke grenade launchers.

Installation of demining UR-77 engineer battalion 42 MRD. Chechnya, Khankala, June 2000

Artillery control vehicle 1V14M. Armed with a PKMB machine gun. Round smoke bombs are fixed on the sides, very similar to mines. Chechnya, Khankala, June 2000

MT-LBM 6MB with a 30 mm 2A72 automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun in the park of the military unit of the 42nd MSD. Chechnya, Khankala, May 2000

Ukraine, which became independent, was able to maintain the production of MT-LB armored vehicles and even carry out several upgrades. It is noteworthy that the main task of the designers of the Kharkov Design Bureau for Mechanical Engineering was also to improve the combat qualities of the conveyor. The Ukrainians took the path of developing transport capabilities and actually made several new infantry fighting vehicles based on a multi-purpose tractor. At the same time, unlike Russian engineers, Ukrainian engineers came to the conclusion that it was necessary to increase not only firepower, but also the level of protection. The transporter upgraded in this way could already become a full-fledged combat vehicle like armored personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles.

The first version of such an update was the MT-LBR6 project. The native turret was removed from the car and a full-fledged cannon-machine-gun combat module was put in its place. A 30-mm ZTM-1 automatic cannon (Ukrainian version of the Soviet 2A72) and a coaxial KT-7.62 machine gun (Ukrainian-made PKT) were installed in the turret with one gunner's workplace. To save space inside the armored hull, the gun ammunition was placed in two boxes located on the sides of the gun itself. In the frontal projection, the ammunition boxes are covered with additional armor plates. Directly in front of them are six Tucha smoke grenade launchers.

The level of protection of the MT-LBR6 machine was increased with the help of a spaced reservation, installed on top of the machine's own body, and a Kevlar lining. In addition, the undercarriage is covered with anti-cumulative screens. The update to the multi-purpose transporter resulted in a noticeable increase in weight, which was offset by a new larger engine with around 310 horsepower. According to reports, a certain number of such machines were assembled and converted from the available ones at the Kharkov Tractor Plant.

Machine radiation and chemical reconnaissance RHM "Kashalot" in the trench. Tactical exercises of the 27th Motor Rifle Division, Totsk district training ground, July 2003

MT-LB with Shturm weapon module (MT-LBMSh)

The MT-LBR7 modification was created in a similar way, however, it differs from the previous machine in the composition of the weapons. Instead of the original gun turret, it was proposed to mount the Shturm combat module on it. The module, specially designed for the unification of armored vehicles, is armed with a ZTM-1 cannon, a KT-7.62 machine gun, an AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher, smoke grenade launchers and Konkurs-M anti-tank missile launchers. All weapons are stabilized. The level of protection corresponds to the previous modification, since the MT-LBR7 can also be equipped with additional armor.

The latest Ukrainian modification of the MT-LB vehicle is the MT-LBMSh armored personnel carrier. In accordance with this project, the base vehicle received a new 360-horsepower engine and the Shkval combat module. The armament of this module is similar to the "Shturm" - an automatic cannon and a grenade launcher, as well as a machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. However, instead of the Konkurs-M anti-tank missiles, the Barrier complex is used on the MT-LBMSh vehicle. Like all previous Ukrainian-designed modifications, the MT-LBMSh is capable of carrying up to seven people and towing some cargo, such as a cannon.

As you can see, in recent years, the improvement of the MT-LB multi-purpose transporter has mainly gone through the strengthening of weapons. In local conflicts of recent decades, these vehicles were often used as vehicles for personnel, and therefore there was a need for protection from ambush attacks. At the same time, attempts were made to raise the potential of the tractor through the use of more powerful engines and the installation of additional reservations. However, both of these modernization methods are not widely used.

In general, it is worth noting that most of the MT-LB operating countries, in attempting to improve their existing vehicles, limited themselves to installing more powerful weapons. For example, Polish licensed copies of the MT-LB tractor left the assembly line equipped with DShKM heavy machine guns. Probably, the reason for the popularity of just such a way of developing a multi-purpose armored vehicle was the features of its tactical niche. Unlike armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, MT-LBs were designed to transport personnel and cargo away from the front line and had sufficient characteristics for this. Therefore, the power plant of the machines remained the same for a long time, and the reservation did not change due to the lack of a corresponding need. When MT-LB began to master the “profession” of an armored personnel carrier, corresponding modifications began to appear with other engines, weapons and protection.

However, long before the start of local conflicts in recent years, the MT-LB multi-purpose machines managed to become the basis for a mass of systems. On the MT-LB chassis, equipment was mounted for anti-aircraft missile systems (Strela-10), self-propelled mortars (Tundzha, Tundzha-Sani, etc.), radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicles (RCM and RPM), anti-tank missile complexes ("Shturm-S"), etc. However, after such updates, multi-purpose armored vehicles lost their original purpose and could no longer transport goods or personnel other than the crew or the calculation of weapons systems. However, the Light Armored Multi-Purpose Transporter proved to be a popular base vehicle. As already mentioned, almost fifty different machines were created on its basis.