Military-technical cooperation "Ladoga". Special vehicles for special tasks
One of the built cars "Ladoga". Photo by Alternathistory.com
Special assignment
An order to develop a promising highly protected vehicle (MTC) appeared at the very end of the seventies. The development of military-technical cooperation was entrusted to KB-3 of the Leningrad Kirov Plant. The project manager was deputy general designer of KB-3 V.I. Mironov. In 1982, in order to continue work on the military-technical cooperation, KB-3 created a special design unit - KB-A.
The new car had special requirements. It had to be based on existing components and have the maximum unification with serial equipment. Moreover, it was necessary to provide a high level of protection and the ability to work in conditions of radiation, chemical and biological contamination. The customer required to organize an ergonomic and comfortable habitable compartment with a developed set of communications. In fact, it was a command and staff vehicle with a number of characteristic features for top-level command.
A promising model received the designation MTC "Ladoga". The basis for such a machine was the spent serial chassis of the main tank T-80 Some units of the tank were borrowed in their original form, while other units had to be developed anew. As part of the Ladoga project, they proposed and implemented a number of design solutions that were not previously used to create domestic armored vehicles, which allowed us to obtain the desired results.
Design features
The basic tank chassis retained the main details of the hull, but lost the turret and internal units of the fighting compartment. Instead, a superstructure-cabin was mounted to accommodate new equipment and crew jobs. The superstructure was made of armored steel and provided some protection. Inside the inhabited compartment had an anti-neutron lining.
Military-technical cooperation "Ladoga" from a different angle. Photo magazine "Technology and weapons"
On "Ladoga" the gas turbine engine GTD-1250 with the power of 1250 hp was used. The engine was equipped with a system of blowing off dust from the blades, which simplified its operation in the infected area and subsequent decontamination. The transmission has remained the same. An electric unit in the form of a compact gas turbine engine and generator with an output of 18 kW was placed on the left fenders. This product was supposed to provide power supply systems in the parking lot.
The chassis design did not change and was completely borrowed from the T-80. Six-wheeled chassis with torsion bar suspension showed high mobility and did not need to be improved.
The habitable compartment was divided by a wall into two compartments. In the bow of the case there was a control compartment with two workplaces, including with the driver's post. Access to the compartment was provided by two hatches in the roof and a manhole in the main compartment. The hatches were equipped with a set of viewing instruments for driving day and night.
Interior of the inhabited compartment, left front workplace. Photo by Twitter.com/skylancer7441
The main part of the inhabited compartment, placed inside the superstructure, was intended for passengers represented by representatives of the high command. For them, several comfortable chairs, tables, etc. were intended. Landing in the car was carried out through the hatch in the rear of the left side of the superstructure. It had a large flap and a lowered ramp with steps.
At the disposal of passengers there were developed means of communication for various purposes. According to some reports, the Ladoga equipment even provided control of strategic nuclear forces. The crew also received advanced means of monitoring the situation. At least one PTS sample received a mast with cameras for all-round visibility. This device was placed on the roof of the superstructure, and the video signal was transmitted to internal monitors.
Of some interest were regular means of internal communication. The PTS crew and command used a tank intercom and headsets. However, instead of massive fabric headsets, specially designed ones made of good leather were used. They were intended both for the crew and for the transported command.
Headset for the crew and passengers of the MTC. Photo Yaplakal.com
Much attention was paid to collective defense against weapons mass destruction. In addition to standard solutions specific to Russian armored vehicles, some new ideas were used. So, depending on the situation, the air supply could be carried out from a filter-ventilation unit or from a separate cylinder installed at the aft of the superstructure. Various means were installed inside and outside the casing to monitor the situation and take measurements. The protected compartment had a supply of water and food. With it, the crew could hold out for 48 hours.
In terms of its dimensions, the Ladoga military transport vehicle did not differ much from the basic main tank, but the weight was reduced to 42 tons. The driving performance remained at the same level. A special armored vehicle could move along roads and rough terrain and overcome obstacles. Whether installation of equipment for underwater driving was planned is unknown.
"Ladoga" in trials
In the first half of the eighties, the first prototype of the Ladoga military-transport vehicle was built at LKZ and brought out for testing. The equipment was tested in different places and in different conditions. The Karakum desert, the Kopetdag and Tien Shan mountain ranges, as well as some areas of the Far North, became testing grounds for equipment. The experimental machine successfully overcame the designated tracks and maintained the required conditions inside the protected volume.
"Ladoga" with the w / n 317 in Chernobyl. Photo magazine "Technology and weapons"
A new stage of testing and testing equipment in the most difficult conditions began in the spring of 1986 and was associated with the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In early May, the Ladoga with the tail number 317 was transferred from Leningrad to Kiev. Then the car went to the scene of the accident. A highly protected vehicle and its crew had to conduct reconnaissance of the area, as well as show the capabilities of equipment in conditions of radiation pollution.
Operation of the Ladoga military transport vehicle in the accident zone was carried out by a special detachment, which included the crew of the machine, sanitation and dosimetry services, as well as doctors and support specialists. In some PTS flights, representatives of the governing bodies joined the crew.
Ladoga performed rather complicated work. She had to examine various sections of the terrain, making observations and taking measurements. Objects were filmed, simplifying work planning. The PTS acted both at a distance from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, and directly on it, including in the ruined engine room.
Such operation of the Ladoga military-transport vehicle continued until the beginning of autumn. Then the machine went through a thorough decontamination, and on September 14 it was sent back to Leningrad. In the future, "Ladoga" No. 317 was used as a platform for conducting various studies and experiments. After operation in the accident zone, the armored vehicle remained in good technical condition, although work in the contaminated area left its marks.
Small series
According to various sources, the Ladoga product was built in a small series. During the eighties, LKZ produced no more than 4-5 such machines, including a prototype for testing in different parts of the country. Unfortunately, detailed information on the construction and operation of such equipment - with the exception of the 317 board - is not yet available.
Apparently, the role of the military-technical cooperation led to a lack of information. Ladoga was intended to serve the country's top military and political leadership, and such work does not allow publishing too much information. From time to time, various fragmentary information appears about the operation or basing of such equipment, but it is not possible to complete the picture.
To the delight of lovers of military equipment, recently one of the Ladoga military-technical cooperation vehicles released is now a public museum exhibit. At the end of July, an armored vehicle with tail numbers "104 / 180" arrived at the branch of the Patriot park in the city of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky (Rostov Region) and became part of its exposition.
For one reason or another, the museum "Ladoga" at the moment is in poor condition. Some units are missing, the internal equipment of the inhabited compartment is removed, there are numerous damage to both the paint and the structure itself. It is hoped that the new owners will pay enough attention to the unique machine, and in the future it will look the same as after leaving the assembly shop.
Accurate information about the status and accessories of other military-technical missions issued by Ladoga is not yet available. Perhaps they will appear in the future. Also, it cannot be ruled out that the remaining samples will eventually become museum exhibits - like the already exhibited 104 / 180 machine.
Information