Multi-purpose light armored tractor (MTLB): description and characteristics

Any modern army needs not only tanks, infantry fighting vehicles or self-propelled guns, it also needs vehicles for transportation of various cargoes and personnel. In the mid-1960s, a tracked transporter MTLB (a light armored multi-purpose tractor) was created in the USSR, which is still actively used by the Russian army.

When the creators of this army all-terrain vehicle gave their offspring the name "multi-purpose tractor", they probably did not know how far they got to the point. To our time, the day on the basis of MTLB created more than 80 modifications and special machines. This tractor has proven itself in past armed conflicts, and those who talk about its lack of security and weak weapons simply do not understand what this all-terrain vehicle was designed for.

MTLB is not intended for direct participation in hostilities, initially the machine was designed to transport artillery pieces, their calculations and ammunition. He should not go to the attacks, and the machine gun mounted on the MTLB, is used only for self-defense. High reliability, ease of maintenance and the ability to repair in field conditions have made this all-terrain vehicle very popular among the troops. The low weight of the machine, high power density and tracked drive provide the tractor with excellent traction. In the army, the MTLB is called "motolegy", "emtaelbashka".

Currently, this tractor is in service with several dozen armies in the world, since the beginning of mass production, more than 9,600 units of this machine have been produced. In 2010, about 4 thousand MTLBs were in service with the Russian Armed Forces.

The history of the creation of MTLB

In the mid-60s, the leadership of the Soviet armed forces decided to replace the outdated artillery tractors AT-P. To save money, it was decided not to develop a new car from scratch, but to adapt equipment that is already mass-produced for military needs. According to its technical characteristics for the role of an all-terrain vehicle for the army, the MT-L transporter was best suited. For it, it was necessary to simply manufacture an armored body, while most of the mechanisms and components remained the same.

MTLB was created by the design office of the Kharkov Tractor Plant, work began in 1964, and two years later the car went into production.

The MTLB case is welded from steel plates having a small thickness. Such armor can effectively protect only against small arms. However, due to this, it was possible to maintain a relatively small mass of the machine - only 9.7 tons. Due to the modest weight of the designers did not have any problems with ensuring the buoyancy of the machine. Caterpillars MTLB have low ground pressure, which is the key to high maneuverability.

The body of the all-terrain vehicle consists of several sections: engine, transmission, control, transport and cargo. The interior space is very extensive and convenient for the crew and passengers.

The transmission compartment is located in front of the tractor. It is located gearbox and turning mechanism.

For the transmission compartment, separated by an armored partition, is the control compartment. It is the place of the driver and commander of the machine. Overview provide windshields with protective covers. In front of the hull (right) mounted turret with a 7.62-mm machine gun, which serves the commander of the machine.

Behind the office of management is the engine compartment. It occupies the middle part of the body of the all-terrain vehicle. Here is the engine and the main clutch.

In the aft part of the MTLB there is a cargo and cargo compartment designed to transport cargo or troops. Aft doors and hatches in the hull roof are used for exiting and entering.

The all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine YMZ-238V with eight cylinders and a capacity of 240 liters. pp., which allows the car to reach a highway speed of up to 61.5 km / h.

MTLB track rollers have an airbag that facilitates movement through the water. MTLB tracks provide a low ground pressure of 0.45 kg / cm².

All-terrain vehicle suspension - independent torsion bar.

MTLB can swim. Movement on the water is carried out by rewinding the tracks.

Modifications MTLB

Excellent technical characteristics, ease of operation and repair, high throughput made this all-terrain vehicle very popular in Russia and far beyond its borders. It is not surprising that MTLB is a real champion in the number of upgrades. Significant is the number of special machines created on its base. This tractor is used not only by the military, it is very much in demand by geologists, hunters, and rescue specialists. Below are some of the most successful modifications of MTLB developed in different countries:

• MTLB-B. This modification of the car has a higher cross compared to the base. It has wider tracks and less pressure on the ground.
• MTLB-VN and MTLB-VNS "Altai" - tractors adapted for the needs of the national economy.
• MTLB-VM. Modification of all-terrain vehicle with a 12.7-mm machine gun NSVT.
• MTLB-VM1K. The modification created for work in the conditions of high mountains. It is equipped with a more powerful diesel engine YMZ-238BL-1.
• MTLB-M1A7. Modification of the all-terrain vehicle with the BTR-80 turret. It can be equipped with PKTM machine guns (7.62 mm), a cord (12.7 mm) or an automatic grenade launcher. Also on the tower can be installed mortars for shooting smoke grenades.
• Several modifications of MTLB were created by engineers of the Russian company OJSC "Muromteplovoz". Their main difference is the combat modules installed on the all-terrain vehicle. MTLB-LPT is a fire tractor created on the Muromteplovoz.
• MTLBM2. Modification of all-terrain vehicle, made by designers "Kurganmashzavod." It differs from the base model with a new engine and transmission.
• MTLB-R6. Modification of the tractor, created at the Kharkov Tractor Plant. A more modern diesel engine was installed, a new turret with a 30-mm cannon, a 7.62-mm machine gun and the “Cloud” smoke curtain system. Improved crew security.
• MTLB-R7. This is another Ukrainian modification of an armored personnel carrier with a Sturm combat module. It includes a 30-mm cannon, a 7.62-mm machine gun, two anti-tank systems, an automatic grenade launcher, smoke grenades.
• MT-LB. Polish modification of the all-terrain vehicle with a 12.7-mm machine gun DShKM.
• "Aibat" - self-propelled mortar based on MTLB, created for the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan by the Israeli firm "Soltam".
• MTLB-AM. The Azerbaijani version of the machine, in addition to the standard 7.62 mm machine gun, is armed with another 57-mm launcher with the 15th NAR of the C-5 series and an automatic grenade launcher.

Machines based on MTLB

Examples of machines created on the basis of MTLB:

• MTP-LB is a technical assistance machine, instead of a turret a cargo platform is installed on the roof.
• Object 26 is an ACS "Carnation", mounted on an elongated chassis of MTLB.
• 2C24. Mortar complex "Virgo", mounted on the chassis MTLB.
• RCM "Kashalot". Chemical reconnaissance vehicle mounted on an all-terrain vehicle base.
• "Tundzha" - self-propelled 120-mm mortar based on MTLB.

At various times, mine-laying, radiation reconnaissance vehicles, medical transporters, electronic warfare systems, staff vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles with more powerful defense and armament, anti-aircraft and anti-tank self-propelled complexes were created on the basis of the tractor.

Technical characteristics TTH MTLB

Watch the video: MTLB. tractor light armored. multi-purpose fully amphibious auxiliary armoured tracked vehicle (April 2024).