The army in the modern world requires equipment with advanced weapons, combat vehicles and qualified personnel. However, along with this, it is necessary to provide infantry and transport with food, equipment, etc. For these purposes, special vehicles are used. So, in the 60s. Military engineers of the Soviet Union invented a tracked transporter - MTLB. The tractor is multi-purpose and equipped with light armor. It is noteworthy that it is still in service in the Russian Army.
Historical facts about the creation of the MTLB all-terrain vehicle
In the 60s, the USSR government, together with the leadership of the armed forces, decided to update the AT-P artillery tractor. To save the budget, the general council decided to develop the vehicle not from scratch, but to use the basic production model. For the needs of the Soviet army, the characteristics most suitable for the role of an all-terrain vehicle were the MT-L. The hull underwent fundamental changes - it was replaced with an armored one. The remaining components and mechanical parts were practically not affected.
The development and implementation of the MTLB update (photo) was carried out by the designers of the Kharkov Tractor Plant. The first steps towards a modern all-terrain vehicle were taken in 1964. After 24 months, the tractor was put into mass production.
The name “multi-purpose tractor” was assigned by engineers at the initial stage. At the same time, it is unlikely that experts could guess how true the term would be. Thus, in the Russian army today, more than 80 modifications and special vehicles have already been created on the basis of the MT-LB. This is due to the fact that the vehicle has established itself as a reliable all-terrain vehicle in various military conflicts.
It is noteworthy that the MTLB all-terrain vehicle is not intended to take direct part in combat, since it was first developed as an armored personnel carrier for guns, crews and combat shells. Accordingly, it is not intended for attack, and the installation of a machine gun is used as a defense.
MTLB combat vehicle
The tractor gained popularity due to the following properties:
- high level of reliability;
- simple maintenance;
- possibility of carrying out repair work outside the box;
- relatively light weight;
- high power;
- cross-country ability is ensured by the caterpillar track.
For your information: in addition to the fact that the all-terrain vehicle is in service in Russia, the tractor is purchased by dozens of other countries around the world. Since its launch into the series, MTLB has been produced over nine thousand times. As of 2010, the RF Armed Forces have about four thousand vehicles of various modifications.
Experience in combat use[edit | edit code]
Among the military, who have an indirect understanding of this vehicle, there is an opinion about it as a low-speed, poorly protected vehicle, with weak firepower. This approach to the MT-LB is based on a comparative analysis of this combat vehicle with infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. The erroneously negative assessment of the MT-LB has its roots in a comparison of its characteristics as an infantry fighting vehicle. It does not take into account the fact that MT-LB on the one hand and BMP/APC on the other hand are completely different classes of military equipment. Unlike infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and infantry fighting vehicles, when designing the MT-LB, the goal was not to create an infantry support combat vehicle. It was originally designed as an all-terrain vehicle for transporting goods, a tractor for towing artillery pieces, a chassis for mounting various devices, and also as an ambulance. Taking into account the requirements, light armor and a Kalashnikov machine gun are considered not as a disadvantage, but as an advantage. In fact, unlike a conventional army truck, the functions of which it performs, the MT-LB has a tracked drive, which increases its maneuverability, bulletproof armor and machine gun armament.
The tractor is not intended for offensive use. He has machine gun weapons exclusively for his own defense. The experience of the Afghan War showed that, in addition to its direct purpose, the MT-LB could, if necessary, effectively protect not only itself with machine-gun fire, but also the gun crews to which the vehicle was assigned as a tractor.
Main design points of the all-terrain vehicle
The machine body has a welded structure made of thin steel plates. The armor is designed to protect against small arms. However, this made it possible to maintain the weight of the MTLB - 9.7 tons. Such a modest mass allowed the engineers to provide the all-terrain vehicle with the ability to move on water. And high cross-country ability is ensured by a caterpillar track that creates low pressure on the surface.
The machine body is equipped with the following compartments:
- engine;
- transmission;
- control system;
- transport and cargo compartment.
Both personnel and passengers can be freely accommodated inside.
In the MTLBU all-terrain vehicle, the transmission suspension is located at the front along with the gearbox and turning mechanism. Behind this part there is an armor partition with a control compartment. The compartment also accommodates space for the driver and mechanic. The view of the terrain is carried out through a windshield equipped with protection. On the right side of the hull there is a turret with a machine gun (caliber 7.62). The tractor commander is responsible for servicing the power plant.
The engine compartment is located behind the control compartment and occupies almost the entire middle part. In addition to the motor, the main clutch is located here.
At the stern there is a compartment for transporting cargo and troops. Aft doors and hatches located above the hull are used as entry and exit.
The main thing is that MTLBU has such a technical characteristic as the YaMZ-238V eight-cylinder diesel engine. The engine has a power of 300 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 61.5 km/h.
The vehicle's rollers are equipped with an air chamber that ensures movement on the surface of the water, i.e. the vehicle is capable of floating. The crawler track of the tractor exerts pressure on the ground up to 0.45 kg/cm², the suspension has an independent torsion bar type.
Advantages:
- High cross-country ability;
- Excellent maneuverability;
- Ease of operation;
- Low price;
You can buy MTLB - price from . You can also buy the MTLB all-terrain vehicle in stock and to order, both new and preserved.
The price of the MTLB all-terrain vehicle depends on the configuration and attachments. The price of a new MTLB starts at RUB 2,950,000. The price of the MT-LB 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 a preserved MTLB depends on the year of manufacture and the general condition of the all-terrain vehicle. You can buy MTLB from preservation from RUB 1,390,000. The price for a preserved MT-LB, fully equipped and in working order, is from RUB 1,550,000. The price greatly depends on the availability of attachments and additional equipment.
The MTLB all-terrain vehicle has outstanding technical characteristics and high maneuverability. The driving characteristics of the MT-LB allow the all-terrain vehicle to be used throughout Russia, in the Far North and in the harsh climate of Siberia.
The MTLB all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a four-stroke V8 diesel engine YaMZ 238-V with a displacement of 14.86 liters, direct fuel injection, and liquid cooling.
Technical specifications
After the modernization of the MTLB (photo), the military was equipped with an updated chassis with a caterpillar track for 7 rollers. The engine was replaced with a YaMZ-238V, which ultimately allowed the vehicle to have more advanced technical characteristics than its predecessor. It is noteworthy that this applies to both the main power parameters and the level of cross-country ability.
In the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces, the armored personnel carrier was called motolyga-MTLB, “emteelbeshka”.
Driving properties, a powerful engine, high load capacity, and cross-country ability make it possible to use the tractor throughout the country. At the same time, mobility is not affected by off-road conditions and conditions of the Far North. These qualities are also valued by the armed forces of other states.
Engine
The MTLBU is equipped with a YaMZ-238N-1 eight-cylinder diesel engine. The engine is equipped with a turbocharger, which, coupled with 300 horsepower, allows the car to move on the highway at a speed of 61.5 km/h.
The main technical characteristics of the engine installed on the armored personnel carrier, unlike older versions, are an impressive update. So, the designer added:
- oil sump with shell;
- elastic coupling;
- fan drive without using a friction wheel.
Dimensions MT-LB
The MTLB has a cabin inside made of solid metal casing. Up to eight people are allowed to board, not counting the personnel of the vehicle. In addition, the all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a closed body for transporting up to 4 tons of cargo or ten passengers.
Thus, the updated version of the motorcycle league in the army allows it to accommodate more, and an additional bonus is a 360-degree view of the area. It is noteworthy that the body part was also increased to 81 cm. This was made possible through the introduction of a 7-wheel roller.
The height underwent similar changes - 20 cm were added, which made it possible to expand the internal space of the MTLBU.
Dimensional characteristics:
| Weight, ton | 9,7 |
| LxWxH, meters | 6,45×2,86×1,86 |
| Towed trailer volume, ton | 4,5 |
| Useful specific gravity, ton | 2 |
| Road speed, max km/h | 61,5 |
| Average speed over rough terrain, km/h | 30 |
| Fuel consumption depends on the terrain | from 90 to 120 l/100 km |
| Ground clearance (average value), cm | 40 |
| Speed of movement through water, km/h | 6 |
Vehicle mobility
MTLB-U is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, which ensures the movement of the armored personnel carrier on an asphalt highway, dirt road, as well as on water and rough terrain.
MTLB - technical characteristics of mobility (km/h):
- maximum speed on the highway - 61.5;
- average value over rough terrain - 30;
- in water space - 6.
Control system
The bulk of the functions of the all-terrain vehicle control unit are freely accessible to the driver of the vehicle. In addition to starting the engine, the mechanic is able to activate the heating and other systems necessary for a comfortable stay inside (photo) MTLB.
Car chassis
The chassis also underwent an update during the modernization. The new version has 14 road wheels, 2 drive wheels and 2 idler wheels. Moreover, the latter have tension devices. Two tracks have a width of 56 cm and 4 hydraulic shock absorbers.
The suspension provides a smooth ride, dampening shocks and shocks while the tractor is driving off-road. An additional advantage is the fact that the suspension is of an independent torsion bar type.
MTLB fuel consumption
MTLB - technical description (operating instructions) of fuel consumption:
| 60 min. engine work, l | 42-43 |
| Consumption per 100 km, l | from 80 to 100 |
| Oil consumption depends on diesel consumption | up to 2% |
| additional characteristics | |
Rated load capacity (t):
| 2,12,3 |
| Trailer weight, ton | 6,7 |
| Track, meters | 2,5 |
| Base, meters | 3,7 |
| Ground clearance, meters | from 0.395 to 0.415 |
MTLBu | Engine
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.
Modifications of the MTLB machine
The MTLB all-terrain vehicle is a universal vehicle on which various devices, mobile laboratories, and drilling rigs can be installed due to the base of 7 chassis rollers. The tractor is used not only in the arsenal of the Russian Armed Forces, but is also used in the oil and gas industry, geological exploration as off-road and water transport.
By using various modifications of an armored personnel carrier, it is possible to achieve the use of a tractor not only for transporting goods and troops, but also as a command and staff mobile post. Or as MT-LBV-N for agricultural needs.
Over 80 modification options have been developed, for example:
- the basic option is MTLBU;
- multi-purpose tractor - MT-LBu-N;
- all-terrain vehicle with extended cabin - MT-LBu-M;
- fire-fighting vehicle on a caterpillar track, including a reconnaissance aircraft gunner - MT-LBu-GPM-10;
- pumping station - MT-LBu-PNS-1;
- all-terrain vehicle for forest fire needs - MT-LBu-LPV;
- and other types.
MTLB was created as a universal platform on which military guns and howitzers can be installed. However, during the tests it became clear that 6 rollers were not able to bear the load, and the hull did not allow the installation of heavy weapons or air defense. Therefore, the body was lengthened, a seventh wheel was installed, and the old motor was replaced, which made it possible to increase the load capacity parameters.
The updated vehicle can accommodate ten passengers and personnel or ammunition. Based on these factors, the tractor became popular not only among the military, but also among the civilian population.
The Motoliga is a lightweight but powerful vehicle designed to perform a variety of tasks, from transporting civilians to transporting cargo. A high range, excellent technical characteristics and cross-country ability make it possible to use an all-terrain vehicle in almost any terrain conditions.
Crawler fire engine MT-LBu-GPM-10
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, much less what the abbreviation stands for.
For those who work in harsh conditions of the north or the military, it is difficult to imagine normal service or work without this machine.
Loading capacity and spaciousness, trouble-free operation, relatively cheap spare parts and simple repairs give the MTLB tracked all-terrain vehicle undeniable advantages over its competitors, both among members 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 lands where tough men did tough work on these tough machines.
All-terrain vehicle-based equipment
Various vehicles have been created on the basis of an armored personnel carrier, for example:
- MTP-LB is a mobile device for providing technological assistance. The place of the tower is occupied by a loading platform.
- Object No. 26 - self-propelled gun "Gvozdika" is mounted on an extended chassis.
- Set "Virgo" (2С24).
- RKhM "Sperm Whale" reconnaissance vehicle operating under conditions of a chemical attack.
- Self-propelled "Tundzha" is equipped with a mortar (caliber 120 mm).
Over the years, the following were created on the basis of the tractor:
- minelayers;
- means for conducting radio reconnaissance;
- mobile medical units;
- vehicles for headquarters;
- armored personnel carriers with powerful protection and weapons;
- anti-aircraft and anti-tank systems;
- and also much more.
Universal Soldier. Multipurpose transporter-tractor MT-LB
The MT-LB chassis turned out to be so successful that about two dozen different types of equipment and weapons were placed on its base, for example: the Strela 10 anti-aircraft missile system, the Sturm S anti-tank missile system, a radar station for reconnaissance of ground and surface targets SNAR-10 “Leopard”, radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicle RKhM “Kashalot”.
The possibilities of using the MT-LB as a multi-purpose chassis for mounting various weapons have additionally expanded after the development of a more capacious modification - the MT-LB with a chassis extended by one roller.
MT-LBu has become a record holder in terms of the number of weapons and military equipment systems placed on it - more than fifty! These include command and staff vehicles, reconnaissance, communications and control vehicles, the Zoo radar complex, the Dal remote chemical reconnaissance complex, etc. Serial production of MT-LB began in 1968 at the Kharkov Tractor Plant named after.
Description of design
“Motolyga” is an all-terrain vehicle made according to the classical design without any special engineering refinements.
In the front part of the hull there is a cabin for the driver and commander of the vehicle, and the controls for the Motolyga MTLB.
Control occurs using the accelerator and clutch pedals (during gear shifting in the gearbox), rotation is carried out by blocking the side clutches (2 levers - right and left).
Windows were installed in the cabin for viewing. Headlights were used to illuminate the path at night. The commander, if necessary, could fire from a PKT machine gun mounted on the roof.
MTLB device
Behind the driver’s back was the engine compartment, or rather the engine and the main clutch. If repairs were necessary, no effort was required to access it.
Behind the engine there was a compartment for cargo and transported equipment, up to 10 fully equipped infantrymen. In case of dire need, the passenger compartment could accommodate 18 people.
For boarding and disembarking, the following were used: 2 hatches in the roof and doors on the front of the vehicle. A stove was installed to heat the sealed transport compartment. An additional stove was provided in cars sent to the Far North.
Internal carriage MT-LB
, Ukraine, JSC "Muromteplovoz", Russia. Use in military units
The all-terrain vehicles delivered to army units took part in combat operations for the first time during the war in Afghanistan. After the collapse of the USSR, transporters went to the former Soviet republics and were used in local conflicts. The vehicles were intended to deliver cargo, ammunition for mortars or artillery, as well as evacuate the wounded. The hull armor withstood bullets fired from Kalashnikov assault rifles at any distance. The machine gun installed in the turret was used to protect the crew of the all-terrain vehicle or the crew of the towed gun.
All-terrain vehicles were not part of the staff of motorized rifle battalions (MSB), but some were used to transport personnel. During the Afghan War, some of the vehicles underwent field modernization. For example, the towed mortar "Vasilek" was installed in a cargo platform, which contradicted the requirements of the manual for combat use, but increased the maneuverability of the firing point. The transportable ammunition was located inside the hull and was also attached to the outside of the sheets along with additional crew equipment.
