MTLB all-terrain vehicle: specifications, functions and photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The MTLB all-terrain vehicle is a tracked vehicle that is unique in its segment due to its caterpillar track and multi-purpose direction. The main task of the machine is to transport personnel and cargo over long distances on unstable and snowy soils.

General information

The first MTLB all-terrain vehicle rolled off the assembly line in Kharkov (1964). The car was a multi-purpose armored tractor. Among ordinary people, this modification received the original nickname "Hoe". In many ways, this is due to the appearance of vehicles and the lack of thick armor.

The unit was used mainly for transporting personnel, artillery, as an ambulance or other special vehicle. Currently, the vehicle is operated by geologists, fishermen and hunters. In addition, the technique provides an invaluable service in the construction of roads in difficult terrain.

History of Creation

In the sixties of the last century, Soviet military engineers faced the task of replacing obsolete ATP tractors? The exit was found at the same timecost-effective effect: to re-equip mass-produced equipment for army needs. The work as a driver of the MTLB all-terrain vehicle became in demand after the transformation of the MTL transporter into an analogue with an armored hull. At the same time, all the main components and parts remained the same.

The machine was created by the branch of the Kharkov Tractor Plant. The start of work dates back to 1964, and the release of the first serial machine - two years later. The body of the all-terrain vehicle is made of steel plates by welding, the effective protection of the armor is designed only against small arms. This approach made it possible to maintain a relatively small weight of the vehicle (9.7 tons). The advantage of this decision was the preservation of a high buoyancy index. In addition, the tracks of the equipment have a low pressure on the ground, which helps to improve the patency parameters. The body part includes several compartments: transport and cargo, control, transmission and engine compartments. The interior of the car is quite spacious and comfortable to accommodate the crew and personnel.

Specifications

The MTLB all-terrain vehicle is capable of carrying 11 personnel, while three people can be in the cab. The rest of the team was located in the front compartment of the body with improved noise insulation. The vehicle was entered through a pair of hatches and two doors. When operating in areas with a cold climate, the equipment was equipped with an additional heater.

Comfortable control at any time of the day was providedthanks to good visibility, as well as the presence of a pair of light elements with an additional searchlight. In water, the all-terrain vehicle is capable of accelerating up to six kilometers per hour. The standard equipment included a machine gun with a mechanical rotation on the turret. Weapon caliber - 7, 62 mm.

Engine parameters and dimensions

Below are the characteristics of the MTLB all-terrain vehicle. The driver drove the car with the following indicators:

• motor type - YaMZ-238V;
• power indicator - 240 hp;
• number of cylinders - 8;
• length/width/height - 6, 45/2, 86/1, 86 m;
• carrying capacity - 2/2, 5 t.

Operation and management

Among the vacancies for the northern regions of the Russian Federation, you can often find work as a driver of an MTLB all-terrain vehicle on a shift. This requires some experience and skills in handling such equipment. It is worth noting that the tractor has a pre-start device, and the activation of the power unit is carried out from the driver's seat. Fuel is delivered directly to the cylinders.

Overcoming unsteady and sandy areas is carried out due to the movable tracks of the tape type. The width of these elements is increased, which makes it possible to increase the permeability and reduce the load on the soil. Most of the options of the vehicle in question do not cause problems with control, allowing you to turn on the heating or another function for a comfortable stay inside, from the driver's seat.

Varieties

If you are looking for driver jobsMTLB all-terrain vehicle, please note that several modifications have been made on the basis of this technique, namely:

1. Snow and swamp vehicle MTLB-V. It is focused on operation in the northern regions. It differs from the standard model in the increased distance between the tracks, which further reduces the pressure on the soil.
2. Civilian version for solving various problems in the national economy.
3. MTLB-VM. Model with a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun.
4. Version VM-1K - designed for work at a considerable height above sea level with a 310 horsepower engine.

Regardless of modification, the machine must be serviced regularly. Maintenance periods and types:

• before each exit and during long stops - control inspection;
• daily maintenance - after completion of work;
• First maintenance - after one thousand kilometers;
• TO-2 - 2, 5-3, 0 thousand km;
• seasonal inspection - when preparing the car for the summer or winter season.

Combat experience

In the military sphere, there is an opinion that the equipment in question has a low speed indicator and is poorly protected from enemy attacks, and also does not have high firepower. These conclusions were made during a comparative analysis of the MTLB all-terrain vehicle with armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. It should be borne in mind that this modification is only on one side positioned as an analogue of an infantry fighting vehicle. On the other hand, this is a completely different category of army vehicle.

Unlikearmored personnel carriers, MTLB was not originally intended to support troops, but was designed as an object for transporting goods, towing artillery pieces, a chassis for installing various bases and for sanitary purposes. Given these requirements, light armor protection and the Kalashnikov machine gun are positioned not as a disadvantage, but as an advantage. Compared to wheeled trucks, the tractor is equipped with caterpillar tracks, which significantly increases its cross-country ability, and the armament ensures the safety of the crew in the event of a real battle.

The vehicle is not offensively oriented. The machine gun serves only as a defensive weapon. The vehicle in question participated in the Afghan conflict, the experience of which showed that the tractor is capable of not only protecting itself, but also combat crews, for which the vehicle was assigned as a working unit.

Work on a rotational basis as a driver of the MTLB all-terrain vehicle

On the Internet, you can find vacancies for a driver to work on the specified machine. Most often, these are proposals from the northern regions of Russia. As a rule, specialists are required to work on a rotational basis. The shift can be different: 30/30, 75/30/, 90/30 days. Usually, employers provide three meals a day, accommodation in a hostel or trailer, overalls and a social package. The average salary starts from 50-70 thousand rubles per month.

MTLB-based equipment

Based on the considered all-terrain vehicle, several modifications of special vehicles have been created. Among them:

1. Cartechnical support, instead of a tower, a cargo platform is mounted on it.
2. Self-propelled artillery mount "Carnation" (object 26), mounted on an extended chassis.
3. Deva mortar crew (2C24).
4. Technical reconnaissance vehicle of the Sperm Whale type.
5. Self-propelled mortar with a caliber of 120 millimeters "Tunja".

In addition, minelayers, anti-radiation vehicles, medical equipment, electronic warfare units, command vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles with improved protection and weapons were developed on the basis of the considered all-terrain vehicle. There were also projects for self-propelled anti-aircraft and anti-tank systems.

Result

The duration of the MTLB all-terrain vehicle driver's watch depends on the specific operating conditions of the vehicle and the employment contract. At the same time, the transporter in question continues to be actively used not only in the army, but also in civilian industries. It often serves in the Northern regions for geological exploration and off-road delivery of goods to remote areas. In addition, this machine attracts fans of extreme hunting and tourism in snowy or sandy areas.