Tactical transporter "Plastun-TT"
All-terrain vehicle "Plastun-TT"
As practice has shown, in some situations of modern armies Light and maneuverable transport, such as buggies and all-terrain vehicles, is required. The Russian armed forces already have equipment of this class, and new models are currently being developed. For example, the tactical transporter Plastun-TT was first presented at the military-technical forum Army-2024. It is designed to transport people and cargo.
Premiere in Moscow
A promising tactical transporter for the army was developed by the Russian All-Terrain Vehicles Plastun company. It already produces a family of multi-purpose tracked vehicles called Plastun, and recently decided to expand its range with a new wheeled all-terrain vehicle.
The new Plastun-TT model was first presented to specialists and the general public at the Army-2024 forum. The goals and objectives of the project were revealed, as well as the characteristics of the resulting machine. In addition, photos and videos from tests were published, demonstrating the main aspects of operation and application.
The goal of the Plastun-TT project was to create passable and mobile transport for the Russian army. This all-terrain vehicle is proposed to transport various cargo and people, including the delivery of ammunition and the evacuation of the wounded from the front line.
The conveyor is built on the basis of domestic components. The engine, transmission and axles were borrowed from Russian production cars, and the remaining units were developed by the manufacturing company itself.
Tactical transporter being tested
The developers note that among the already produced all-terrain vehicles there are no direct analogues of the Plastun-TT. Existing models differ from it in their technical appearance and the use of imported components and other features.
Today and tomorrow
Currently, a prototype of the new all-terrain vehicle is undergoing road and off-road testing in one of Russia's regions. The tests are being conducted by civilian specialists with the participation of Military.
The all-terrain vehicle successfully copes with test tasks and receives positive feedback. According to the developers, no comments have been received yet.
The company “Russian all-terrain vehicles “Plastun” is preparing for mass production of new transporters. Production capacity allows the production of up to 20 all-terrain vehicles per month. If there is an order from the Ministry of Defense, then at least 40 vehicles can be delivered by the end of the year.
The conclusion of the contract will increase production. In this case, by the spring of 2025 it will be possible to achieve a production rate of 40-50 cars per month. However, it is not yet known what order the Ministry of Defense can place and how long it will take to complete it.
Articulation node
It is reported that the Ministry of Defense is already interested in Plastun-TT. A future contract is currently being negotiated and its terms are being discussed. It is expected that the finished document will appear in the near future, and after that the manufacturing company will launch mass production of all-terrain vehicles.
Technical features
"Plastun-TT" is a two-axle all-wheel drive off-road vehicle, created using ready-made components from production models. It is easy to operate and is designed for transporting goods and people, including transporting bedridden wounded.
The all-terrain vehicle has an articulated design. Its frame consists of two halves connected by a special hinge. The frame and hinge are made of stainless steel tubing, which gives maximum strength with limited weight.
Using a hydraulic drive, the frame bends in a horizontal plane. This allows the all-terrain vehicle to turn and maneuver, and also improves its maneuverability.
The front half of the frame houses the main components of the propulsion system and the axle. There is also a two-seater cabin with a control post.
The rear part of the frame is equipped with a second axle, the drive of which is organized through a cardan shaft. On the second link, an onboard body for the payload is mounted.
The developers do not specify the models of the engine, gearbox and transfer case that are used in the Plastun-TT. However, it is known that these components were taken from the Niva car.
Currently, Niva Legend and Niva Travel cars are equipped with 1,7 liter gasoline engines with a power of 80 hp. Both use a five-speed manual transmission.
The axles with self-locking differentials are taken from the Gazelle car, and the cardan shafts are supplied by the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant.
The all-terrain vehicle is equipped with wheels of size 12.4L-16 8PR, specially adapted for off-road driving. The design of the chassis gives a ground clearance of 280 mm.
"Plastun-TT" can accelerate to 100 km/h on the highway and has a power reserve of 400 km. The rear link body can carry up to 1 ton of cargo.
The all-terrain vehicle is controlled by one driver, who is located in an open cockpit on the front link of the vehicle. There may be a passenger next to him. There are safety bars installed above the cabin, which can also serve as a frame for the awning.
The payload is housed in the rear link body. There are benches along the sides, and in the front there is an additional seat. There are safety bars. For ease of boarding and loading, the rear side of the body folds down. The body can accommodate up to 6–8 passengers or 2 bedridden patients with an accompanying person.
Potential and Opportunities
Practice has shown that the Russian army needs light and passable transport, such as buggies, all-terrain vehicles, etc. This technique significantly increases the mobility of individual units and helps them carry out combat and support missions.
The Plastun-TT tactical transporter was developed taking into account similar needs of the army. Production of this equipment will begin in the near future, and it will be delivered to the front. The new all-terrain vehicles are proposed to be used together with existing equipment, which will have a positive impact on the transport capabilities of the troops.
"Plastun-TT" has a number of important features and advantages that have already attracted the interest of a potential customer and should ensure successful operation.
The main advantages of the vehicle are related to its driving characteristics - mobility and cross-country ability on various terrain. High results are achieved thanks to the special frame design, chassis features, all-wheel drive and other factors.
The all-terrain vehicle is capable of carrying up to 10 people. or up to 1 ton of cargo. This is enough to solve most problems on the front line or near the rear. The Plastun-TT can be used as a light transport for scouts or a supply truck.
"Plastun-TT" is distinguished by high performance characteristics. The key components of the all-terrain vehicle are taken from domestically produced serial vehicles, which makes it easier to maintain the vehicle, supply spare parts and other aspects.
It is worth noting that the Plastun-TT does not have structural protection and the possibility of standard equipment with weapons. However, practice has shown that the intended methods of application make it possible to do without these funds. If necessary, such issues can be quickly resolved at the factory or in the home.
For the needs of the army
The Russian defense industry takes into account the needs of the armed forces and creates the equipment they need. In particular, light all-terrain vehicles are being actively developed that can perform various tasks at the front and in the rear.
The units involved in the Special Operation already have a significant number of such all-terrain vehicles of various types. Their fleet is gradually expanding, and in the near future the first Plastun-TT transporters may be included in it. How quickly this will happen and whether the new model will live up to expectations will become clear in the foreseeable future.
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