MZKT-7930

   The MZKT-7930 special wheeled chassis was developed in Belarus the early 1990s. Sometimes this vehicle is nicknamed the 'Astrolog'. It was designed to replace the ageing MAZ-543 special wheeled chassis. The first prototype was completed in 1994. This special wheeled chassis was mainly aimed at the Russian market, as Belarus had no requirement for such vehicles. The MZKT-7930 was adopted by the Russian Army in the early 2000. Currently this special wheeled chassis is produced in small numbers. By 2016 a total of 1 000 these military vehicles were produced and production still continues.

   The MZKT-7930 8x8 wheeled chassis has a payload capacity of up to 24 000 kg. It is mainly used to mount various weapon systems. This heavy load carrier is primarily designed for off-road applications.

   A forward control cab of the MZKT-7930 accommodates driver and two passengers. There is a roof hatch for emergency exit. This vehicle lacks any defensive armament.

   The MZKT-7930 is powered by a YaMZ-846 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 500 hp. It is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. Vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive and is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. First two axles are steerable. The MZKT-7930 has a maximum road speed of 70 km/h. It reduces to 40 km/h on field roads and 20 km/h off-road.

   This special wheeled chassis can be airlifted by military transport aircraft, however these have to be as large as An-124 or An-22.

   This high mobility vehicle is used as a chassis for the Iskander short range ballistic missile system and Bal-E costal defense missile system, TMM-6 heavy mechanized bridge and other applications. It also carries radar of the S-400 missile system.

Variants

   MZKT-79306 is a proposed export version. It is fitted with a Deutz BF8M diesel engine, developing 544 hp. Engine is mated with Allison automatic transmission. This special wheeled chassis has a payload capacity of 25 000 kg. A prototype was completed in the year 2000.

   MZKT-7930-300 is an improved version, fitted with a Belarusian 6-speed automatic transmission. It was adopted by Belarus, as a chassis for Polonez artillery rocket system.

   MZKT-7415 is a prime mover with a shorter wheelbase. It was originally intended to replace the MAZ-7410.