Universal Soldier. Multipurpose transporter-tractor MT-LB

Tractor MT-LB TTX, Video, Photo, Speed, Armor

The 6MB object is a variant of the MT-LBM with the MB2 module, which includes a 30-mm 2A42 cannon.

MT-LB (multi-purpose light armored transporter (tractor), “Object 6”) is a Soviet amphibious armored personnel carrier. Designed to transport (transport) people and cargo, it is also widely used as an artillery tractor (in some units it is used to transport personnel of motorized rifle units.

MTLBu | Specifications

After modernization, the MTLBu all-terrain vehicle received a new, improved chassis with a 7-roller track, as well as a more powerful YaMZ-238N engine with 300 hp. As a result, the all-terrain vehicle surpassed its predecessor MTLB both in technical characteristics and cross-country ability.

The driving characteristics, powerful engine, and increased load capacity of the MTLB allow the all-terrain vehicle to be used throughout Russia, both in off-road conditions and in the regions of the Far North and Siberia.

The MTLBu all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a new eight-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine YaMZ-238N-1 with a turbocharging system, producing 300 hp.

Distinctive features of the YaMZ-238N-1 all-terrain vehicle engine from previous design versions are serious design improvements: a deep oil sump with a shell, a fan drive without a pulley and an elastic coupling.

MT-LB - video

Object 6MB - MT-LBM variant with MB2 module, including a 30-mm 2A42 cannon - left view

Object 6MB - MT-LBM variant with MB2 module, including a 30-mm 2A42 cannon - right view

Developed at the Kharkov Tractor Design Bureau, it was produced for several decades and eventually became one of the most common vehicles in the army of the Soviet Union. Initially, the MT-LB was assigned purely transport tasks: transporting cargo and personnel, as well as towing artillery pieces. However, later, 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 (Object 6) - basic version with MT-12 Rapier cannon

A description of all the options for upgrading and altering the basic transporter will take a separate book, so we will limit ourselves only to modifications in which the MT-LB vehicle has retained its original functions. In other words, this article will only discuss vehicle upgrade options that are still intended to transport people and cargo.

The first modernization of the base vehicle was the MT-TWT project, which appeared a little later than the original one. The letter “B” in the name stands for “all-terrain”. The fact is that when using original 350 mm wide tracks, the tractor has good maneuverability and a small specific load on the ground. However, on soft surfaces such as deep snow or swamps, the basic MT-LB sharply loses driving performance. To correct this situation, a new 565 mm wide track was created. Thanks to the use of this caterpillar, the specific pressure on the ground became less than that of a person. The resulting MT-TWT machine as a result of this modernization 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. It was distinguished from previous versions of the vehicle by its armament. Instead of the original turret with a PKT machine gun, the MT-LBVM was equipped with a larger open combat module with an NSVT 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. A few years ago, another update to the “line” of all-terrain transporters called MT-LB VMK appeared. It uses a large-caliber Kord instead of an NSVT machine gun. A project for installing a new, more powerful engine (300-310 hp), new communication equipment, etc. was also completed and put into production. This modernization is designated as MT-LB VM1K.

Option for upgrading the MT-LB (6M1B3) with the installation of an improved turret installation of our own design, which is equipped with an AG-17 automatic grenade launcher, a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun and a coaxial 23 mm GSh-23 automatic cannon, and also provides for the installation of two MANPADS " Needle"

Object 6MA - MT-LBM variant with a turret mount corresponding to the BTR-80 armored personnel carrier

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 make up for losses, the production of tractors was established in Murom. Most of the modern modifications of the machine were created there. Currently, the list of products manufactured by the plant includes several modifications of MT-LB. In addition, the company offers repairs and modernization of machines in operation, bringing them to a certain type.

The basis for all new vehicles produced by Muromteplovoz was the MT-LBM conveyor (“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. However, even 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 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 armor of the MT-LB was noticeably inferior to the protection of the BTR-60 or BTR-70. However, if necessary, 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 vehicles by installing new weapons. Thus, several new modifications appeared.

Nuclear explosion detection station K-612-O based on MT-LB

Sanitary version MT-LB

The first to be created was “Object 6MA”. Instead of the original turret with a PKT machine gun, they installed a combat module from the BTR-80 armored personnel carrier. Thanks to this modernization, the multi-purpose tractor, in addition to the original 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 weapon complex of which was expanded with the AGS-17 “Plamya” automatic grenade launcher;

— “Object 6MA2.” This version of the tractor is deprived 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 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 “6MA3 Object”, whose weapons came very close to those of 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 transport people or cargo.

Radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicle RKhM "Kashalot" in a trench. Tactical exercises of the 27th Motorized Rifle Division, Totsky district training ground, July 2003.

Almost simultaneously and in parallel with the line of machines based on the Object 6MA, another direction was developing. 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 a 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 kill zone. “Object 6MB” also became the basis for several variants 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 a number of other aspects.

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

One of the command and staff vehicles of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division in its deployed, “working” form. Chechnya, Khankala, June 2000

There is no data on the production of vehicles based on the Object 6M. Judging by the available information, all of them remained at the prototype stage, 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 full-fledged specially designed armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, as well as the difficult financial state 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 base MT-LBM vehicle received new engines with power up to 300-310 horsepower, new transmission systems, etc. According to open information, only the 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, despite its increased weight, to have the same driving characteristics as the base vehicles.

Engine compartment MT-LB

Based on the Object 6M1 or MT-LB M1, two light armored vehicles were created, which are now available for order. The first of them, the 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. The ammunition load consists of 300 shells, 2000 rounds of ammunition 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 on the MT-LB M1A7 and MT-LB M1B2 simultaneously with three crew members. At the same time, the possibility of towing cargo, for example, an artillery piece, remains possible. If necessary, the vehicle crew can use 902B “Tucha” smoke grenade launchers.

Demining installation UR-77 of the engineer battalion of the 42nd motorized rifle division. Chechnya, Khankala, June 2000

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

Ukraine, which became independent, was able to maintain the production of MT-LB armored vehicles and even carry out several modernizations. It is noteworthy that the main task of the designers of the Kharkov Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau 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 multi-purpose tractor. At the same time, unlike Russian engineers, Ukrainians came to the conclusion that it was necessary to increase not only firepower, but also the level of protection. A 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. The original turret was removed from the vehicle and a full-fledged cannon-machine-gun combat module was installed in its place. In the turret with one gunner's workplace, 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. To save space inside the armored hull, the gun's ammunition was placed in two boxes located on the sides of the gun itself. In the frontal view, 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 vehicle was increased using spaced armor installed on top of the vehicle’s own body and a Kevlar lining. In addition, the chassis 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, more powerful engine producing around 310 horsepower. According to available data, a number of such machines were assembled and converted from existing ones at the Kharkov Tractor Plant.

MT-LBR6 is a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier on the MT-LB chassis. Manufacturer: Kharkov Tractor Plant named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze. A new diesel engine, a new single-seat turret (30-mm ZTM-1 automatic cannon with a coaxial 7.62-mm KT-7.62 machine gun, smoke grenade launchers of the 902B “Tucha” system) were installed. The crew's protection is enhanced due to spaced armor and Kevlar lining; the undercarriage is covered with anti-cumulative shields.

The MT-LBR7 modification was created in a similar way, but it differs from the previous vehicle in the composition of its weapons. Instead of the original gun turret, it was proposed to mount the Sturm 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 have been 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 Sturm - an automatic cannon and grenade launcher, as well as a machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. However, instead of Konkurs-M anti-tank missiles, the MT-LBMSh vehicle uses the Barrier complex. Like all previous Ukrainian modifications, the MT-LBMSh is capable of carrying up to seven people and towing some cargo, such as a cannon.

MT-LBMSh is a Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicle on the MT-LB chassis with the Shkval combat module. Armament: 30-mm ZTM-1 automatic cannon, coaxial 7.62-mm KT-7.62 machine gun, two Barrier anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), 30-mm automatic grenade launcher, smoke grenade launchers.

As you can see, in recent years, the improvement of the MT-LB multi-purpose transporter has mainly been carried out by strengthening weapons. In local conflicts of recent decades, these vehicles were often used as transport for personnel, which created a need for protection from ambush attacks. At the same time, attempts were made to increase 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 countries operating MT-LB, making attempts to improve their existing vehicles, limited themselves to installing more powerful weapons. For example, Polish licensed copies of the MT-LB tractor came off the production line equipped with DShKM heavy machine guns. Probably, the reason for the popularity of this particular path of development of a multi-purpose armored vehicle was the features of its tactical niche. Unlike armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, MT-LBs were intended to transport personnel and cargo far from the front line and had sufficient characteristics for this. Therefore, the power plant of the vehicles remained the same for a long time, and the reservation did not change due to the lack of 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.

Fire truck MT-LBu-GPM-10

However, long before the outbreak of local conflicts in recent years, the MT-LB multi-purpose vehicles managed to become the basis for a host of systems. Equipment for anti-aircraft missile systems (Strela-10), self-propelled mortars (Tundzha, Tundzha-Sani, etc.), radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicles (RKhM and RPM), anti-tank missiles were mounted on the MT-LB chassis complexes (“Sturm-S”), etc. However, after such updates, multi-purpose armored vehicles lost their original purpose and could no longer transport cargo or personnel other than the crew or crew 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.

Archer-E

Advantages:

• Enlarged body;
• 7 roller chassis;
• Engine YaMZ-238N with a power of 300 hp;
• Load capacity up to 4t.

You can buy MTLB - price from the manufacturer. You can also buy the MTLBu all-terrain vehicle in stock and to order, both new and preserved.

The price of the MTLBu all-terrain vehicle depends on the configuration and attachments. The price of a new MTLB starts at RUB 2,750,000. The price of the MT-LBu all-terrain vehicle also depends significantly on the general condition and year of manufacture. For more detailed price information, please contact official dealers.

The price of an MTLB from conservation depends on the year of manufacture and the general condition of the all-terrain vehicle. You can buy MTLB from preservation from RUB 2,350,000. The price for a preserved MT-LB in working condition is from RUB 1,550,000. The price depends on the availability of attachments and additional equipment.

MTLBU | Device

The all-terrain vehicle is equipped with an all-metal cabin for seating 8 passengers, as well as a closed body for transporting cargo up to 4 tons or 10 passengers.

The enlarged cabin of the MTLBu all-terrain vehicle now has much greater capacity and has a wide all-round view.

The body is also increased by 810 mm due to the addition of a 7th road wheel and can accommodate up to 10 people. Can also be used for transporting goods.

An increase in height by 200 mm also made it possible to significantly increase the internal volume of the MTLBu all-terrain vehicle.

Technical characteristics of MTLBu

Chassis

The chassis of the MTLBu all-terrain vehicle has also been modernized and now consists of 14 road wheels, two drive wheels, two idler wheels with tensioning devices, two 560 mm wide tracks and four hydraulic shock absorbers.

The suspension of the chassis system softens the shocks and jolts that occur when the MTLB all-terrain vehicle moves on uneven tracks. The suspension is independent, torsion bar.