Light armored multipurpose transporter. "Kalashnikov assault rifle" among tracked vehicles. Machines based on mtlb

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

The Light Armored Multipurpose Tractor has participated in almost all armed conflicts in the 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 weapons. Now on the MTLB chassis are installed 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. or a whole tower installation from the BTR-80.

Features of the all-terrain vehicle

For civilian purposes, this machine is now used as a tractor-transporter for transporting people and most often it can be found in the northeastern regions of our country, where roads are not everywhere, and it is very necessary to get to the destination. The MTLB's cross-country ability is excellent, it easily walks through the forest, through the fields in any weather, on snow of any depth. And this is not a tractor, in terms of maneuverability it can compete with a passenger 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 - the relatively low weight of 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 possibly an accident with all the ensuing consequences. There have been many cases of this tracked tractor flying off the track at speed or colliding with cars or trucks.

The engine installed 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. for 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 at the front, one for the driver's mechanic and two more for the passengers. And a large body designed to carry goods or people up to 10 people. Fuel tanks with soft seats with backs installed on them are used as seats.

MTLB is generally also a floating carrier, but with one drawback. It has a hatch in the bottom that easily bends and deforms in every possible way when driving on fierce off-road conditions (stumps, stones, ravines). And if you have not checked 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 for pumping out water, no pumps are provided. There is some reliable evidence of how such machines easily and naturally sank to the bottom of the rivers they were trying to cross. But the later model MTLBu already has a sealed boat at 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	100l. / 100 km. (44 liters per hour)
Oil consumption	up to 2% of fuel consumption
Carrying capacity
Weight of the towed trailer
Passenger capacity
dimensions	6.45 * 2.85 * 1.86 m.
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 purchased 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 is as lucky as you are bargaining with. We have seen copies on the move 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 additional upgrades and attachments will cost additional money. You can install a hydraulic manipulator, a drilling rig, a crane rig, expand the space in the body, etc. on the "moto ski". Here a lot depends on your imagination, desires and capabilities.

23.10.2017

Any war is not only direct fire contact with the enemy, but also a complex logistic task, without the solution of which it is pointless to count on success. Hundreds of tons of cargo must be delivered to the troops every day, so that 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 created 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 "light armored multipurpose transporter (or tractor)."

Initially, this light tracked carrier was created for the delivery of people and goods and as a tractor for artillery guns. 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" of the first Soviet, and then the Russian army. Having introduced the word "multipurpose" into the name of the transporter, its creators, probably, did not even guess how right they would be. It is difficult even to list all the talents that MT-LB possesses: on the basis of this tractor, more than eighty special machines and modifications were created.

Why the military did not use MT-LB: and for reconnaissance (artillery, radiation and chemical), technical assistance and medical assistance, 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 multipurpose 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 low speed of the MT-LB, but those who talk about this have little idea of ​​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 into attacks, and the 7.62-mm machine gun installed on the car 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 a tracked chassis and protected, albeit 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 the 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 "motorcycle leagues". The operation of the vehicle continues today, in 2010 there were about 4 thousand of these tracked tractors in the Russian army.

Today, this machine is in service with several dozen armies of the world, it has taken part in countless military conflicts of different locality 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 was not engaged in the modernization of the "motorcycle league".

The 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 civilian life: MT-LB found its application in geological exploration, became a favorite transport for hunters, foresters, oil and gas workers.

History of creation

In the early 60s, the Soviet military leadership decided to update the transport fleet and replace the AT-P tracked artillery tractors that had long served their time with a new machine. And in order to make this process cheaper, it was decided to take something from civilian technology as a basis. The most suitable contender turned out to be the light MT-L transporter, which did not really need to be altered, 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 the serial production of the new machine was launched.

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

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 enter the units of the Soviet army en masse. MT-LB was actively exported, due to which it took part in a large number of regional conflicts. Soviet troops used "motorcycle skates" during the Afghan war, after the collapse of the USSR, this machine also had a chance to fight in the vastness of the former "great and mighty".

The excellent tactical and technical characteristics of the vehicle made it possible to create on its basis a number of special vehicles for both military and civil purposes. All-terrain vehicles on the chassis of this armored personnel carrier have become especially popular. Already in the 70s, such machines became a common 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. From that moment on, the Kharkovites 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, the restoration and "upgrade" of the MT-LB, of course, is engaged in much more companies, enterprises and ordinary craftsmen who just like this wonderful car.

From time to time, publications appear that the MT-LB tractor is outdated and needs to be replaced with something newer. They are usually accompanied by stories about the inadequate protection of the vehicle and its weak armament. The BTR-3F armored personnel carrier is often referred to as a possible successor to the MT-LB.

This idea doesn't seem very good. The combat characteristics and purpose of the MT-LB were described above. As for the BTR-3F, ​​this machine was created on the basis of the BMP-3, the reviews of which, to put it mildly, are very ambiguous. In addition, the cost of the MT-LB and BTR-3F is simply not comparable. The designers of the "motorcycle 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 sealed MT-LB 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 work in low temperatures.

At the front of the machine is the transmission compartment, which houses the gearbox and slewing gear, as well as lubrication components and final drives. To gain access to the transmission elements, you need 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 contains the workplaces of the driver and vehicle commander. The driver observes the terrain through the frontal window, which, if necessary, can be closed with an armored steel cover, or using three periscopes. Above his head is a hatch through which he gets to his workplace. It should be noted that the conveyor has a good view, which allows you to confidently drive the machine both day and night. In the dark, two headlights and a search headlight are used to illuminate the path.

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

An engine is installed along the left side of the vehicle, just 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 troop 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. Entry and exit is through the rear doors or hatches in the roof of the vehicle body. Embrasures are provided in the walls through which soldiers can fire from personal weapons.

The MT-LB transporter 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-60s.

The undercarriage of the conveyor includes a pair of driving and a pair of guide wheels, as well as twelve track rollers made of aluminum alloy. Inside each of them is an air chamber, which improves the buoyancy of the machine. Adjustment of the track tension 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 hermetically sealed conveyor body allows it to float 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 crossing water obstacles. In addition, the upper part of the tracks is covered with special screens that form hydrodynamic tunnels while sailing.

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

MT-LBu (Object 10) - Soviet amphibious light multipurpose tracked chassis with a universal body. Developed in the late 1960s.

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

Currently, MT-LBu is manufactured at OJSC "Muromteplovoz". The cost of the MT-LBu chassis that has undergone a major overhaul is 4.5 million rubles, and the newly manufactured chassis is 5.8 million rubles.

History

In 1967, by the 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 road wheels could not withstand the load. In this regard, the 7th road 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 a platform for a 122-mm self-propelled gun, which in turn was named 2S1 "Carnation".
The new ACS was developed in a short time. By August 1969, 4 units entered the state tests.
In the same period, an active development of complexes for the automation of fire control of artillery (KSUAO) and anti-aircraft missile systems of air defense 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 in the first half of the 70s, the development of "product 10" began - a unified tracked chassis of increased carrying capacity.
The development was entrusted to the design bureau of the Kharkov Tractor Plant. The basis of the new product was taken by the MT-LB, which was produced by this plant and was operated in the army since 1964.
To accommodate a large number 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.

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

Changing the car body
lengthening the body by 810 mm due to the addition of the 7th road roller;
an increase in the vehicle height by 200 mm, which made it possible to increase the internal volume and move the control compartment above the transmission compartment. If in MT-LB the control compartment is located in front of the vehicle through a partition after the transmission compartment, which was accessed through the hood outside the vehicle, then on MT-LB the driver mechanic is located 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;
removed the machine gun turret.
installation of a more powerful engine YaMZ-238N with a capacity of 300 hp. (versus 240 hp on MT-LB);
installation of lowering hydrodynamic shields in the front and grilles in the rear, which improve the control of the machine when driving afloat;
installation of an auxiliary power unit (since 1985), which provided power to the equipment without turning on the propeller.

Description of construction

The light multipurpose tracked chassis with a universal MT-LBu body is designed for mounting various objects of military equipment on it. In the front part of the hull there 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 MT-LBu body is all-welded, box-shaped, made of armored steel. Inside it is divided by partitions, panels and floorboards into functional compartments. Sealed, waterproof. It has a displacement that allows a machine with a rated load to overcome water obstacles afloat.

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

In front of the driver's seat are the control and gear shift levers, as well as the clutch, brake, fuel supply pedals, the manual fuel control handle, and the heater shield. On the front wall there is an instrument panel, a blower fan, a handle for controlling a headlamp-searchlight 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 and ventilation unit, a relay-regulator, a radio interference filter, a blower shield, a left instrument panel, a power supply unit for TVN-2B, an A-4 intercom unit, a battery switch, a drive reducer to the path sensor of navigation equipment, a case device TNPO-170A.

The engine compartment is fenced with insulating panels. The power plant is located here: 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's body, intended for the installation of equipment and transportation of goods, there is a heater (on the starboard side) and fuel tanks (two on the right and left sides).

The chassis uses a torsion bar suspension. On each side there are seven rubberized hollow road wheels made of aluminum alloy. Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers and balancer travel stops are installed on the front and rear suspension assemblies. The caterpillar is steel, fine-link. The width of the track links 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 track tracks. When driving on a highway, the car develops a speed of up to 60 km / h, while driving afloat - 6 km / h. The power reserve for fuel is 500 km. The maximum pitch is 35 ° and the roll is 25 °. Movement afloat is provided by rewinding the tracks. To increase their efficiency, hydrodynamic flaps are installed in the front part of the wheel arch liners, and the rear feed grates are lowered.

The electrical equipment of the product consists of: two storage batteries, a generator, a relay-regulator, a starter, electric motors, heaters, FVU blowers, a blower for the driver and windshield wipers, a glow plug for a heater and a heater.
Rechargeable batteries - two starter acid batteries (6ST-190TR), the batteries are connected in series. Generating set - G290V-0.
The bilge pump is a vortex, two-section. Delivery of one section of the pump at a back pressure of not more than 0.1 MPa (1 kgf / cm2) not less than 450 l / min. Heater - ОВ-65.

Tactical and technical characteristics of MT-LBu

Operating weight - 11500-11800 kg
Weight of objects mounted on the product - no more than 4000 kg
Dimensions:
~ length - 7210 mm
~ width - 2850 mm
~ height (along 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)
Maximum speed on a dry dirt road - at least 60 km / h
Average speed when driving on a dirt road - 26-32 km / h
Average fuel consumption per 100 km of track - 100-120 liters
Cruising range for fuel - not less than 500 km
Maximum angle of rise - 350
Maximum roll angle - 250
Driving speed afloat - 4-5 km / h
The angle of entry into the water - no more than 200
The angle of exit from the water - no more than 150

Modifications and machines based on

MT-LBu-M - in 2003, a modified version of the MT-LBu-M was created at the Motovilikhinsky plant. The MT-LBu-M all-terrain vehicle is an upgrade of the MT-LBu chassis, in which the following changes have been made:
increase in the height of the body in the driver's and work compartments while maintaining the dimensions of the engine compartment
installation of glazed side doors in the driver's compartment
changing the front sheet with the installation of enlarged windshields on it
installation of glasses on the side walls of the working compartment
installation of effective windshield wipers
installation of additional rotary lighting headlights from the rear of the product
installation of turn signal lights, turn signal repeaters, a rotating beacon, additional lighting shades in the driver's and work 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 work compartments
installation of a wooden floor in the work compartment
installation on the walls of the driver's and work compartments of the upholstery, consisting of polyurethane foam, fiberboard and pasting with leather, to provide sound and heat insulation and improve the appearance inside the product

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

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

Tactical and technical data of TMPK "MUL"

Base ……………………………………………………………………… ... MT-LBu
Weight, t: cars ……………………………………………………… ..11.3
transported cargo ……………………………………… ...... ……………… 4
Crew, people ………………………………………………………. ……………… 2
Cargo platform area, m2 ………………………………… ..6,5
The volume of the reserve space of the cargo compartment, m2 ... 8
Cruising range for fuel, km …………………………………………… 500
Reservation …………………………………………… ... bulletproof
Armament ……………………………………………… ... 7.62 mm machine gun

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

In the post-war period, when the ground units were saturated with equipment, the question of an effective tractor capable of delivering goods and personnel, transporting non-self-propelled equipment with relative safety was acute. The most significant development was MTLB, the decoding of which sounds like a multipurpose transporter (or tractor), light armored, in slang often referred to as "motorcycling".

Machine creation

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

For greater economy and speed of work, a decision was made to design a model based on an existing and launched machine. It turned out to be an MT-L, a tracked tractor with excellent tactical and technical characteristics, for which it only remained to modify the armor protection. In 1964, military tests of the vehicle 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 its military products. The machine was baptized by fire in Afghanistan, and immediately the army began to talk about the "uselessness" of this machine. The reason for this is the misuse of MTLB. Army men, calling the car "junk", compared the car with an infantry fighting vehicle and an armored personnel carrier.

Meanwhile, the sample in question is in another class of military transport. In this, the "motorcycle" has no equal.

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 XX and early XXI centuries. It was widely used during the First Chechen Company, 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 the prohibitions. At the same time, the device is ideal for specific combat operations, such as partisan and counter-partisan warfare. They also use it in the ongoing clashes in Syria and Ukraine.

MTLB design

The body of the vehicle consists of several armor plates with a thickness of several millimeters; the armor effectively protects only from shrapnel and small arms. This also gives a plus, the tractor has high buoyancy and maneuverability. Weighing only 9.7 tonnes, this is not surprising.

The hull inside is roomy and comfortable, both for the crew and for 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, there is also a turret with a machine gun, which is under the jurisdiction of the vehicle commander. The engine compartment and the compartment for cargo and passengers are located, respectively, in the middle and at the end of the tractor.

The movement is provided by an 8-cylinder YaMZ-238V diesel engine with a capacity of 240 horsepower. Suspension is independent, torsion type. Management is carried out, as on all Soviet tracked vehicles, using levers. The seat of the mtlb driver-mechanic is adapted to control all the electronics in the car. All electronic and mechanical systems can be monitored using the instrument panel.

An additional stove is installed in the structures developed for the north. The tracks, which are 350 mm wide, provide excellent traction on almost any surface.

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

Upgrades and closest competitors

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

Some of them can be listed with a small description of the technical device:

• MT-TWV, a 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 6МА with the subsequent index from 1 to 4, with different weapons supplied to Ma hrerf = ”https: // website / voennaya-tehnika / boevye-mashiny / btr-80 /” target = ”_ blank”> BTR-80 turret. So, under 1 hides a tractor with an installed, 2 and 4 - 23-mm cannon, 3 - several ATGMs.

The army's list can be continued by the Strela anti-aircraft system, an ambulance, a chemical reconnaissance apparatus, 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, firefighters. Each has its own characteristic features, such as an increased supply of fuel, rotating 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 modifications.

Analogs exist, but they are not as common as the sample in question. Tracked 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 copes equally well with the most diverse tasks, while analogues, American or European tractors without armor and without weapons. For example, the M939, a wheeled tractor truck, not a tracked one, which is in service with the US Army, is 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 those connected with work in difficult conditions of the north or in the military, it is difficult to imagine normal service or work without this machine.

Carrying capacity and spaciousness, reliability in 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 the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. Modifications can be seen in films and on pedestals in Siberia and the Far East, in the regions where tough people did tough work on these tough machines.

Video

The next year marks half a century since the adoption of the MT-LB vehicle (Object 6). The light armored multipurpose transporter / tractor, developed by the design bureau of the Kharkov Tractor Plant, was produced for several decades and eventually became one of the most common vehicles in the Soviet army. Initially, the MT-LB was entrusted with 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 transporter became the basis for a mass of new armored vehicles for various purposes. The total number of modifications of the MT-LB vehicle exceeds two dozen, and the number of types of combat and auxiliary equipment based on it is approaching fifty.

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

MT-LB in combat training classes. 27th Motorized Rifle Division, Totskoye settlement of the Orenburg region, July 2003

Troopers in MT-LB during tactical exercises. On the left, instead of a landing seat, there was a rack for property. On it lie the sappers with their dog, which discovered about 200 mines and land mines. 27th mechanized infantry division, Totsk district polygon, February 2002

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

The first modernization of the base machine was the MT-TWV project, which appeared a little later than the original one. The letter "B" in the title stands for "all-terrain". The fact is that when using original tracks with a width of 350 mm, the tractor has good cross-country ability and a small specific load on the ground. Nevertheless, on soft surfaces like deep snow or swamps, the base MT-LB dramatically loses its driving performance. 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-TWV machine, resulting from such modernization, is capable of moving where the original conveyor cannot pass.

The all-terrain tractor has undergone minor changes, as a result of which it was named MT-LBVM and became the basis for a whole family of multi-purpose vehicles. It was distinguished from the previous versions of the vehicle by its armament. Instead of the native turret with a PKT machine gun, a larger open combat module with an NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber was installed on the MT-LBVM. Several years ago, there was another update of the "line" of all-terrain transporters called MT-LB VMK. It uses a large-caliber "Kord" instead of the NSVT machine gun. Also, a project for installing a new, more powerful engine (300-310 hp), new communication equipment, etc. was completed and put into production. This upgrade is designated as MT-LB VM1K.

Option to modernize the MT-LB 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)

The variant of MT-LB (6M1B3) modernization 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 23 mm GSh-23 coaxial automatic cannon are installed, the installation of two MANPADS " Needle". (photo http://btvt.narod.ru)

Option with an installed BTR-80 turret (MT-LB 6MA) (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 accordingly affected the supply of MT-LB to the Russian army. To compensate for the losses, the production of tractors was established at the Murom plant "Muromteplovoz". Most of the modern modifications of the car were also created there. Currently, there are several MT-LB modifications in the list of products manufactured by the plant. In addition, the company offers repair and modernization of machines in operation, bringing them to a certain type.

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

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 corps 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 significantly inferior to the protection of the BTR-60 or BTR-70. However, if necessary, the soldiers also went on tractors. Already in the nineties, the concept was finally formed, in accordance with which it was planned to develop the MT-LBM machines. First of all, it was proposed to improve the machines by installing new weapons. Thus, several new modifications have appeared.

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

The first was created "Object 6MA". Instead of the native turret with a PKT machine gun, a combat module from an armored personnel carrier BTR-80 was installed on it. Thanks to this modernization, the multipurpose tractor, in addition to its native 7.62 mm machine gun, received a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun. Soon, Muromteplovoz designed several more MT-LBM variants 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 cannon 2A14 (automatic anti-aircraft gun ZU-23);
- "Object 6МА4", which is a kind of hybrid of the projects "6МА1" and "6МА2". It was planned to install a PKT machine gun, a 2A14 cannon and an AGS-17 grenade launcher.

The logical end of the 6MA line was the 6MA3 Object, whose armament came close to the infantry fighting vehicles. These were an AGS-30 30-mm 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 goods.

Almost simultaneously and in parallel with the line of machines based on the "Object 6MA" another direction was developing. Its basis was the 6MB Object transporter equipped with a combat module borrowed from the BTR-80A armored personnel carrier. This turret initially carries a 30 mm 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 cannon, the crew of the vehicle could fire at the enemy without entering its 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. The projects differed from each other in the layout of the units and in a number of other points.

MT-LB with a device for self-entrenching in a combat escort position. Chechnya, May 2000

One of the command and staff control vehicles of the 42nd mechanized infantry division in deployed, "working" form. Chechnya, Khankala, June 2000

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

There is no data on the production of machines based on the "Object 6M". Judging by the available information, they all 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 basic armored vehicle, the presence of fully-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. In the course of these upgrades, the base MT-LBM machine received new engines with a capacity of up to 300-310 horsepower, new transmission systems, etc. According to open information, only a car from "Muromteplovoz" went into production. 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 driving 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 М1А7, is armed with a large-caliber Kord machine gun with 1050 rounds of ammunition, a PKT machine gun with 2,000 rounds and an AGS-17 grenade launcher with a reserve of 200 rounds. The second multipurpose tractor, called MT-LB M1B2, is equipped with a 30-mm 2A42 cannon, a PKT machine gun and an AGS-17 grenade launcher. The ammunition load consists of 300 rounds, 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. Eight and six people, respectively, can ride the MT-LB M1A7 and MT-LB M1B2 together with three crew members. At the same time, the possibility of towing cargo, for example, an artillery gun, remains. If necessary, the crew of the vehicles can use smoke grenade launchers 902B "Tucha".

Demining installation UR-77 of the engineering battalion of the 42nd mechanized infantry division. Chechnya, Khankala, June 2000

Artillery control vehicle 1V14M. Armed with a PKMB machine gun. On the sides are fixed round smoke bombs, 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 fleet of a military unit 42 mfd. 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 transporter. The Ukrainians took the path of developing transport capabilities and actually made several new infantry fighting vehicles based on a multipurpose 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 modernized in this way could already become a full-fledged combat vehicle like armored personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles.

The first option for such an update was the MT-LBR6 project. They removed their own turret from the car and put in its place a full-fledged cannon-machine-gun combat module. A 30-mm automatic cannon ZTM-1 (Ukrainian version of the Soviet 2A72) and a coaxial machine gun KT-7.62 (PKT of Ukrainian production) 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. There are six Tucha smoke grenade launchers directly in front of them.

The level of protection of the MT-LBR6 vehicle was increased with the help of spaced armor, installed on top of the vehicle's own body, and Kevlar lining. In addition, the undercarriage is covered with anti-cumulative screens. The renewal of the multipurpose transporter led to a noticeable increase in weight, which was offset by a new, more powerful engine producing about 310 horsepower. According to reports, a number of such machines were assembled and re-equipped from the existing ones at the Kharkov Tractor Plant.

Radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicle RHM "Kashalot" in a trench. Tactical exercises of the 27th mechanized infantry division, Totsk district training ground, July 2003

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

In a similar way, the MT-LBR7 modification was created, but it differs from the previous vehicle in the composition of the armament. 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 last Ukrainian modification of the MT-LB vehicle at the moment is the MT-LBMSh armored personnel carrier. In accordance with this project, the base vehicle received a new 360-horsepower engine and a Shkval combat module. The armament of this module is similar to the "Storm" - automatic cannon and grenade launcher, as well as a machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. However, instead of the Konkurs-M anti-tank missiles, the MT-LBMSh vehicle uses the Barrier complex. Like all previous modifications of the Ukrainian development, the MT-LBMSh is capable of transporting up to seven people and towing some cargo, for example, a cannon.

As you can see, in recent years, the improvement of the MT-LB multipurpose transporter was mainly carried out with the help of strengthening weapons. In local conflicts of recent decades, these vehicles were often used as transport 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 by using more powerful engines and installing additional armor. However, both of these modernization methods are not widely used.

In general, it is worth noting that most of the MT-LB operating countries, attempting to improve their existing vehicles, limited themselves to installing more powerful weapons. For example, Polish licensed copies of the MT-LB tractor rolled off the assembly line equipped with DShKM heavy machine guns. Probably, the reason for the popularity of this particular path of development of a multipurpose armored vehicle was the peculiarities of its tactical niche. Unlike armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, the MT-LB were intended to transport personnel and cargo far from the front edge and had sufficient characteristics for this. Therefore, the power plant of the machines remained the same for a long time, and the booking 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 with other engines, weapons and protection began to appear.

However, long before the start of local conflicts in recent years, MT-LB multipurpose vehicles managed to become the basis for a mass of systems. Equipment for anti-aircraft missile systems (Strela-10), self-propelled mortars (Tundzha, Tundzha-Sani, etc.), radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicles (RHM and RPM), anti-tank missiles were mounted on the MT-LB chassis. complexes ("Shturm-S"), etc. However, after such updates, multipurpose armored vehicles lost their original purpose and could no longer carry cargo or personnel in addition to the crew or the calculation of weapons systems. Nevertheless, the light armored multipurpose transporter proved to be a popular base vehicle. As already mentioned, almost fifty different machines were created on its basis.

Based on materials from sites:
http://btvt.narod.ru/
http://armor.kiev.ua/
http://army-guide.com/
http://muromteplovoz.ru/
http://morozov.com.ua/