SOV - MT-LB (pásový OT)

The development of the MT-LB transporter and tractor was started in 1964 at the Kharkov Tractor Plant under the leadership of A. F. Belousov, and its serial production started two years later.


The MT-LB multi-purpose tracked armoured personnel carrier is designed for infantry transport, material transport, communications purposes and for towing guns as an artillery tractor.

The vehicle incorporates equipment to protect the crew from the effects of WMD.

The turret with machine gun is located in the right front part of the hull above the engine-gear compartment. The driver sits in the left front part of the hull, the commander next to him on the right - he operates the 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. Swarm members use the two-part door at the rear of the hull to enter and exit the vehicle. The turret has a full 360° sight picture and the machine gun sight picture ranges from -5° to +30°.

The vehicle is fully amphibious, with its movement in the water provided by tracks.


In the 1990s, the Swedish army purchased the former East German MT-LB and included it in its armament under the designation Pbv 401.

In 1967, a modified variant of the MT-LB was produced, which is not fitted with a gun turret. Instead, it has an extended chassis with one pair of running wheels and a more powerful engine. This version eventually became the carrier for various specialized superstructures, such as command and staff vehicles or REB assets.




Version
MT-LB-V - a variant that was designed for operation in the northern regions of the USSR, compared to the standard MT-LB it was fitted with wider tracks and other special equipment for operation in very cold environments
MT-LB-VM - variant equipped with NSV-T machine gun of 12.7 mm calibre
MTP-LB - repair vehicle
1L219 Zoopark - artillery radar
9A34 / 9A35 - combat vehicle complex 9K35 Strela-10
RChM - radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicle
SNAR-10 - artillery radar



Technical and tactical data
Payload weight: 9 700 kg
Payload: 2 500 kg


Crew: 2
Displacement: 11


Dimensions
- Hull length: 6 454 mm
- Width: 2 850 mm
- height: 1 865 mm
- ground clearance: 400 mm


JaMZ-238V engine power: 177 kW
Specific power: 14,8 kW/t


Maximum speed: 61.5 km/h
Maximum cruising speed: 5 - 6 km/h


Maximum range: 500 km


Fuel reserve: 520 l


Wadeability: floats


Maximum angle of climb: 70%
Maximum bank angle: 25%


Armament: see text



edited by Martin Smíšek

1. The MT-LB is also used as a transport vehicle for the 2B9 "Vasilek" vehicle - an 82 mm automatic mortar, for the transport of which it is used in addition to UAZ-469 vehicles.


2. On a partially modified MT-LB chassis (MT-LBu chassis) is built an artillery system 2S1 "GVOZDIKA". The difference from the MT-LB is mainly in a different number of running wheels (7 instead of 6).


3. The tank fighter on the MT-LB chassis has the designation 9P149 "ŠTURM". Anti-tank guided missiles of 9M114 types (in NATO AT-6 code) are used on the vehicle.

Additional information :


MT-LB could also be used to tow trailers up to 6.5 t.


Engine : JaMZ-238V - 8 V four-stroke water-cooled diesel - direct injection - V-cylinder arrangement
Power : 177 kW at 2100 rpm. / min.
Consumption : 90 - 120 l / 100 km.


The track is composed of 108 links made of manganese steel.



Source : MT-LB Programmed Vehicle Driver's Textbook, NV 1990

MT-LB v ČSĽA and OS SR


In ČSĽA, a number of complexes were introduced into the armament on the MT-LB chassis. Či už these were PLRK 9K-35M "Strela-10M" (BV on MT-LB chassis 9A34 and 9A35), ShKH 2S1 "GVOZDIKA" (BV on MT-LB chassis), artillery reconnaissance assets and paľby control equipment for the 2S1 kit - 1V12 (means 1V13, 1V14, 1V15 and 1V16) (BV on MT-LB and MT-LBu chassis).
For the training of guides - soldiers of the basic service for this technique, a small number of standard MT-LB transporters were used in ČSĽA in the then NCO schools.
After the division of the army in 1993 časť of these vehicles remained in service in the Slovak Armed Forces, where they were used for the training of guides in the then Training Base of Mechanised and Tank Troops, Artillery and Home Guard in Martin and today they should be used for the training of guides in OVŠ PV Martin.

modification with turret with 30mm PL gun

MT-LB of the Swedish KFOR contingent at one of the demonstrations for other national representatives. PBV 401 (Pansarbandvagn) in ARRV (Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle) variant (former East German MTP-LB - note: M. Smisek) with typical camouflage with broken fields of camouflage colours.

Drawings.

http://www.pvo.webz.cz/s10instr.htm

More photos MT-LB

Machine of the "new" Iraqi army

MT-LB this time in American service. The machines in the picture are operated by members of the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Amphibious Armored Vehicle Battalion during the Kernel Blitz 97 exercise, where they simulated OPFOR (Opposing Forces).

Excerpt from the museum in Saumur.



(©Radek Havelka)



(©Radek Havelka)


(©Radek Havelka)

Chassis for 9A34 and 9A35 PLRK combat vehicles 9K35 Strela-10

The MT-LB 35 light tracked transporter is a modification of the MT-LB light tracked transporter and is designed for mounting special equipment. It is introduced into the armament of the ČSLA ground troops. MT-LB 35 belongs to the armament of the air defence and ground troops.

The basic differences from the MT-LB in construction and equipment :
Transporter 35 does not:
- TKB-01-1 gun turret,
- the R-12 call device no,
- FG-16I rotating searchlight,
- trailer hitch,
- a coupling head with a shut-off valve for connecting the MT-LB air system and the trailer,
- a PS-300 socket for connecting the electric power supply to the vehicle. trailer equipment,
- an additional seat in the driver's compartment,
- two folding seats in the gangway between the driver's compartment and the transporter loading area,
- foam cushions for the seats and cushions on the fuel tanks,
- hot air ducting, observation instruments.

On the hull :
- On the roof, instead of the turret hole TKB-01-1, there is a hole on the right side with a lid for the commander,
- there are welded additional elements ( brackets ) for fixing of equipment ( armament ),
- towing hooks are welded at the rear.

In the rear part of the hull there are two holes for storing and removing containers with missiles

Main technical data :
Dimensions in mm :
Length : 6430
Width : 2850
Height : 1632

Weight in kg :
Standing : 9512

Carrying capacity :
- Nominal : 2188 kg
- Maximum : 2688 kg

Max. Speed 60 km/hr.
Number of seats :
2 in the driver's compartment,
1 in the load area.

All other T T D are identical to MT-LB.

Source : PVOV-21-2, CSLA prescription

Several images of MT-LBs used by the US armed forces:


1. Machine used by the 177th Armored Brigade in the role of Opposing Forces during an exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, 31.03.1988.


2. Inspection of other 177th Armoured Brigade vehicles prior to operating as Opposition Forces at Fort Irwin, 31.03.1988.


3. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps members of the 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 1st Marine Division, in the role of opposition force during an exercise at Camp Pendleton, 23 June 1997 (by LCPL Timothy Reynolds, USMC).


More images of MT-LBs, not just from U.S. (and Iraq) service, are at www.defenseimagery.mil .



Source: www.defenseimagery.mil



Note: according to en.wikipedia.org, the MT-LBs in the 3rd photo are of Bulgarian production.

The MT-LB light tracked transporter is a multi-purpose vehicle designed primarily for towing trailers with a total weight of up to 6.5 t, for transporting crew and loads, for assembling various equipment and for providing other transport needs.

Main parts of the transporter :
- Hull,
- Engine,
- transmission,
- chassis and brakes,
- electrical equipment and special accessories.

Chassis
Type : tracked
Drive wheels
Location : front - number 2
Number of teeth on the wreath : 15
Tensioning wheels
Type : unsprung
Location : rear - number 2
Outside diameter : 510 mm
Running wheels
Type : welded aluminium alloy with rubber hoop
Number : 6 on each side
Outside diameter . 670 mm
Rubber hoop width : 140 mm
Feathering
Type : independent, bolted bars
Number of bars : 12

Body
Type : welded sheet steel, watertight
Bedding area : enclosed
Internal dimensions of loading area : 2605x1948x1150 mm

Machine gun turret
Machine gun : 7.62 mm
Control : manual
Ammunition capacity : 1000 rounds

Belts
Type : articulated connected by pins
Number of cells : 108 in one belt
Belt width : 350

Main technical data :
Conveyor type : fast, belt conveyor
Average consumption : 90 - 120 l / 100 km
Fuel tanks : number 4 - capacity : 520 l

Number of seats including driver's seat :
- in the cab : 2
- on the load area : 11

Track centre distance : 2500
Ground clearance : 395


Source : Tank-26-19 Light tracked transporter MT-LB Description and operation - ČSĽA regulation, Prague 1983

16. June 2012 was signed the contract for delivery of 500 personnel carriers, MT-LB in Iraq worth eur 76 million. This is an older machine from the armament of the Bulgarian army, which before the delivery of the pass through modernisation.

Source
iraqimilitary.org
www.strategypage.com


Dear colleague,
I took the liberty to supplement the text.

Moderator George Tintěra.

Own photo, Texas Military Forces Museum, 2019

Luhansk MT-LB with turret from BMP-1
Lugansk MT-LB with turret from BMP-1
Lugansk MT-LB with turret from BMP-1
Two mutations of the fire support vehicle were created in the separatist army workshops. The hull of the MT-LB artillery tractor was used for the conversion, on which the superstructure for the swivel turret taken from the decommissioned BMP-1 was welded. The two vehicles can be distinguished from each other only by the distance of the turret base superstructure from the entrance door.
Source:
http://gurkhan.blogspot.com/2022/03/1_28.html
alternathistory.com
defence-ua.com
rg.ru
rg.ru.
shushpanzer-ru.livejournal.com

In Stará Ľubovňa / Slovak Republic / there is a military exposition of Michal Strenko. One of its exhibits is the MT-LB light tracked transporter. It carries the ASR affiliation designation.



Source : https://www.noms.sk/sk/

Another naval turret-equipped version of the Russian MT-LB, this time the 2M-3, armed with two 25 mm 110-PM (110-ПМ) automatic cannons (L/79), Russian-Ukrainian War, circa March 2023.

twitter.com

Other improvised modifications to the Russian MT-LB vehicle: - a mobile rocket launcher with a 140 mm A-22 rocket launcher.




- with the RBU-6000 rocket launcher on the MT-LB.

MT-LB + other equipment (above the MT-LB you can see a component of the 1V12 system) in the VHM Piešt'any.

Source: own photo, year 2012

An improvised mock-up featuring a M1 Abrams tank on an MT-LB chassis.

twitter.com

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Another "ISIS-style" attempt by Russia to use an SVBIED (Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device) to send a MT-LB vehicle packed with explosives toward Ukrainian positions. It detonated early and failed to reach its target.

Ukrainian BMP-1LB infantry fighting vehicle, based on a version of the MT-LBu.

mil.in.ua

.

The Russians continue to customize the MT-LB, this time equipping it with the 2A28 cannon from the BMP-1, a cage, and rubber barriers on the sides. Previously, the vehicle received the 2M-3M anti-aircraft system and the A-22 "Ogon" missile launcher as a combat module. We'll see a Transformer soon.

Orci's MT-LB hit an anti-tank mine somewhere in the rear.

A curious armoured vehicle could be seen at a military fair in Ukraine. Its hull is based on a MT-LB chassis and the weapon system is known as the BM-3 Sturm. It uses a 30 mm automatic cannon, but a cruise missile launcher can also be added to the modular system.

A heavily modified MT-LB in service with the Russian 39th Independent Guards Motorized Artillery Brigade, 68th Guards Motorized Artillery Brigade, 68th Guards Motorized Artillery Brigade, Eastern Military District.

Improvised modification of the MT-LB vehicle into an evacuation medical vehicle. The vehicle has a rear folding ramp. The conversion was funded by the Serhiy Prytula Charitable Fund.

MT-LB ťahá cez blato 155 mm húfnicu M777.

A Ukrainian MT-LB pulling an M777 howitzer through the mud. https://t.co/weGlls612w pic.twitter.com/I1nSDLpgL9
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) December 30, 2022

MT-LB s nainštalovaným 23 mm protilietadlovým dvojkanónom ZU-23-2 vytláča z bahna ukrajinský tank.

Ruské evakuačné vozidlo MT-LB so všetkými druhmi drevených a gumených nástrojov na zlepšenie prežitia.

A Russian evacuation MT-LB with all kinds of wooden and rubber implements to improve survivability. pic.twitter.com/C285iGyRDJ
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) January 14, 2024

Ruský MT-LB s namontovaným kanónom MT-12 Rapira bol zničený dronom FPV.

A Russian MT-LB with a MT-12 Rapira gun mounted on it was destroyed by an FPV drone. pic.twitter.com/6gChwfLLrx
— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) March 27, 2024

I am not an expert in armoured vehicles, I would just like to add my personal experience. During my ZVS (1999) with 113th Battalion of Radio Electronic Warfare and Electronic Reconnaissance in Cologne there were 2 MT-LBs equipped as jammers. Unfortunately I don't know the exact designation, I served as a "workshop" on TOP. It was supposed to be a jammer for shortwave radios. The operators were trained to use them, but they were no longer brought out. All the memoirs praised the driving characteristics of the vehicle.

In the original Russian documentation for the STRELA-10 vehicles, the MT-LB is mentioned as follows: Legkiy mnogotselovoy gusenichnyy transporter - tyagach MT-LB. (MT-LBV). Technical description and instruction after expluatacii. Would not MT-LB rather mean - Mnogocelivoj transporter (t'yagach) - legkij broňirovanyj?


MT-LBVM - a very interesting and little seen variant with wider belts.

So I don't know - either they're going for a really DEEP defense (MT-LB buried more than 2 m underground, which will put the tower at ground level), or they're expecting too deep mud in the Ukraine in the spring (and even if they drown MT-LB in it, that tower will still be above ground level). Because otherwise the installation doesn't make sense to me. There's enough room in the cargo hold (under that installed monster) to hide the whole tube in there, since they can't dismantle it and install the magazines (or whatever) separately.

.

Puffing, Russian BMP smoking, pic.twitter.com/YwPiCO3sWX

— Slava 🇺🇦 (@Heroiam_Slava) December 22, 2023