MT-LB
Overview
MT-LB
MT-LBLV with 12.7mm heavy machine gun in service with Russian arctic brigage.
Source: www.mil.ru -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Poland
MT-LB / Mnogotselevoy Tyagach Legkiy Bronirovannyy
Russian for "light armored multipurpose tractor"
M1970 (NATO reporting name)
Russia
Ukraine
Iraq
Description
Introduction
The MT-LB is a tracked armored personnel carrier of Soviet origin. Although often classified as armored personnel carrier, it was actually developed as prime mover for towed guns and multipurpose chassis. The MT-LB has been used as a chassis for a variety of weapon systems. These include tank destroyer, SAM system, reconnaissance and command post vehicles. Due to its widespread use and large production numbers the MT-LB is an iconic Cold War combat vehicle.
Layout
The MT-LB is a tracked vehicle. The driver and gunner sit at the front. The engine is located in the middle on the left. This powers the drive sprocket at the front. The rear of the vehicle seats the infantry. When used as a prime mover the rear area holds the gun crew and some shells for immediate use. The MT-LB was developed to have a low silhouette. This lowers the center of gravity and makes the vehicle easier to hide in a gun position.
Firepower
The MT-LB is fitted with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun in a small one man overhead turret. This mainly serves for self-defense and cover fire for infantry. Small numbers were fitted with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. In various conflicts the MT-LB was used as a self-propelled chassis for heavy infantry weapons. These often include the 23mm ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun and 82mm 2B9 Vasilek mortar.
Protection
The steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shells splinters all around. Over the frontal arc the MT-LB has a limited ability to withstand heavy machine gun fire.
Mobility
The MT-LB is known for its good mobility and reliability. The limited ground pressure and amphibious capability allows it to traverse difficult terrain, such as marshlands.
Users
The MT-LB was produced in large quantities. Over 55.000 vehicles were produced, including many as chassis for various weapon systems. The MT-LB was used in large numbers by the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact. Large quantities were exported to the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The MT-LB remains in common use today.
Details
Variants
Weapon systems based on MT-LB chassis
MT-LB with ZU-23-2
The MT-LB often serves as a weapons carrier. The 23mm ZU-23-2 towed anti-aircraft gun is often placed on the roof of the MT-LB and used against ground targets.
9P149 Shturm-S
Tank destroyer armed with high velocity 9M114 long range anti-tank missile. The low profile of the MT-LB is very useful for a tank destroyer in ambush position.
9K35 Strela-10
Self-propelled SAM system with infrared guided surface to air missiles.
Tundzha
The Tundzha-Sani is a Bulgarian self-propelled mortar based on the MT-LB tracked chassis and armed with the 2B11 Sani mortar.
2S1 Gvozdika
The 2S1 self-propelled howitzer with 122mm ordnance is based on a lengthened MT-LB chassis.
Media
MT-LB
MT-LB configured for the ambulance role.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
MT-LB
Rear view of MT-LB configured for the ambulance role.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
MT-LB
Close-up of MT-LB in Russian service.
Source: www.mil.ru
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
MT-LB with ZPU-2
MT-LB in service with Iraq with ZPU-2 anti-aircraft gun mounted on top.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
MT-LB
MT-LB in Russian service.
Source: www.mil.ru
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
MT-LB
MT-LB in service with the US Marine Corps in the OPFOR role.
Source: US Marine Corps
Copyright: Public domain
MT-LB with ZU-23
Ex-Iraqi MT-LB with ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun mounted on top. Note the armor plates added around the ZU-23.
Source: Zirguezi
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
GT-T
The MT-LB was introduced as a dedicated artillery tractor and troop transport vehicle. For many years the GT-T tracked amphibious all terrain cargo vehicle was used as a stopgap vehicle in this role.
PKT
The MT-LB is armed with a single 7.62mm PKT machine gun. This is fitted in a small one man turret.