MAZ-6303KH

   At the first glance the MAZ-6303KH is an ordinary heavy military truck with 6x6 configuration. However this vehicle has one unusual feature. Letters "KH" in the designation denote "Kombinirovanyj Hod", or capability to operate both on roads and railways. It can be used for shunting or accomplish various recovery tasks using its appliances. It is used by Belarusian railroad forces.

   Railways are one of the most important solution for transportation and logistical maneuvers through long distances. It is considered as a cheap, fast and convenient way of transportation and delivery operations for the military forces worldwide. Furthermore in case of war The MAZ-6303KH is a versatile vehicle in service with railroad units. It can provide a low-cost emergency alternative for locomotives and can fulfill many other roles.

   The MAZ 6303KH, called also Loco-Mobile, can pull about 1 000 t, equal to almost 13 standard cargo wagons with a maximum weight of up to 77 t each. For shifting onto the railway tracks the truck needs 10 minutes of preparation. Two axles of rail wheelsets (one behind the front wheels and another at the rear part of the vehicle) are lowed on the railway using automatic remote control system. Rail wheelsets prevents the vehicle from derailing. In such configuration the front tires are risen in the air, while the motion force is provided by two rear axles.

   On rail vehicle has high traction force due to its massive wheels with central tyre inflation system. Vehicle can easily accelerate or brake on rail. It can reach speeds of 40 km/h.

   The MAZ 6303KH is equipped with standard locomotion coupler/coupling system. It is compatible with wagons and carriages. After coupling with railway unit cables of pneumatic break systems are connected. The compressed air is provided by air compressor and pump system installed in MAZ railroad vehicle.

   The cabin of loco-mobile is equipped with a Locomotion Safety Complex System, also referred as locomotion supervision system. This system provides information for the driver about speed and establishes communication with the railway stations on the way. It automatically detects other objects on the tracks and recognizes the railway sings as well as railway traffic lights. In case of emergency, this system can automatically stop the vehicle. The truck has two separate breaking systems. One for the wheel axels and another for railway wheelsets. There is an ABS braking system and engine pre-heater for operation in extremely cold weather.

   There is a version of the MAZ-6303KH with a multifunctional crane-manipulator. It has telescopic boom and end effector (grapple claws). It is installed on cargo body of the truck. The vehicle can load on its own cargo body various loads. It can transport weights of up to 12 t. The manipulator can be equipped with scoop for bulk materials or be used as a conventional crane for lifting and loading various loads. The vehicle is also equipped with front plow. It can be used for removing debris or cleaning snow.

   All abovementioned features and equipment make MAZ-6303KH make it a multipurpose and versatile railroad vehicle that augments the mobility of the army.

Article by ZAAL TCHKUASELI    Want to publish your own articles? Visit our guidelines for more information.