Mines are ploughed out of the soil in front of the tank strips with inclined ploughshares, which remove the mines and the topsoil to the outside of the tank strips. Mine explosion occurs only rarely, and mostly when the mine has been secured against being picked up. The device withstands about 3 to 4 explosions of mines with a charge of up to 6 kg of TNT. In the case of a mine with a larger explosive charge, the device is usually disabled in the first explosion. Anti-tank mines with stick fuses are brought to detonation by means of a hinged grid located at the front between the ploughshares.
The depth of the ploughed track in the soil depends on the disengagement and bearing capacity of the rock, it can be 100 to 250 mm, the width is 1 m in front of each belt.
In the working position, the mechanical de-miner - MOV ploughing reduces the pitch and lateral tilt of the tank. The use of the tank gun is not restricted.
The mechanical mine clearance plough consists of two independently operating working devices consisting of ploughshares and knives. The coulters are attached to the support frame by means of arms and ropes forming a four-joint mechanism. The coulters are suspended in such a way that, when driving, they automatically follow the terrain with minor unevenness, combing the rock with the knives and removing it together with the mines to the outside of the passage.
The knives are used to rake the soil to a depth below the bottom edge of the plough. Two types of knives are used, 50 and 40 mm thick.
To increase the total weight of the working equipment in order to deepen it, 9 weights are added for each plough with a total weight of 245 kg. Large digging in soft soils is prevented by a skid.
The MOV is mounted on T-54A, T-55 or T-55A tanks.
It was introduced into the arsenal of the CSFA in 1962. The price of one MOV in 1964 was 110,000 CZK.
Main data :
Dimensions :
Total length including tank in forward position : 8450 mm
Width in forward position : 3550 mm
Width at working height: . In the forward position : 4300 mm
Distance of grid from tank : 2100 mm
Height of lowest blade from the ground : 400 mm
Weight in kg :
- when transported with accessories :4019
- assembled deminer : 3618
Track gauge : 2 x 1000 mm
Width of uncleared ground between rails : 1500 mm
Depth of demining area : (100 to 250 ) + 230 mm
Average road speed : 25 km/h
Max. Speed during demining : 8 km/h
Average clearance speed : 3 km/h
Operator : 1 + 3
First assembly time : 8 to 10 hours
Next assembly time : 2 to 2.5 hours
Disassembly time : 2 hrs.
Fuel consumption during demining : 450l / 100 km
Fuel consumption when driving on the road : 300 l / 100 km
Source : Technical training of engineer troops SVST 1988
Source : Bílek, Jiří, a.i. : Czechoslovak People's Army in Warsaw Pact coalition ties. MOD 2008