Artillery tractor: photo, equipment and history

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

The heavy Soviet artillery tractor was developed and created by the Malyshev Design Bureau in Kharkov (late forties of the last century). Unlike earlier versions of the Komsomolets (T-20) type, the AT-T was a versatile vehicle suitable for transporting goods and people. At the same time, the car turned out with a high power indicator, the mass towed on the tow hitch could exceed the weight of the car itself. Let us consider in more detail the features of this technique and its analogues.

History of Creation

At the beginning of 1944, a new AT-45 artillery tractor based on the T-34 was created at the Kharkov Combine, with maximum unification of the main components and assemblies. The mass of equipment was 19 tons. At the same time, with a load of six thousand kilograms, he was able to tow a system weighing up to 22 tons. A derated tank power unit with a capacity of 350 horsepower accelerated to 35 km / h, a cruising range of 720 km. The car easily overcame a rise of 30 degrees, ford up to one and a half meters. The specific load on the soil was 0.68 kg/sq. cm, pulling force of the winch is about 27 tons.

By the summer of the 44th at the transport building plant in Kharkov(KhZTM) built six or eight (data vary) prototypes of the AT-45. Two of them were sent to the front for testing in real conditions, the rest to the GBTK KA test site, which was located in Kubinka near Moscow. Already in August of the same year, work on this machine was discontinued due to difficulties in mastering the new T-44 tank. At the same time, the production, restored after the evacuation, could not overpower the development of two serious machines. In addition, the base from the T-34 is outdated and subject to withdrawal.

After the release of the state program for the creation and renewal of weapons, KhZTM in 1946 began to work on the creation of a new Soviet artillery tractor based on the T-54 tank. There were a number of requirements for the technique:

• Transportation in tow of systems and trailers weighing up to 25 tons (howitzers and large-caliber cannons, guns of extra high power).
• The speed must be at least 35 km/h, regardless of the surrounding conditions.
• The load capacity of the mechanism is at least 5 tons.
• Equipment with a winch with a pulling force of at least 25 tons.
• The chassis is provided with mounts for mounting earth-moving, technological and special equipment with the appropriate drive.

To increase the reliability and mobility of the base, it was equipped with a synchronized gearbox, two-position mode turning mechanisms, torsion suspension parts, lantern aggregation on the main sprockets, and a comfortable metal cabin.

Description

Below is a diagram of an artillerytractor AT-T.

1. Main asterisk.
2. SPTA box.
3. Light elements.
4. Bonnet part.
5. Cabin.
6. Removable awning.
7. Tow hitch.
8. Driven wheel.
9. Track type roller.
10. Towing hitch.
11. Reclining chair.
12. Folded awning.
13. Arcs.
14. Luke.
15. Working shovel.
16. Towing cables.
17. Search headlight.

Tactical and technical parameters

Large artillery tractor specifications:

• Curb weight - 20 t.
• The platform's load capacity is 5 tons.
• Towed hitch weight - 25 t.
• Cabin capacity is four people.
• Number of seats in the back - 16.
• Length/width (along tracks)/height (along cab) – 7, 04/3, 15/2, 84 m.
• Base of track rollers – 3, 74 m.
• Track - 2, 64 m.
• Road clearance - 42.5 cm.
• Maximum engine power at 1600 rpm - 415 horsepower.
• Maximum speed is 38 km/h
• Dry grade limit is 40 degrees.
• Wade depth/ditch width - 1100/1800 mm.

Start release

At the end of 1947, test samples of artillery tractors under the code name "401" rolled off the assembly line. On them, the first run from Kharkov to Moscow was very successfully completed. The equipment turned out to be maneuverable, efficient, reliable andpowerful. At the same time, operational and traction parameters were at a height. According to all the characteristics, the car turned out to be more successful than all analogues in its category, released in the post-war period. Designers were awarded the State Prize

Given the country's urgent need for such units, it was decided to combine factory and interdepartmental tests, accelerating the development of a new modification. In the middle of 1949, serial production of a large artillery tractor (product "401") AT-T started. Already in the third quarter of the same year, the first 50 copies were commissioned.

The machines successfully worked in artillery, sapper and tank military units. This versatility was facilitated by the unification of the main components, including road wheels, transmission parts, tracks and wheel guides with the T-54.

Device

The AT-T artillery tractor is based on a box-shaped frame with a bottom. It is welded from steel plates 10-30 mm thick. The front part of the vehicle is equipped with a four-stroke V-shaped unpowered diesel engine from the tank, located under the cab floor.

Engine specifications:

• Number of cylinders – 12.
• Type - A-401 B-2.
• Emergency air start mechanism from compressed air tanks.
• Two position combination air cleaners.
• Pneumatic brake compressor for automotive type.
• Pre-start oil pump.
• Heater of steam dynamic configuration,providing start at temperatures up to -45 degrees.
• Reinforced full-width radiator with adjustable shutters.
• A pair of 12-blade fans with self-contained belt drive that ensured the power unit's smooth operation in the heat.

In front of the “engine” there is a dry multi-plate main clutch with a spring servo booster, as well as a gearbox with a power range of 6, 606 in five steps. In addition, there is a pair of transverse shafts of constant engagement of gears with synchronizers. In the body part of the gearbox, a reverse power take-off is built in to drive attachments, including a winch.

Design features

Two-stage onboard planetary slewing devices of the artillery tractor T are responsible for a stable straight-line direction and a pair of fixed turning radii (2640 and 6300 mm). The elements allow a short-term smooth increase in traction load on the tracks without breaking the power flow. This design has increased the overall transmission power range to 9.38.

On the front drive wheels of the propulsion unit, there are two gear rim-pushers of a removable type with a lantern gear. It is allowed to put on additional ground hooks on the tracks of the caterpillar chain. Since 1962, each specified element was equipped with 18 ridgeless and 75 ridge tracks. Previously, they alternated one after another.

Twin road wheels with rubber tires measuring 83 cm in diameter, equipped with autonomous torsion bar suspension without hydraulicshock absorbers. The capacious metal body has an area of 10.5 sq. m. It was connected in one block with a platform and side boards. The four-seater cabin is located above the engine, has a basis from the ZiS-150 car.

Cab

The photo below shows what is in the cab of the tractor.

Next, we will decode the scheme:

• 1 - driver's seat.
• 2 - Detachable winch control handle.
• 3, 4 - swing arms.
• 5 – mirror.
• 6, 7 - main air pressure indicators.
• 8 - pressure gauge for controlling the filling of cylinders to start the engine.
• 9 - cover with light filter.
• 10 - speedometer.
• 11 - oil pressure sensor.
• 12 - glass cleaners.
• 13 - tachometer.
• 14 - oil temperature indicator.
• 15 - defrosters.
• 16 - hour meter.
• 17 - Refrigerant temperature check.
• 18 - lighting element.
• 19 - beep.
• 20, 22 - signal lamps for the position of the winch cable.
• 21 - outdoor light switch.
• 24 - first aid kit.
• 25 - reservoir for atmospheric engine start.
• 26 - hatch cover. 27 - boxes of spare parts.
• 28 - fuse protection.
• 29 - sunroof lever.
• 30 - voltammeter.
• 31 – starter.
• 32 - shift gears.
• 33 - gas (pedal).
• 34 - fuel supply.
• 35 - Fuel priming pump knob.
• 36 - fuel valve handle.
• 37 - Air start pressure reducing valve.
• 38 - brake (pedal).
• 39 – shutter control.
• 40 - main clutch controller.

Additional equipment

The design of the traction winch of an artillery tractor is unique in its design, it can withstand up to 25 tons of cargo, it is equipped with a cable, the length of which is 100 meters. The element is located under the platform in the rear compartment of the frame, which makes it possible, without the participation of the driver, to forcibly extend the cable back with its tightening through the kinematic aggregating rollers and the drum.

The design of the winch drive includes:

• Two position gearbox.
• Disconnect friction clutch.
• Automatic electromagnetic brake.
• Device for disabling the winch at critical loads.
• Rotary dispensing mechanism mounted at the rear of the frame.

Elastic traction coupling unit of a heavy artillery tractor rotates in a horizontal plane, extends back, providing connection with any artillery system. Tanks are towed using a hitch.

The machine is equipped with an onboard pneumatic drive for the brakes of the tractor, trailer and auxiliary mechanisms. Five fuel tanks with a total capacity of more than 1400 liters provided a daily continuous run in a fully loaded condition.

Modifications and operation

Artillery tractor AT-P (AT-T) is able to function effectively inunder the most difficult conditions, received fair recognition and widespread use in the military sphere. The main purpose is towing heavy guns of various types, including missile weapons, and also as a carrier of earth-moving equipment. The powerful and spectacular colossus has been the decoration of parades for 30 years.

During the operation, the equipment was modernized, and the number of modifications based on it was also rapidly growing. This is due to the optimal layout, which makes it possible to place a variety of attachments on the platform.

Most Popular Versions:

1. Radar large station "Krug" on the chassis 426. For special models, the seven-wheel version 426-U with a 520 horsepower engine was used.
2. Bulldozers-travellayers (series of artillery tractors BAT).
3. BTM rotary trenchers.
4. Excavators of MDK versions with rear transverse rotor. The performance of these machines on any type of soil made it possible to quickly solve a number of important and difficult tasks, including the high-speed separation of trenches at the forefront, solving the problem of mechanizing the work of sappers. With a mass of 26-28 tons, the equipment moved confidently at speeds up to 35 km/h.

In 1957, a special modification of the AT-TA was developed, focused on towing sled trailers on polar expeditions. The machine received extended track tracks (up to 0.75 m), reduced weight to 24 tons, insulated cab andengine compartment. A residential house was installed on the platform.

The power plant power indicator was increased to 520 “horses”. Nevertheless, this was not enough for functioning in the conditions of Antarctica. Soon a modified version appeared under the name "Kharkovchanka" (No. 404-C). The model was a snow "cruiser" weighing 35 tons with seven rollers, the tracks got a width of one meter. The tractor was able to make transitions at the lowest temperatures up to 1500 kilometers. At the same time, the speed threshold was about 30 km / h. The weight of the sled trailer is 70 t.

The boosted motor with a blower drive retained an indicator of maximum power of 995 "horses", could work continuously for at least 24 hours. "Kharkovchanka" was equipped with a single insulated building, which included control compartments, housing and cargo systems, and an engine-transmission compartment. Such equipment made it possible to carry out long transitions, with the possibility of performing repair work of varying complexity without the crew going outside. Despite some shortcomings, the specified machine proved to be excellent in harsh polar conditions.

AT-L light artillery tractor

This modification is a semi-armored lightweight vehicle known as the "Komsomolets" (T-20). The technique was developed in 1936 under the leadership of N. A. Astrov using blocks and assemblies of the T-38 small amphibious tank and the GAZ-AA truck. The car gained popularity among the military, was operated during the Great Patriotic War for towing regimental guns and anti-tankhowitzers.

In the front part of the artillery light tractor there is an armored cabin, which provides space for the mechanic and the crew commander. Behind this element is the engine compartment, protected by a reinforced hood. Above it are two longitudinal seats for six crew members.

The track drive system includes a small link chain with open type hinges, a lantern gear, four single track rollers, two support analogues of the idler wheel, as well as a tensioner crank. Dependent configuration suspension consists of a pair of balancing bogies and semi-elliptical leaf springs.

Main characteristics of the AT-L artillery tractor:

• Length/width/height - 3, 45/1, 85/1, 58 m.
• Front armor – missing.
• Side protection - metal rolled sheets 7-10 mm thick.
• Cab/Body Seats – 2/6.
• Power plant - 52 horsepower, 2800 rpm.
• Range with trailer - 152 km.
• The speed limit on the highway is 47 km/h.
• Weight parameters - 3.46 tons (plus 2.5 tons of trailer with cargo).
• Armament - machine gun DT (7, 62 mm).

Medium artillery tractor

The specified modification was built according to the classical scheme with frontal placement of the power unit under the cab. The transmission unit and the drive stars of the caterpillar engine received a rear placement. The machine was released under the code 712, showed itself well in terms of technical andperformance indicators. TTX:

• Curb weight without load - 1, 37 t.
• Number of seats in cab/body - 7/10.
• Length/width/height - 5, 97/2, 57/2, 53 m.
• Base of track rollers – 2, 76 m.
• Track – 1.9 m.
• Road clearance - 40 cm.
• Ground pressure - 0.557 kg/sq cm on average
• Engine type - A-650 B-2.
• RPM - 1600 rotations per minute.
• Power rating - 300 horsepower.
• The maximum speed is 35 km/h.
• Power reserve - 305 km.

The ATS artillery tractor is based on a welded box-shaped frame. It consists of a pair of longitudinal spars 30 cm high and four transverse elements (steel channels of different sections). The lower part of the part is protected by a leaky pallet, and there is a powerful bumper in front.

The machine is driven by a 12-cylinder V-shaped diesel engine produced by ChTZ. It is marked B-54 or A-172, is a derated modification of the tank "engine", is distinguished by reliability and increased working life. The normal operation of the power plant is ensured by a dry sump lubrication system, a separate oil reservoir and a radiator. The unit could function with significant longitudinal and transverse distortions, regardless of the outside air temperature. As a safety net, a spare air cylinder with a compressed mixture was used, the amount of which was enough for 6-7 launches.

Tractor AT-C successfully andactively operated in various army units not only in the USSR, but also in Finland, Egypt. The main purpose is the base for various types of combat installations, including the BM-14. There were versions with built-in navigation that allowed the machine to be used as a topographic surveyor and determine the coordinates of firing positions. On the basis of a medium tractor, an OST track-laying machine, a crane installation with a hoist, and an army bulldozer were developed. Also built on the basis of AT-C are snow and swamp vehicles, arctic vehicles and support vehicles on pneumatic tires.