MZKT-7930

   The MZKT-7930 special wheeled chassis was developed in Belarus the early 1990s. Sometimes this vehicle is nicknamed the Astrolog (Astrologer). 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. Add-on armor kit can be fitted for the cab. It provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. 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 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. A prototype was completed in 2000. It is fitted with a Deutz BF8M diesel engine, developing 544 hp. Engine is mated to an Allison automatic transmission. This vehicle has a payload capacity of 25 000 kg.

   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.

   MZKT-79292 is a larger 10x10 version, that can carry 35 t of payload. Maximum speed is limited to 45 km/h. This vehicle was designed to compete with a Russian BAZ-69096 special wheeled chassis with 10x10 configuration, which is planned to be used as a transporter erector launcher for a new Russian S-500 long-range air defense and anti-ballistic missile system.

   MZKT-7909 is a newer 8x8 version. It is powered by a TMZ-84631.10 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 525 hp. This vehicle has a payload capacity of 22 700 kg and is fitted with a new cab. It is used to carry a Turkish Khan short-range ballistic missiles.