MZKT-7930, all-wheel drive heavy truck for the needs of the army

MZKT 7930 is a special vehicle aimed at military applications, belonging to the family of special wheeled chassis/tractors. It has an 8*8 wheel arrangement and is capable of lifting loads in the range of 17.8-25 tons. Below we will look at the features of vehicles manufactured at the Minsk Automobile Plant, give basic technical characteristics, and talk about the scope of application and features of the equipment.

Area of ​​use of heavy truck

The first development of the MZKT-7930 began at the end of 1989, when a special development bureau was created.

Important

In 2000, the world saw model 79306 with an engine from the manufacturer Deutz and an Allison automatic transmission.

At the same time, the chassis with a carrying capacity of up to 25 tons was ready for production with all the documents by November 2005. Interestingly, the MZKT-7930 was adopted a little earlier - at the beginning of 2003.

Use in the national economy

Despite the technology’s focus on the military sector, the machine was actively used in the national economy. In particular, MZKT-7930 is useful in the following areas:

• Laying of pipelines.
• Construction of gas and oil pipelines.
• Transportation of excavators and other heavy equipment in off-road conditions.
• Transportation of heavy machines and mining equipment, etc.

The machine was used in cases where its carrying capacity and unpretentiousness to operating conditions were needed.

Defense use

Despite the possibility of application in the national economy, the main purpose of the MZKT-7930 is the defense sector. Thus, based on the chassis of this equipment, the following devices have been developed and are actively used:

• OTRK Iskander is a missile system designed to destroy air defense / missile defense systems, as well as other objects at a distance of up to 500 km. It was first introduced in 1999.
• DBK "Bal" is a coastal-type missile system, adopted for service in 2008. Used to control territorial waters and straits, protect naval bases and coasts from landings.
• DBK "Bastion" is another complex used to destroy ships of various types, convoys, and aircraft carrier groups. Carries Onyx missiles.
• The Uragan-1M MLRS is a rocket system that entered service in 2022. The vehicle fires rockets.
• BSAU A-222 “Bereg” is an artillery system with a caliber of 130 mm, used to destroy small/medium ships, including high-speed ones. The detection/kill radius is 30 and 23 km, respectively.

In addition to the equipment discussed above, the MZKT-7930 chassis underlies the Polonaise MLRS, the S-400 Triumph air defense system, the Club-M missile defense system, the S500 air defense system, etc.

Analogues and competitors

Serial production of the MZKT-79221 tractor began in 2000 after a series of tests. All this time, the car was produced in limited quantities, in small series. Over the past years, neither domestic nor foreign manufacturers of special equipment have been able to offer an analogue to this wheeled chassis. The technical characteristics of the tractor make it a unique vehicle. You can buy it, but it’s not easy. Only modifications of MZKT-79221-100 are available for sale, which are intended for use in the civilian industry. You can order the model either from the manufacturer or from an ordinary buyer. Only in the latter case the equipment will be used, not new.

Specifications

When considering military equipment, the main attention is always paid to the parameters, because they directly depend on the ability to cope with the assigned tasks. The main characteristics include:

These are the main characteristics of the MZKT-7930, but some components of the machine are worthy of special attention. Let's take a closer look at them.

Chassis

The military truck boasts a rigid frame with channel-section side members. The bumper is made of high quality metal. Towing devices are provided at the front and rear for yourself and for pulling other equipment. Some models have a pair of tugs in the front and one in the rear.

The MZKT-7930 suspension is independent (torsion bar type). Comfort and reliability of moving equipment is provided by hydraulic shock absorbers, which can be standard or reinforced. This configuration guarantees a smooth start and comparative comfort in the cabin when driving on any road.

Partial softening function is performed by tubeless tires with central inflation. Their size is sufficient to overcome serious obstacles in the form of holes and water barriers. As for the front/rear axle of the car, they are steered and driven.

Among the design features, it is worth highlighting the central gearboxes, which are equipped with an interwheel / interaxle and planetary type differential. There is no locking unit, but it is provided on the non-steerable axle. The main non-through gearbox (1 and 4 axes) is represented by two spiral gears in the form of cones. As for the gearbox of 2 and 4 axes, it is continuous and also has the appearance of spiral gears and a cone shape.

In both cases, a center differential is provided. There is no locking for the steered axis, but there is one for the unsteered ones. For the 2nd and 3rd axles, forced locking with electric pneumatic drive is provided.

Engine MZKT 7930

MZKT vehicles are equipped with an 18-liter turbocharged engine running on diesel fuel. Type - YaMZ 846. The features of the power unit include a V-shaped design, the presence of 8 cylinders and 32 valves. Fuel - diesel.

Type of cooling: liquid. The engine develops a power of 370 kW, which is equivalent to 503 horsepower. This parameter can be achieved at 2100 rpm. At the same time, the maximum torque is at the level of 1960 N*m.

Additional features of the MZKT-7930 engine:

• cylinder diameter - 14 cm;
• compression ratio - 17.5;
• piston stroke - 14 cm;
• valve device type - OHV;
• power supply - mechanical injection pump.

The fuel pump of the MZKT-7930 engine provides direct injection. The assembly itself is located between the groups of cylinders. The number of plungers is 8. The drive mechanism is equipped with a centrifugal clutch with automatic regulation of fuel injection. In this case, the plungers have an in-line design.

The intake system pipes are located in the cylinder block, and the valves are in the cylinder head and operate by acting on the rocker arm of the lower camshaft. Additional engine features include:

• the presence of roller pushers on the rods;
• placement of the crankshaft journals at right angles;
• production of cylinder liners from high strength cast iron;
• the presence of a pair of springs on the intake/exhaust valves;
• manufacturing the engine camshaft from steel, which ensures its reliability;
• creating pistons from high quality aluminum alloy.

The Deutz BF8M1015C diesel power unit could boast a similar design. It was installed on a prototype version of the machine. This is a V-shaped 15.87-liter engine with 8 cylinders and turbocharging. Its features include a power of 544 horsepower, a torque of 2350 Nm, a piston stroke of 14.5 cm and a cylinder diameter of 13.2 cm.

A protective housing is installed on top of the motor, which also covers the battery and radiators. The side part opens when repairs and maintenance are necessary. This feature is important when it is necessary to carry out repair work in field conditions.

Transmission options

During the production of the MZKT-7930, many modifications of the equipment were presented. Accordingly, the developers experimented with combining the engine with different types of gearboxes. The main options include:

• Mechanics YaMZ 202-04. This is a 9-speed gearbox with one reverse speed. Installed on the version of the tractor model “7415”.
• Manual transmission type GMP MZKT 5561. Installed on the “7030” model, made in a 6-speed version with one reverse speed.
• Automatic transmission AllisonHD45P - 6-speed transmission with 1st reverse speed. Equipped with a single-stage hydraulic transformer with locking capability. Structurally, it has a friction type clutch with a hydraulic drive. Installed on model “79306”.
• Automatic transmission type GMP MZKT 5561. It has six forward speeds and one reverse speed. Installed on models “7930-300”.

In all types of gearboxes on the MZKT-7930, a 2-speed transfer case is installed, equipped with a differential with the ability to lock. On the driving axles there are central gearboxes with differentials of two types: between the wheels / axles, and also planetary wheel gearboxes.

Brakes and steering

Structurally, the tractor brakes consist of the following systems:

• The main one is a 2-circuit system with a drive operating on pneumatic and hydraulic principles.
• Parking (handbrake) - equipped with a spring-type power battery, used to brake the equipment if necessary. Additionally, a mechanical system is used for emergency handbrake disengagement.
• Spare - is completed from the working circuit and is activated in case of malfunctions of the main braking system.
• Auxiliary - is a motor brake controlled on an electrical / pneumatic principle.

As for the steering system, it is standard for such cars. At the same time, control comfort is ensured by the hydraulic booster.

Tractor with a European accent

The highlight of the program, of course, was the MZKT-750440-010 (8x8) truck tractor.

Perhaps this is the first car in the VOLAT line when the technologists gave up their positions and allowed the designers to turn around. As a result, for once, a car produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant received its own, easily recognizable face.

Having worked with plastic, from an essentially brutal tractor, we managed to create a car with a solid image and good functionality. Plastic linings behind the cab cover the fastening and lifting mechanism of the spare wheel, the sidewalls - various attachments, the fuel tank, etc.

It is doubly pleasant to note this point due to the fact that the main defining element of any truck, the cab... is still made by MAZ. The production volumes of the plant make it impractical to manufacture a completely “independent” cabin - either the quality is poor or the cost is sky-high. And such an elegant way out of the situation is a clear victory for the designers.

Inside, the cabin (for now!) has retained the “basic” interior; of course, there are our own developments, but their turn has not yet reached them. But its standard equipment includes built-in air conditioning, climate control, heated seats, power windows and power mirrors. Drivers will appreciate the premium air-suspension and heated seats.

The main characteristics of the MZKT-750440-010 hardware are given in the table; I will not repeat them. From the undescribed, I note the presence of a two-stage transfer case with gear ratios of 1:0.989 and 1:1.571. By the way, the car is designed to overcome a 30% rise, which is quite worthy for a road train of such total weight.

We were pleased with the tires. In contrast to the fashionable trend of putting tires from famous companies on experimental and exhibition samples, MZKT took a different route, “shoeing” the tractor with the products of their native Belshina – Bel-95 16.00R20. According to the test drivers, it turned out quite well...

Cabin MZKT-7930

The cabin part of the truck deserves special attention. Manufacturers have provided a rigid cabin made of fiberglass. There is one entry door on the left and right sides. The number of seats is one for the driver and two for passengers. The steering wheel has the necessary adjustments for more convenient adjustment to height.

The instrument panel has a well-thought-out layout. Thanks to high-quality backlighting, information on all devices is clearly visible at any time of the day. The tractor cab itself is slightly shifted forward in relation to the engine and chassis. This is made for more convenient installation of large superstructures without exceeding the dimensions of the equipment.

Drivers of the MZKT-7930 note a good view from the workplace, which is due to the large area of ​​the windshield and its division into three sections. All controls are in close proximity and at arm's length. The start of the movement is very smooth, thanks to the soft pedal. At the same time, the engine itself runs smoothly, and its noise almost does not get into the cabin.

A powerful heater is installed inside, maintaining a comfortable temperature during the cold season. If desired, you can install an additional air conditioner to create an optimal mode already in the summer. Additional options should also include:

• armored metal;
• high power fan;
• run flat tires;
• winch and more.

If desired, the truck can be equipped with a thermos for water, OU 3 fire extinguishers and a first aid kit. The equipment is negotiated individually, and the price directly depends on it.

Flaws

By its design, the MZKT-79221 tractor is an SUV, as it has several axles. Accordingly, it is designed specifically for driving over rough terrain. But at the same time, the tractor cannot move along a route that has not been verified. All wheels must touch the ground. If even a few hang in the air, the entire structure will be overloaded. But the car is not designed for such overloads.

Among the disadvantages, one can also highlight high fuel consumption. A powerful engine installed on a car consumes fuel with double force.