MAZ-543 Russian 8x8 Special Wheeled Chassis

MAZ-543

Special wheeled chassis

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Basic Information

Name

MAZ-543 Russian 8x8 Special Wheeled Chassis

Designation

MAZ-543

Alternate Designation

MAZ-543

Equipment Type

Special wheeled chassis

Manufacturer

MAZ

Date of Introduction

1962

Description

In the early 1960s, MAZ started development of an all-wheel drive chassis MAZ 543. These are the 4th generation of this family of vehicles. Its design was similar to MAZ 537G, but was fitted with new units, cabins and longer frame. The new chassis was equipped with a 525 hp D12A-525A V12 diesel, automatic transmission with an updated torque converter and a 3-speed gearbox. MAZ 543 range included chassis MAZ 543, MAZ 543A and MAZ 543M with fiberglass side cabins. There was a place for radiator and the front part of a missile rocket between cabins. All variant had wheelbase of 7.7 meters, top speed - 60 kph and fuel consumption - 80 liters per 100 km. The first version of the new range was a light chassis MAZ 543 with a payload of 19.1 tonnes. The first 6 prototypes were made in the spring of 1962. Mass production started in 1965. They got 2 twin-door cabins (the left and right). 1631 copies were made. They become the base chassis for a missile complex 9K71 'Temp' and missile launcher 9P117. In 1963, MAZ 543A with a payload of 19.4 tonnes was presented. It was developed for a missile complex 9P120 'Temp-S'. Mass production started in 1966. The main difference from MAZ 543 is slightly shifted to the front both cabins. Till the middle of 2000s, more than 2600 chassis were made.

Ground Specifications

Crew 1

Active Protection None

NBC Protection Yes

Variants

MAZ-543P MAZ-543P a baseline chassis with a payload capacity of 19 600 kg. It was used to carry the SS-12 Scaleboard medium range ballistic missile.

MAZ-543A MAZ-543A appeared in 1967. It is a more capable version, with a payload capacity of 22 000 kg. Layout of the engine compartment was revised. Though it retained two forward control cabs on each side of the engine. This vehicle was used as a chassis to carry Elbrus (Western reporting name Scud) and Temp-S (SS-12 Scaleboard) short-range ballistic missiles. Also here a number of other vehicles, based on this chassis. There were experimental emergency vehicle and crane, based on the MAZ-543A, that did not reached production.

MAZ-543M MAZ-543M improved version, which appeared in the early 70s. It had some improvements over its predecessor. Passenger cabin on the right was removed and the engine compartment was revised. It allowed to free some space at the rear for weapons and special equipment. The MAZ-543M was used as a base for the Smerch MLRS, Rubezh coastal defense missile system, Bereg self-propelled artillery system and a whole host of other specialized military vehicles.

MAZ-7310 MAZ-7310 cargo truck intended for civilian application. It is a variant of the basic series. This vehicle was revealed in 1974 and entered production in 1976. Other variants of this vehicle are the MAZ-7510 dump truck, and the MAZ-7910 pipeline carrier. An aircraft crash tender, the AA-60 (7310)-160.1, has also been produced. At least one experimental variant powered by a 1 100 hp gas turbine has been developed for trials.

MAZ-7410 MAZ-7410 is a prime mover with a shorter wheelbase, which entered production in the mid-70s

Wanshan WS580 Wanshan WS580 is a Chinese heavy high mobility chassis with 8x8 configuration, which was based on the MAZ-543. Technology was transferred to China from Belarus. This Chinese vehicle evolved into a whole host of indigenous special wheeled chassis, such as Wanshan WS2400, that were carrying ballistic missiles and other military equipment. Later production models were based on Belarusian MZKT designs, but benefit from German technology transfer. These are fitted with German engines and transmissions.

System

Alternative Designation MAZ-543

Manufacturer MAZ

Type Special wheeled chassis

Family MAZ 543Family

Crew 1 + 3 men

Chassis MAZ-543 Special Wheeled Chassis

Dimensions (MAZ-543 Special Wheeled Chassis)

Length 11.7 m

Width 3.07 m

Height 2.92 m

Weight, Empty 17.3 tons

Ground Pressure INA

Maximum Load 15 tons

Automotive (MAZ-543 Special Wheeled Chassis)

Engine Name D12A-525 38.9-liter Diesel

Engine Type Diesel

Engine Power 525 hp

Cruising Range 650 km

Speed, Maximum Road 65 km/h

Speed, Average Cross INA km/h

Speed Maximum Swim Not Amphibious

Configuration 8x8

Gradient 60 %

Side Slope 40 %

Vertical Step 0.6 m

Trench 2 m

Fording Depth 1.3 m

Communications

Note Depends on the country that Russia exported this vehicle to.

Protection

Hull Armor INA

Turret Armor INA

Applique Armor INA

Explosive Reactive Armor No

Active Protection System No

Mine Clearing No

Self-Entrenching Blade No

NBC Protection Yes

Smoke Equipment INA

Camouflage Nets Yes, Standard

Image Sources

Notes https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:9P120_TEL_9K76_Temp-S_missile_system,_%D0%9F%D1%83%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B0_9%D0%9F120_%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0_9%D0%9A76_%D0%A2%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BF-%D0%A1,_Artillery_museum,_Saint-Petersburg_pic1.JPG; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:9P117_9K72.jpg; https://cs.finescale.com/fsm/general_discussion/f/50/t/152216.aspx?sortorder=desc&page=61;

Details

Country of Origin Russia

Category Transportation

Land > Combat Support Vehicles > Transportation

Classification

Domain

Ground

Equipment Status

Active

Dimensions

Length

—

Width

—

Height

—

Weight

17300 kg

Operators (1)

Russia

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