Vityaz DT-10P

The Vityaz DT-10P is an amphibious two-section articulated tracked carrier with a 10-tonne payload. Built for the extreme north, Siberia and the Russian Far East, it had been used for some twenty years in many regions of Russia to carry freight and to mount technological equipment. It proved particularly valuable with emergency rescue teams after natural disasters, evacuating people and bringing in rescuers, doctors and supplies through floods, snowdrifts and wrecked terrain.

Design

As in all Vityaz carriers, the two tracked units are linked by an articulated coupling. Two extra hydraulic cylinders on the coupling, controlled from the driver's seat, can fold the units relative to each other both sideways and vertically. They act as steering rams for high manoeuvrability, as dampers for a smoother ride, and as a lock to stiffen the vehicle when crossing ditches up to 4 m wide or vertical walls up to 1.5 m high.

The DT-10P weighs 21.5 tonnes, carries five in the cab and can take loads up to 6 m long. It is powered by a 38.9-litre V12 multifuel diesel with supercharging, rated in the catalogue at 710 hp in the vehicle (the engine data sheet gives 780 hp), started by compressed air with an electric back-up. Top speed is 37 km/h on land and 5-6 km/h afloat, with a range of 500 km.

Variants

The DT-10PM, a modernised version for the Defence Ministry, weighs 27 tonnes, has an 800 hp engine, reaches 45 km/h and has a range of 700 km; it is 14.35 m long and 3.1 m wide. The DT-10PA is a passenger version weighing 22 tonnes, with 3 seats in the cab and 38-42 in a heated saloon on the rear unit, which can still carry 1.8 tonnes in the front section.