The MTLB tracked all-terrain vehicle-transporter for civilian use is used for a variety of purposes, including transporting heavy cargo and people, towing trailers weighing up to 6.5 tons, and mounting various additional equipment on a tractor.
The MTLB all-terrain vehicle is well known for its use in the Soviet army for transporting soldiers and also for mounting artillery guns on it.
The MT-LB has also proven itself in government service, particularly for operations in hard-to-reach areas and northern climates. This is thanks to its excellent maneuverability in swampy, sandy, and snowy terrain.
The MTLB multipurpose transporter consists of the following main parts:
- power point;
- transmission;
- chassis.
The power unit consists of a diesel engine modification YaM3-238 and systems for cooling, lubrication, heating, fuel and air supply, and exhaust gas removal.
The transmission includes an intermediate gearbox, a dead-end clutch, and cardan gears.
The chassis consists of tracks, support rollers, guide rails and hydraulic shock absorbers.
The engine, systems, and instruments are located in the central part of the hull. The remaining space in the hull is reserved for heavy cargo and personnel.
One example of this technology's application is a tracked fire engine based on the MTLB and MTLBu chassis, which is capable of performing a wide range of operations in difficult terrain. Its capabilities include:
- extinguishing forest and peat fires;
- patrolling territories;
- delivery to the place where firefighters are called;
- carrying out rescue operations;
- supplying water to the fire site.
This tracked vehicle can be controlled by both a crew and remotely for use in high-risk areas.
These all-terrain vehicles can be equipped with swamp-going tracks, a plow, a bulldozer blade, and other specialized additional equipment. Special rubber-metal chocks are provided for driving on asphalt.