Transport and charging machine TZM-T

The TZM-T (GBTU index - Object 563) is a Russian heavy transport and loader vehicle from the TOS-1A Solntsepik heavy flamethrower system. It is based on the T-72A main battle tank.

The main task of the TZM-T is to discharge and reload the BM-1 combat vehicle, which is part of the TOS-1A Solntsepik multiple rocket launcher system. The vehicle is capable of transporting up to 24 unguided rockets. The missiles in the transport position are covered with a special armor casing. All equipment is mounted on an armored tracked chassis based on the T-72A main battle tank. The crew consists of 3 people: a driver, a tank commander and an operator.

The TZM-T is equipped with a 5.45-mm RPKS-74 machine gun as the main defense weapon. The transported ammunition is 1440 rounds. In addition, the vehicle has:

1. 2 AKS-74 rifles with 600 rounds of ammunition;
2. 5 RPG-26 “Aglen” anti-tank grenades;
3. 10 F-1 grenades.

Among the observation devices on the TZM-T are:

1. four TNPO-160 daytime observation devices with a built-in temperature regulator;
2. two daytime observation devices TNPA-65;
3. night periscopic observation device TVNE-4B;
4. daytime observation device with heating TNPO-168B.

External communication is carried out by the VHF radio R-163-50U, capable of operating in the frequency bands from 30025 to 79975 kHz on 10 pre-prepared channels. The radio has a range of about 20 km. Internal communication between the crew is carried out by a tank intercom R-174 for 3 subscribers.

The TZM-T is powered by a V-84MS diesel engine manufactured by the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The maximum power of the engine is 840 hp at a frequency of 2000 rpm. The transmission is mechanical. Two types of systems are used to start the engine: air and electric. As a battery, 4 lead-acid batteries 6STEN-140M with a total capacity of 280Ah are used.

The TZM-T transport and charging machine has built-in bulldozer-type equipment for self-digging. It can operate in conditions of chemical and nuclear weapons use, for this purpose a filter-ventilation unit is installed in the vehicle, as well as a GO-27 radio and chemical reconnaissance device. To camouflage the vehicle on the ground, the TZM-T is equipped with thermal smoke equipment capable of creating a dense, impenetrable smoke screen. The length of the curtain is from 250 to 400 meters.

Loading and unloading of missiles and charging and discharging of the BM-1 combat vehicle is carried out using a special crane-manipulator with a lifting capacity of 1 ton. The crane is controlled remotely by a hydraulic drive. A full charging/discharging cycle is performed in 24 minutes. The guaranteed service life of the crane is 200 cycles. The crane's boom angles are 50° to the left and 210° to the right.