DT-30 Vityaz

History of the DT-30 Vityaz

The DT-30 (Vityaz) was a Soviet Cold War-era lightly armored multipurpose tracked vehicle that is still in service with the Russian Army today. Design work on the vehicle began in 1971, and production models rolled off the assembly line at the Ishii Transport Machinery Works until 1982.

The birth of this car stemmed from the need for increased mobility in the Soviet Union in the 1960s, especially when a war between Europe and the West was almost inevitable, and huge Soviet troops needed to travel across the European countryside in a short amount of time. What is needed is a heavy-duty hauler to transport heavier loads in these landscapes than is currently offered by operating systems of the same capacity.

The result is an oversized Vityaz with wide beams, low ground pressure and an articulated rear that can move cargo from point A to point B with relative ease.

National trials of DT-LP and DT-L prototypes followed, leading to the approval of the DT-30 articulated vehicle for widespread production and service. What the Soviet Army received was a product capable of fighting in extreme weather conditions and soft terrain, making it ideal for fighting in the Arctic, Antarctica, and the vast, unforgiving north of the Soviet Union.

Even the oil and gas industry benefits from this rugged, anywhere vehicle.

Structurally, dimensions include a barrel length of 45 feet, a width of 9.2 feet, and a height of 8.10 feet. All welded construction forms the hull. Inside, two occupants are standard, the engine is located behind the crew compartment, and the powerplant is a 12-cylinder engine mated to a manual transmission system. Externally, there are six wheels on each side of the chain, with the drive sprocket at the front and the chain idler at the rear.

The rear disc assembly also mimics this sprocket and wheel arrangement for consistency. Access to the cabin is via an automotive-style door opening, and the short fuselage nose provides an elevated, top-down view of the terrain ahead - viewed through three rectangular window panes, each with its own wipers.

Headlights are located above the cabin and forward of the hull for low light/night cruising. Ground clearance is excellent, making the vehicle ideal for off-road/rough terrain driving or even amphibious intersections. The front unit can operate even if the rear components fail.

The DT-10P variant weighs 31 tons, while the DT-30 weighs 58 tons.

No defensive weapons, as the DT-30 is essentially a logistical support vehicle - although the crew can carry personal weapons. The unique design of the hull also provides some (light) protection from hidden mines and improvised explosive devices.

Slovakia is the only other known operator of the DT-30 series and does so only through its fire and rescue teams.

Specification

Base

Year of Service

1982

Origins

Soviet Union

Crew

2

Production

50

Manufacturer

Ishimbai Transport Machinery Manufacturing - USSR (Russia)

Operators

Russia; USSR (formerly); Slovakia (fire and rescue)

Rolling

Amphibious Assault

Cross open water under your own power with or without preparation.

Technology

In-vehicle systems provide solutions for various technical tasks on the battlefield.

Utilities

Generally user-centered design to perform various battlefield missions, usually in an indirect combat fashion.

Designed to play an equally special role on the battlefield.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

45. 1 ft

13.75m

width

9. 2 feet

2.8m

Height

8.9 feet

2.7m

Weight

127,868 lbs

58,000 kg

Tonnage

63.9 tons

Power and Performance

Engine:

1 x diesel engine drives traditional sprocket arrangement.

ARMAMENT

None.

AMMUNITION

None.

VARIANTS

DT-30 "Vityaz" - Base Series Designation; 58-ton weight. DT-10 - Variant. DT-10P - Variant; 31-ton weight. DT-20 - Variant.