Replacement for “shishige”: what kind of Belarusian analogue of GAZ-66 are you?

About the history of the creation and production of this model

The designers of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant were given the task of creating a modern, “advanced” version of the “shishigi”, designed for the prompt delivery of personnel (about twenty people) and (or) cargo with a total weight of up to three tons, on any type of road and over rough terrain.

This task was completed: the new truck demonstrated very decent mobility and cross-country capabilities during testing.

True, at first the Border Committee of Belarus addressed this issue to MAZ, and not to MZKT. However, the Minsk Automobile Plant expressed interest only in a large order - at least five hundred trucks. But the Belarusian border guards did not need so much. Then they turned to MZKT, and there the required model was developed and put into production in a short time.

At first MZKT-500200 looked like this

The Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant stood firmly on its feet throughout the 2000s/2010s. The company always had enough military orders from the Russian Federation. Due to this, it updated its production base and purchased modern machines and machining centers in large quantities. And, despite the stable state demand for multi-axle tractors, MZKT willingly took on non-standard small-run vehicles.

The production of the latest army trucks was eventually established at a car assembly plant in the city of Lida (former OJSC Lida Buses Neman) - this enterprise began operating as a branch of MZKT OJSC in April 2014. In February 2015, the first production batch of MZKT-500200 was sent to Belarusian border guards.

In the next batch, the MZKT-500200 was slightly modernized: to improve reliability and durability, the designers decided to strengthen the frame and platform of the truck. As a result, its curb weight increased to 6400 kg, and the length of the platform increased to 6000 mm. The vehicle’s cabin received a number of improvements: it was equipped with additional places for placing tools, personal belongings, documents, as well as brackets for mounting Kalashnikov assault rifles.

The MZKT truck was created to replace the GAZ 66.

The idea and initiative to develop a special powerful truck belongs to the Belarusian border guards. In the ranks, the GAZ-66 with full equipment served the border guards for more than a dozen sets. Unfortunately, this model has long been discontinued, and those in service have exhausted their service life. The necessary spare parts for the “shishigs” have become difficult to find. The newer model GAZ-ZZ08 Sadko, which still serves on the border today, does not fully meet the requirements of the Belarusian military. At first glance, the GAZ-ZZ08 truck model is very similar to the GA3 66, it is also all-wheel drive and unpretentious, but the layout is somewhat different from the analogue: the engine is located behind the front axle, in the GAZ 66 the engine is located in the base, off-road capabilities are noticeably inferior to its progenitor.

In their search for developers, the first place the border guards turned to was MAZ. The negotiation process continued for a whole year, but no mutual agreement was reached. The main obstacle was the limited number of trucks required. For MAZ, it was necessary to recoup the expensive development of a new model; a large order of at least 500 cars was needed, but the border guards could not afford such a quantity. And the Belarusian border guards had no choice but to look for other developers, and they turned to MZKT. It didn't take long to ask anyone here. Although MZKT lacked experience and a model line of small trucks, the designers took the initiative to the new project, and agreement was reached almost immediately. The development of the “pilot” truck MZKT-5002 00 was completed in 2013. An MMZ D 245 diesel engine with a power of 156 hp was installed on a specially designed frame. Minsk production, units and components were designed. The car was equipped with additional systems: tire inflation, air conditioning and a modern fire extinguishing system. The border guards were very grateful to the developers, but expressed their wishes to simplify the electronics a little and abandoned tire inflation, air conditioning and fire extinguishing systems.

Modernization 2022

In 2022, the MZKT-500200 tactical vehicle underwent another, second modernization. Its main task was to change the exterior of the front part of the cab, in accordance with the approved corporate style for MZKT OJSC trucks of the Volat brand.

During the modernization process, an updated cabin, a different type of running boards, fenders over the front axle wheels and a front bumper were installed on the MZKT-500200 car. The protective grilles of the front lights and headlights also received an updated form.

In order to provide protection from damage from tree branches when driving through wooded areas, special panels were installed on the side rear-view mirrors. The handrail, which is designed to hold during boarding and disembarking, was moved from the side outer walls of the cabin to the inside so that it does not get splashed with dirt.

After modernization

The mechanism for opening the lock of the cabin front lining has also been changed. If earlier fixation was ensured by two latches located on the right and left outer sides of the cladding, now the lock can be opened from the cabin using a special lever.

Despite these changes made to the design of the truck, and noticeable changes in its appearance, it was decided to leave the factory model index the same - MZKT-500200. This is quite logical, since all the main tactical and technical characteristics and parameters of the vehicle have not changed in any way after the modernization.

Suspension and chassis

In terms of its dimensions, the MZKT-500200 car practically coincides with the honored veteran GAZ-66.

Minsk engineers strengthened the frame and introduced new bridges (using aluminum). The wheel hubs were lightened: it became possible to install narrower and lighter wheels.

The ground clearance remained high, no less than that of the GAZ-66. The suspension of the MZKT-500200 is independent double wishbone, spring.

Moreover, this car has independent suspensions on subframes, both front and rear, with gearboxes of its own production mounted on them. The wheels are driven through axle shafts with cardan joints. The angles of operation of the hinges are made very gentle, even with full wheel travel.

The characteristics of the front and rear suspensions are perfectly coordinated. The difference in ride comfort between a loaded vehicle and an empty one is minimal. The company calls it clearly the best in this class of trucks.

Almost any standard superstructure suitable for such dimensions can be easily mounted on the MZKT-500200 chassis. You can install an ordinary platform body and stretch an awning over it. Or you can use an ordinary “booth”-kung, or a module with a full-fledged control headquarters. Such a machine is also perfect for hunting farms, and not just for the army.

What qualities of MZKT trucks can be called “branded”? Not only maneuverability and load capacity. At the same time, any chassis of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant is characterized by excellent smoothness. After all, they carry missiles.

The company has been improving the characteristics of its suspensions to ideal values ​​for many years. This is not a very widely known fact, but in terms of smoothness, the Volat can easily be called a champion among trucks. This signature feature was fully inherited by the younger “Volat” - MZKT-500200.

Judging by the reviews of those who drove in the back of this truck for tens of kilometers on dirt roads with numerous holes, potholes and bumps, the independent double-wishbone spring suspensions simply amazingly “swallow” all the holes and potholes, and the body does not shake at all - not like in "shishige" or in "Sadko". In this parameter, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant is clearly unrivaled.

The brake system of this car is dual-circuit - it is shoe brakes with a pneumohydraulic drive on each wheel.

The tires used are size 110.400-533, with a powerful off-road tread, equipped with a central tire inflation system (CTIS).

Volat truck of the second generation.

MZKT designers, following the tradition of modifications, are creating a completely new truck. The completely new Volat MZKT 5002 truck became shorter, slightly lower, and lighter than the first model: the new acquired dimensions were almost completely compatible with the GAZ-66. A powerful 215-horsepower turbodiesel YaMZ-53452 was installed similarly to the GAZ-66 in the base area. They didn’t play tricks with the ground clearance; they left it high enough. Suspensions, both front and rear, are independent. The wheels rotate using an axle shaft. The designers strengthened the frame structure and specially designed bridges. The wheel hubs were structurally lightweight, and lighter and narrower wheels were installed. The cabin has also undergone major changes. The new cabin design has lost a total of one-third of its mass. The driver's seat has been changed and rearranged. The seats have become a little more comfortable. The interior of the cabin remains quite strict, without frills, the main focus is on the reliability and practicality of parts. The instrument panel is military-style and not as expressive compared to civilian trucks. The steering wheel was borrowed from a MAZ truck. On the right side of the driver are the controls for the gearbox, parking brake and tire inflation.

Design features of the MZKT model

The equipped Volat MZKT 5002 00 2014 truck is noticeably lighter, from 7300 to 5810 kg. The customers were very pleased with this! coordinated work between the suspensions. The difference in the movement of an empty and loaded vehicle is practically not felt; the structurally complex and openwork design turned out to be quite durable, already tested by the military and recognized as the best in its class of trucks. The longitudinally located engine transmits torque to a five-speed gearbox, and then, using a driveshaft, with a reduction in distribution with distribution to the axles. Absolutely any type of superstructure can be installed on the new Volat truck chassis; the dimensions were specially adjusted for this purpose. It is absolutely easy to install a standard platform - a body, a modular headquarters, or a regular kung. In the standard body version, the MZKT truck can freely accommodate 22 soldiers. It is worth noting that hunting farms are already taking a close look at the new Volat 5002 truck, and are hoping to purchase trucks for their needs. In addition, the model of the second modification of 2014 got rid of excess electronics.

Main advantages of Volat

What outstanding qualities did the MZKT truck acquire in 2014? Of course, impressive load capacity and exceptional maneuverability. The distinctive abilities are not limited to this; the truck is characterized by excellent, soft and smooth operation of the MZKT chassis. Since the truck was specially designed to transport missiles, the cargo is delicate and not safe. The plant's in-house engineers have extensive experience in developing and fine-tuning specific suspensions. As a result, an off-road truck with independent suspension, having enormous ground clearance and equipped with a powerful transmission simply amazes with its off-road capabilities. These were the exact requirements laid down for the truck by the Belarusian military.

The engineers did a great job, there are no questions about the smoothness of the ride, in its class, Volat 5002 00 2014 is the king. The Minsk truck is no more difficult to drive than a passenger car. The MZKT Volat 5002 00 truck was tested on difficult dirt roads with a huge number of potholes. Much attention was paid to the feel of the fighters in the back. The test showed that the independent double-wishbone suspension handles all bumps and holes perfectly. Comparing the car with its classmates “Sadko” and “Shishig” it shakes noticeably off-road, and the Minsk-developed truck moves smoothly and easily over rough terrain - according to these technical characteristics, the Volat is simply beyond competition!

Prospects for the MZKT Volat 5002 00 compact truck

In 2015, the truck is at its peak. Military border guards ordered a sufficient number of cars from the MZKT plant, and therefore the plant updated its production base and purchased a lot of modern equipment. The MZKT plant steadily receives government orders, but the plant does not hesitate to take on non-standard, small orders. The range of model lines of small-sized special equipment in production is regularly expanding. Will Volat MZKT 5002 trucks be available or will it only be available in the Belarusian army? Most likely it will be possible to purchase it, since MZKT widely presents its developments to the external market, with the exception of special vehicles. Perhaps a compact, two-axle truck model with exemplary smoothness will attract the attention of a large number of customers for various purposes. The Volat MZKT 5002 00 serial truck in 2014 underwent radical transformations and improvements relative to the 2013 model. The 2014 Volat MZKT truck almost completely matches the dimensions of the legendary GAZ 66.

For your information ! +The Volat MZKT 5002 00 truck has a unique smooth ride. + A characteristic, even standard, feature of the new M3KT compact truck is its fully independent suspension, which provides a soft and smooth ride and demonstrates excellent off-road characteristics. — Excessive asceticism of the interior, minimizing the comfort of the driver’s seat.

Technical characteristics of the MZKT 5002 00 truck

Engine and transmission

The Belarusian off-road army truck is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine YaMZ-53452 with a turbocharger capacity of 215 horsepower and a maximum torque of 735 Nm.

The torque from the longitudinally mounted engine is transmitted to a five-speed gearbox and then through a cardan to a low-range transfer case. From it, the torque is distributed to the axles. Each of them and the transfer case have differential locks.

The gearbox is a five-speed manual, model SAAZ-4334M3, produced by the Smolensk Automotive Unit Plant. Synchronized gearboxes SAAZ 4334 series are equipped with many cars of the Minsk Automobile Plant, as well as buses and army BRDMs. Previously, gearboxes of this series were also used on ZIL trucks.

2015. Delivery of the first ten serial MZKT-500200 to border guards

There is also another gearbox option for this car (less common): this is also a five-speed manual gearbox YaMZ-2361, with synchronizers in 2-3 and 4-5 gears. Gear ratios: 1 - 5.22 2 - 2.90 3 - 1.52 4 - 1.00 5 - 0.664; reverse gear - 5.22.

It has a two-stage transfer case, with a locking center differential. Gear ratios 1:1; 1:1.878. The car's drive axles are split, with central gearboxes, semi-axial cardan shafts and wheel drives; the cross-axle differentials are equipped with locking.

YaMZ-53452 belongs to the family of diesel engines YaMZ-530 of the Yaroslavl Motor Plant, any representative of which is characterized by an in-line arrangement of cylinders, a liquid cooling system, turbocharging and cooling of charge air in an air-to-air heat exchanger installed on the vehicle (without an EGR system ).

The environmental class of the YaMZ-53452 engine is fourth. The fuel supply system is a battery-type fuel system (ECRS) from R.Bosch.

Technical parameters of the YaMZ-53452 motor (-01)

• Engine displacement is 4.43 liters.
• Cylinder diameter – 105 mm; piston stroke – 128 mm.
• Rated power, gross – 158 kW (215 hp)
• Net power (UN Regulation No. 85) – 157 kW (214 hp)
• Rated rotation speed – 2600 min-1.
• Maximum torque, gross – 735 N·m (75 kgf·m).
• Rotation speed at maximum torque is 1400-1700 min-1.
• The minimum specific consumption of diesel fuel is 197 g/(kW·h)/g/(145 hp·h).
• The service life before engine overhaul is 300 thousand kilometers.
• Overall dimensions – length 1024 mm, width 717 mm, height 961 mm.
• Engine weight – 470 kilograms.

In addition, some MZKT-500200 vehicles were produced with MMZ D-245.30 diesel engines from the Minsk Motor Plant, with a capacity of 156 horsepower. at 2400 rpm, and torque is 515 Nm at 1600 rpm. The D-245.30 diesel engine is the closest analogue of the D-245.7 diesel engine, but with a TKR 60.01.01-01 (60.01.01-05) turbine, its power is 156 hp. This modification was specially designed and intended for trucks weighing 12 and 18 tons.

The premiere of the newest
MZKT took place at
Eurosatory-2016
, but in its homeland it was first shown only at
MILEX-2017
. But immediately in the basic and three special versions. We talk about everyone.

Volat V1

is an export designation.
The car was created with an eye toward export. The domestic index sounds like this - MZKT-490100
.

Let's make a reservation right away. In this material we will not analyze in detail the design features of the new armored car. Today there are only general features with an emphasis on the nuances of special versions.

01.

Volat V1
armored car is a completely new type of product for the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant.
MZKT
has never designed or produced anything like this

However, a certain constructive foundation already existed. About this Remarque

.
Remark by M-Park
Volat brand truck associated with?

"?
Fans of military equipment will immediately have before their eyes the image of an eight-axle launcher for the Topol-M
, or “at least” the image of a four-axle launcher for the
Iskander
.
In short, the Volat
is a large military vehicle with a large number of axles. But this “stereotype” is already outdated.

02.

“Small” trucks with a gross weight of less than 10 tons are now also “
Volat
”.
Such, for example, is the MZKT-500200
, created for the Belarusian border troops.
The first prototype of the MZKT-500200
, with a cabin unified with
the MZKT-600100
, was ready in 2013.

Then the design was changed. MZKT-500200

The “2014 model” differed from the first version... in almost everything.
MMZ-D.245
diesel engine,
a YaMZ-534.52
with a power of 215 hp was installed

03.

In this form, the truck went into production and
MZKT
used it to develop the technology for assembling “small-sized” vehicles.
They are collected in Lida, at the Auto Assembly Branch
.

04.

And Minsk residents have been working on the subject of body chassis of the
MZKT-6922
for 10 years.
There are at least seven modifications in the series, so the technologies for designing and manufacturing volumetric bodies are already well developed. This skill was very useful for work on the Volat V1
.

Photo
by Vladimir CHEKHUTA There was another object for “training”. The Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant assembled Tiger-M, though not on its own territory, but in the workshops of the 124th ARZ (Minsk), legally affiliated to the MZKT

.

05.

The localized Belarusian "
Tiger-M
" received the designation "
Lis-PM
" and it was this armored car that finally enabled the Volatovites to create their own design.

Add to all this the share of healthy adventurism inherent in MZKT

, and you will understand why Minsk residents enthusiastically took on a new topic for themselves.

06.

But it turned out to be a harmonious car!
I am sure that if MZKT
makes a civilian version
of the Volat V1
, there will be buyers.

07.

For buyers of civilian versions of such military vehicles, size matters.
And
the Volat V1

has a P-r-r- .
The edge of the hood is at the level of an adult's head, and the total height is 2660 mm. Visual reference: Most apartments have lower ceilings.

08.

A fully equipped fighter can hide behind the wheel.
The wheels here are also impressive. Tire size - 14.00R20
, model -
Bel-248
.

09.

It is based on a powerful frame.
Under the hood is a 215-horsepower YaMZ-534.52
.
Maximum speed - 120 km/h. The transmission is automatic, produced in-house by MZKT
. Suspension: long-travel independent spring. Power reserve - 1000 km. Reservation - Br-4 class.

10.

In general, even
the Hummer
and
Toyota Land Cruiser 100
next to
the Volat V1
will look like “compact SUVs”.
This is an incredibly big car! The total weight of the MZKT-490100
is up to 11,000 kg, loaded - 8,000 kg.

This, in short, is the general portrait of the basic version. Now let's move on to the special options shown at MILEX-2017

.

Special option No. 1

11.

Groza-S
anti-drone station .
Development of Minsk OJSC "KB Radar"
. The photo shows the station in transport position.

This version is MZKT-490100

designed to combat “serious” drones. There are no shooting weapons here, but sophisticated radio equipment is installed that tracks drones and “suppresses” them with radio waves, that is, jams the communication of the aircraft with the control point.

12.
A tall, long vertical photo
for your attention.
Here " Groza-S
" is shown in combat position.

13.

The base of the retractable mast is located in the cabin between the driver's and navigator's seats.

14.

On the right, in the second row, there is a radio equipment control point.

15.

And this is the main radio equipment of the machine, crowning the retractable masts.
" Groza-S
" detects drones at a distance of up to 50 km, and can jam them at 30 km. At a distance of 10 km, it can also “crush” the radio equipment of the ground control point of the drone.

16.

Since the masts are high, outriggers are needed for stability. They quietly “hide” behind the rear wheels.

Special option No. 2

17.

This is, so to speak, an “anti-sabotage” and “anti-terrorist” version of the
Volat V1
.
The vehicle carries a group of 6-8 special forces. The proper name was not assigned (or was not announced at the exhibition). This option was shown by the Minsk JSC AGAT-Control Systems
.

18.

the ADUNOC
combat module , created by the Vitebsk Design
Bureau "Display
".

This
abbreviation stands for

“
automated
remotely
controlled

observational and
angry complex
. ”

19.

The smoke grenade launchers are clearly visible in the top view. The combat module and antenna are covered in the transport position.

20.

The standard equipment of the vehicle includes the “
Berkut-1 short-range tactical unmanned aircraft complex”
for reconnaissance purposes.

21.

Naturally, it is not attached to the bracket. The bracket was made specifically for the exhibition, “for clarity.”

22.

This drone is launched by hand and carried in a special suitcase in disassembled form. The airplane itself weighs only 3.5 kg. It can fly for an hour, at an altitude of up to 1000 m, within a radius of 15 km. Lands by parachute.

23.

At the top of the retractable mast there is a radio unit with an antenna device. This is an essential element of “means of communication and exchange of situational data.”

24.

These same means of communication include secure smartphones and tablets. They are issued to the soldiers transported by this vehicle.

25.

Getac
laptop is also included. This one costs about 5,000 euros.

Special option No. 3

26.

The manufacturer of this special version is the Minsk
JSC “Center for Scientific Research and Production”
or abbreviated as
CNIP
. name, externally in the transport position the car is almost no different from the base one. But it is this special variant that carries the most formidable weapon.

27.

The “specialty” is partially given away by two long antennas in
a long vertical photo
, but they are not the main ones.

28.

The main thing is what “comes out” from under the roof.

29

.
the Shershen-M
anti-tank missile system .

30.

There are three types of missiles to combat tanks of different classes at different distances. Accordingly, the range of application is different - from 2.5 to 8 km.

31.

A very important device is mounted on the retractable mast.

32.

This is a stabilized fire guidance and control system. Optics, thermal imagers, laser rangefinder - in a single housing.

33.

The Volat V1
by the Belarusian army ; this issue is being considered.
Well, as a cool Belarusian export product, Volat V1
has very, very good potential.

In the near future, these cars will drive around Minsk at least three times - at two rehearsals for the parade to commemorate the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus and, in fact, at the parade itself on July 3. If you are in Minsk, there is a new opportunity to see the new product with your own eyes.

Cab and standard cargo bed

The cabin of the MZKT-500200 vehicle is double, frame-panel, reclining, equipped with a heating system and brackets for securing personal weapons. The interior of the cabin is, of course, Spartan, as befits an army truck. But it looks much more modern and comfortable than the veteran GAZ-66. The steering wheel is equipped with a hydraulic booster.

Loading platform – flatbed, with folding benches, LED lighting, covered; The awning is equipped with observation windows and ventilation valves. 21 people can sit on folding benches in the loading platform.

As additional options, the vehicle can be equipped with an electric portable winch for self-pulling, a set of tools and a set of blackout equipment. In addition, at the request of customers, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant can carry out additional armoring of the MZKT-500200 cabin and fuel tanks; Tires can be equipped with protective pads.

Technical characteristics of MZKT-500200 in numbers

• Total weight – 9600 kg.
• Load capacity – 3200 kg.
• Curb weight – 6400 kg.
• Overall dimensions: length – 6000 mm, width – 2550 mm, cabin height – 2650 mm.
• Wheelbase – 3300 mm.
• Ground clearance – 400 mm.
• The highest speed is 95 km/h.
• The highest climbability is 60 percent.
• The approach angle is 40 degrees.
• The departure angle is 32 degrees.
• Vertical obstacle – 400 mm.
• Side slope - 40 percent.
• The turning radius (along the track) is 9 meters.
• The surmountable ford is 1.8 meters.
• The width of the ditch to be overcome is 1 meter.
• Power reserve – 1000 kilometers.
• Operating temperature range – −40…+50°С.
• The capacity of the fuel tanks is 2 x 130 liters.
• Air transportability: S-130, S-160, A-400M, An-22, An-124, Il-76

Initially, the MZKT-500200 truck was developed primarily in the interests of the national defense sector, and almost all vehicles of this brand were delivered to units of the Border Troops and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus.

There they were adapted and continue to be adapted to a wide variety of needs. For example, a batch of MZKT-500200 was transferred to military personnel of the mixed artillery battalion of the 103rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade. These trucks were used as a transport base for semi-automatic 120 mm mortars of the 2B-23 “Nona-M1” model.

At exhibitions, apparently hoping to conclude an export contract, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant several times demonstrated MZKT-500200 trucks not in the usual “khaki” paint job, but in “sand-desert camouflage.” But whether the Belarusian upgrade of the GAZ-66 found buyers outside the borders of the Motherland is unknown.

New look of the army MZKT-500200

The MZKT-500200 multi-purpose army truck was upgraded this year: it received an updated cabin and a number of other small improvements. Now all tactical vehicles of the Volat-6001 family look alike.

An all-terrain military vehicle with independent suspension, MZKT-500200, was created by order of the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus in order to update the vehicle fleet of the border service, which until recently consisted mainly of GAZ-66 and GAZ-3308 “Sadko” vehicles, which were outdated both morally and physically.

The new Belarusian “shishiga” was intended for the rapid delivery of personnel (21 people) or cargo with a total weight of up to three tons along all types of roads and explored terrain and demonstrated the highest cross-country ability and mobility in tests.

The production of new army trucks was organized at the automobile assembly plant in Lida (formerly OJSC Lida Buses Neman) - this enterprise has been a branch of MZKT OJSC since April 2014. In February 2015, the first production batch of MZKT-500200 was delivered to Belarusian border guards.

In the same 2015, the MZKT-500200 underwent its first upgrade: to improve reliability and durability, Volat designers strengthened the frame and platform of the car, as a result of which its curb weight increased to 6400 kg, and the length of the platform increased to 6000 mm. The cabin received some improvements: it was equipped with additional storage space for the crew’s personal belongings, documentation, tools, as well as brackets for attaching weapons.

This year, the MZKT-500200 tactical vehicle underwent another modernization, the main task of which was to change the exterior of its front part in accordance with the approved corporate style of new products of MZKT OJSC.

As the press service of MZKT OJSC reported to ABW.BY, during the modernization the MZKT-500200 vehicle was equipped with an updated cabin, as well as running boards, fenders over the front axle wheels and a redesigned front buffer. The protective grilles of the front lights and headlights received a different shape.

In order to provide protection from possible damage from tree branches when driving through forested areas, special panels were installed on the side-view mirrors.

The handrail, intended for holding during boarding/disembarking, was moved from the side outer walls of the cabin to the inside, which prevented it from being splashed with dirt.

The mechanism for opening the lock of the cabin front lining has changed. If previously the locking was provided by two latches located on the right and left outer sides of the cladding, now the lock is opened from the cabin using a special lever.

Despite all the changes, the model index will remain the same - MZKT-500200, which is apparently logical, because the main tactical and technical characteristics of the car have not changed.

Let us remind you that the total weight of the MZKT-500200 is 9400 kg, curb weight is 6400 kg. Overall dimensions: length - 6000 mm, width - 2550 mm, cabin height - 2650 mm. Wheelbase - 3300 mm. Ground clearance - 400 mm. The Belarusian SUV is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder turbodiesel YaMZ-53452 (215 hp, 735 Nm) and a manual 5-speed transmission SAAZ-4334M3. Transfer case 2-speed, with lockable center differential. The drive axles are split, with central gearboxes, and cross-axle differentials with locking. Suspension: independent spring. Maximum speed is 95 km/h.

It is worth noting that the MZKT-500200 was primarily developed in the interests of the national defense sector. The main buyers of these cars are the Border Troops and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus. Thus, last summer, a batch of MZKT-500200 was handed over to military personnel of the mixed artillery division of the 103rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade - the vehicles will be used as a transport base for semi-automatic 120-mm mortars 2B-23 Nona-M1.

Nevertheless, interest in this model is also shown outside the borders of our Motherland, as evidenced by the car on display here in sandy-desert camouflage. Export copy or exhibition sample? We did not receive an answer to this question from the plant - the information is confidential.

It remains to add that the MZKT-500200 is the youngest representative of the Volat-6001 family of tactical vehicles. There is also a three-axle vehicle with a 6x6 wheel arrangement (MZKT-600103) and a four-axle vehicle with an 8x8 wheel arrangement (MZKT-600203).

These vehicles are designed both to transport personnel and various cargoes, and to accommodate a variety of special equipment and weapons systems. Both have road dimensions (width - 2550 mm). Both are equipped with Caterpillar C13 engines, albeit of different power. MZKT-600103 has 440 “horses”. The MZKT-600203 has a 520-horsepower engine. But the transmission is again the same - a 6-speed hydromechanical Allison 4500SP. A three-axle vehicle with a total weight of 24 tons can transport 10 tons of cargo. The four-axle vehicle with a total weight of 34 tons takes on board 17 tons. At the same time, both trucks are highly mobile and can accelerate to 105 km/h.

Sergey GRISCHENKO ABW.BY Photo of MZKT OJSC and the author

"Big Brothers" MZKT-500200

I would also like to add that the MZKT-500200 is the youngest representative of the Volat-6001 family of tactical vehicles. It also includes a three-axle vehicle with a 6x6 wheel arrangement (model MZKT-600103) and a four-axle vehicle with an 8x8 wheel arrangement (model MZKT-600203).

These trucks are perfectly suited for transporting personnel and various cargo, as well as for placing all kinds of special equipment and weapons systems. Both models fit into standard road dimensions (I have a width of 2550 mm). Both are equipped with Caterpillar C13 diesel engines, but, however, of different power. MZKT-600103 has 440 horsepower. And the MZKT-600203 has a 520-horsepower diesel engine.

The transmission is again the same - it is a six-speed hydromechanical Allison 4500SP. A three-axle truck with a total weight of 24 tons can transport ten tons of cargo. Four-axle - with a total weight of 34 tons, it is capable of carrying seventeen tons. At the same time, both trucks are distinguished by high mobility, mobility, and can accelerate to 105 km/h.

The most military automobile plant: what is produced at MZKT today

MZKT is a unique enterprise. The plant, originally created as a “military multi-axle” branch of MAZ, eventually became independent. Nowadays, a lot of variants of military special chassis are produced here, which are supplied to many countries around the world. But the main customers are Russia and Belarus. In this material we will look at the main families of Volat military chassis.

The most famous and most popular Volat is the chassis of the legendary 543 family. In terms of conveyor life expectancy, only the UAZ “loaf” can be compared with it. The chassis was built, figuratively speaking, around the rocket, taking into account a huge number of additional specific requirements. Hence the “strange” cabins and the generally unusual appearance.

Subsequently, the chassis was modernized several times, but the original concept turned out to be so successful that it is still completely relevant for a number of types of weapons. MZKT-543 is still produced to this day and, apparently, will be produced for a long time.

The curb weight of the 543rd chassis is 23 tons, and the total weight is more than 43 tons. At the time of its creation, there were no other powerful diesel engines in the USSR except tank ones, so they used the B12 engine. It is still used today in its modern 525-horsepower version, although for export there were options with imported diesel engines - for example, Deutz.

MZKT-7930, a replacement for the 543rd, has been around for a long time, but for now both versions are in parallel production. A prototype of the special wheeled chassis 7930 (8x8) was manufactured at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in 1994. It had not only obvious external differences, but also many constructive ones. The warranty period of the engine has been increased to 2000-2500 (versus 500), the service life has become longer, the oil consumption has been reduced, and the maintenance frequency has increased. The curb weight of the chassis was reduced to 21 tons, and the total weight, on the contrary, increased to 45. Conveyor production began only in December 2000.

Until recently, this chassis was supplied only to Russia. It is on the MZKT-7930 that the Iskander, as well as many other systems, are based. But now the MZKT-7930 has entered service with the Belarusian army in a version with the Polonaise missile system. The engine here is a 500-horsepower YaMZ-846.

Equipment for the Russian strategic missile forces is, of course, the top of the production range. The full technical characteristics of the MZKT-79221 chassis with a 16x16 wheel arrangement have not been disclosed to this day, but it is known that the chassis is powered by a heavy 12-cylinder YaMZ-847 engine with a power of 800 hp. The curb weight of this “centipede” is 44 tons, and its load capacity is 80 tons!

All of the above chassis are special military ones, the width of which exceeds the permissible 2.5 m for public roads. Naturally, when it came to missile weapons, no one in the USSR bothered with such a “mere trifle.” But for civilian customers, unhindered access to roads was important, and the MZKT-6527 family was created especially for civilian customers, which fits the width of the road clearance.

And here the “reverse story” happened. If previously military chassis were adapted for civilian needs, in this case the initially purely “peaceful” chassis became in demand among the military. True, weapons are not mounted on the MZKT-6527, but communication systems, radars and command posts are. Such vehicles serve in the Belarusian army and are also exported. The family includes chassis with 6x6 and 8x8 wheel arrangements. The engines used are 400-horsepower, model YaMZ-7511.

About ten years ago, MZKT began working on a completely new topic - the so-called hull chassis. The body chassis is, roughly speaking, something like an armored personnel carrier, only it is intended for mounting weapons. In this case, air defense systems, previously mounted on a tracked base. In particular, the Tor complexes on these chassis are already in service in the Belarusian army, and a wheeled version of the Buk complex has also been developed. The engine used is 420-horsepower, YaMZ-7513. The hull MZKT also has a very interesting suspension - independent, hydropneumatic, height adjustable.

Thanks to the order from the Belarusian border troops, MZKT entered the truck segment, previously unusual for its weight and size parameters. Well, it would seem, 3200 kg of load capacity, only 6 m in length and a 4x4 wheel arrangement - how could a Volat be like that? Now yes. An absolutely original truck, similar in parameters to the GAZ-66, is now also produced at MZKT, or more precisely at its branch in Lida. Engine - 215-horsepower YaMZ-534.

MZKT-500200, originally created for the Belarusian border troops to replace the GAZ-66, has mastered the military specialty of mortar transporter

In general terms, we only talked about those military Volats that are used by the armies of Russia and Belarus. But there are also completely separate models and families oriented exclusively for export. More about them some other time.