MZKT-74135

MZKT-74135
MZKT-74135 transporting a T-72
Type8×8 heavy tractor
Place of originBelarus
Production history
DesignerMZKT
ManufacturerMZKT
Produced1997–present
VariantsMZKT-741351
Specifications
MassUnladen (tractor) 25,000 kg (55,000 lb)
Length10.83 m (426 in)
Width3.12 m (123 in)
Height3.95 m (13 ft 0 in)
Crew1 operators (driver) + 8 additional spaces

Engine22 L (1,300 cu in) Mercedes-Benz OM444LA turbodiesel engine[1]
798 hp (595 kW)
Payload capacityUp to 205 tons GCWR
TransmissionAllison Transmission M6610R 6-speed automatic
SuspensionIndependent suspension on all axles
Operational
range
600 km (370 mi)
Maximum speed82 km/h (51 mph)

MZKT-74135 is a tank transporter developed by MZKT of Belarus. It has a 594 kW (797 hp) engine and can tow up to 130 metric tons. The MZKT-74135 can transport either two tanks or one tank and two infantry fighting vehicles. It is equipped with independent suspension all around with all wheel drive and was developed specifically for hot desert climates.

Design

Chasis

The MZKT-74135 features an 8x8 wheeled chassis equipped with all-wheel drive and dual front steering axles, which allows for exceptional maneuverability in difficult terrains thanks to a turning radius of 16 m.[2] This design includes independent suspension for the front axles and leaf springs for the rear, enhancing its off-road performance by ensuring stability and traction on uneven ground.[9] With a ground clearance of 0.5 m, the vehicle effectively overcomes obstacles.[3]

In terms of size, the vehicle measures 10.51 m in length, 3.18 m in width, and 3.95 m in height, with a tractor truck weight of 29.9 tonnes.[2] Its mobility features allow for a top speed of 82 km/h when unloaded and 50 km/h when fully loaded, along with an operational range of 600 km.[3]

Built for rigorous environments, the MZKT-74135 includes a reinforced frame with Z-shaped side members and tubular cross beams, which provide increased durability in high-temperature conditions.[4] It can tow three-axle trailers such as the MZKT-99942, creating a combined unit that can reach up to 38.3 m in length, capable of transporting two main battle tanks or one tank and two infantry fighting vehicles.[3] This towing capability highlights its significance in heavy logistics, especially in desert operations where its robust structure can endure extreme conditions.[4]

Powertrain

The MZKT-74135 is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz OM 444 LA V12 turbo-diesel engine that has a displacement of roughly 22 liters, generating 585 kW (796 hp) at 2,100 rpm and delivering a peak torque of 3,200 Nm.[4][5] This engine supplies the necessary strength to tow heavy military machinery in challenging environments.[6] An Allison M6610 AR six-speed automatic transmission manages power distribution, featuring a torque converter designed to cope with heavy loads, which includes six gears forward and two reverse.[3][4] The transmission works in conjunction with a two-speed transfer case and axles with inter-axle and inter-wheel differentials to improve traction when handling heavy loads.[4] The prototype version was powered by a Deutz MWM TBD 234 V12 diesel engine with a power rating of 580 kW (788 hp), coupled with an Allison M6600 hydromechanical transmission The fuel system consists of dual tanks to facilitate lengthy operations, with specific capacities adjusted based on mission needs. When at maximum capacity, the MZKT-74135 can reach a gross combination weight rating of up to 205 tons, allowing it to carry configurations like two main battle tanks or one tank alongside additional armored vehicles.


Operators

  • United Arab Emirates (40 MZKT-74135 delivered) In 2005 which received 40 units of the MZKT-74135 following a 2005 contract, with additional deliveries of the upgraded export variant MZKT-741351 beginning in 2019 for heavy equipment transport. duties.[7][8]
  • Belarus Belarusian Ministry of Defence operations explored through auto-train setups combining the MZKT-74135 tractor with MZKT-99942 semi-trailers and MZKT-83721 trailers for domestic heavy transport needs.

See also

References

  1. ^ "MZKT-74135". Weaponsystems.net. Retrieved 2022-08-20.
  2. ^ "MZKT-74135 was highly appreciated in the UAE". www.mzkt.by.
  3. ^ a b c d "MZKT-74135". Weaponsystems.net.
  4. ^ a b c d e "The Belarus MZKT-74135 tractor".
  5. ^ "Technical Data- Mercedes-Benz Industrial Diesel Engine OM 444 LA588 kW" (PDF). barringtondieselclub.co.za.
  6. ^ "Belarusian MZKT-74135 prime mover - War History". warhistory.org. October 13, 2015.
  7. ^ ARG. "MZKT-74135 - Tank transporter". Retrieved 18 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  8. ^ "Catalog". www.volatdefence.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.