KHARKOV TRACTOR PLANT: 50 YEARS IN THE MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

Pyotr Todorov, Yevgeny Ponomarev
 

KhTZ's light military tracked vehicles are in service with the armies of more than 30 countries and have a reputation as dependable and indispensable machines.

AT-L

Over 50 years ago, in 1947, KhTZ established a design bureau to develop high-speed tracked vehicles for the Army. This design bureau created the AT-L light artillery tractor and its various versions which remained in service with the Army and civilian sectors until 1967. As the AT-L incorporated low-cost automobile units and parts, featured a simple structure, high reliability and serviceability, as well as prominent technical characteristics, it became the KhTZ's basic design for many years.

In the late 1950s, the GT-T snow/marsh-going transporter and the KLP-2 wheeled/ski trailer were developed. Following successful tests, the GT-T was introduced in mass production at one of production plants.

GT-T

In the beginning of the 1960s, the design bureau headed by Chief Designer A. Belousov began developing a new generation of light amphibious military tracked vehicles. Their concept emphasized the capability of developing a whole range of vehicles with unified engine and support systems, running gear, transmission, steering control, electrical system, communications and life-support systems, etc.

The pilot vehicle from this generation of machines was the MT-L (MT-LB) light multipurpose tractor transporter (unarmored and armored versions) which implemented several contradicting requirements. Owing to its well-balanced configuration and cost efficiency, this vehicle remained for a long time a leader in its class, while some of its basic parameters still meet modern standards. The MT-LB was in production for many years. The cooperative efforts of many enterprises and organizations produced one of the world's largest families of military tracked vehicles. The main versions derived from the MT-LB basic design are:

MT-L

- the unique MT-LBV and MT-LBVM amphibious armored snow/marsh-going vehicles with a specific ground pressure of 0.28 kg/cm2;

- the highly unified chassis for the Strela-10 air defense system, the Shturm-S antitank missile system and the SNAR-10 radar;

- the first domestically designed amphibious armored 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled 122mm howitzer;

- the unique Kashalot amphibious radiological/chemical reconnaissance vehicle with a capsule-like cabin ensuring a high level of protection for the crew;

MT-LBVM

- the unique MT-LBu multipurpose chassis which serves as platform for a record number of weapon systems and military equipment (over 50), including the famous Faltset-M and Zoopark complexes; command post, reconnaissance, communications and control vehicles.

With production rates on the rise, KhTZ became involved in the modernization of its vehicles; new solutions were researched and designs continuously perfected.

In terms of the overall number of supplied vehicles, including those produced by license in Bulgaria and Poland, the MT-LB family is one of the largest in the world: they are in service with the armed forces of more than 30 countries and were combat-proved in several military conflicts in various climatic conditions and have proved to be reliable and rugged machines.

Kashalot chemical and radiological reconnaissance vehicle

Currently, when military budgets are being reduced everywhere, modernization is considered to be the most cost-efficient way towards extending the service life and improving the combat capability of military vehicles.

The Ordzhonikidze Kharkov Tractor Plant JSC, the developer and prime producer of the MT-LB-family combat tracked vehicles, maintains a vast modern research and production base which employs experienced personnel with considerable design ability. The plant is prepared to fulfill any contract relating to the development and production of new military tracked vehicles according to the customer's requirements.

KhTZ's light military tracked vehicles are in service with the armies of more than 30 countries and have a reputation as dependable and indispensable machines.

Our plant is fully equipped to carry out various levels of modernizations for previously produced vehicles and provide relevant guarantee services.

We are always ready to serve new customers and welcome cooperation.