A story about the “Plastun-TT” wheeled tactical transporter, a new exhibit at the “Army-2024” International Military-Technical Forum
A major war almost always serves as a catalyst for the development of new types of weapons and military equipment. In this sense, the Special Military Operation was no exception. As is often the case, new circumstances dictate new conditions, including those related to providing troops with transportation. It became clear that a variety of transport vehicles is needed for a wide range of tasks and terrains. Moreover, it is by no means necessary for such vehicles to be armored. Mobility sometimes proves to be just as important a factor as protection.
Plastun-TT was prominently displayed on the forum. And it wasn’t easy to take a picture of it
At the “Army-2024” International Military-Technical Forum, wheeled military vehicles were one of the key topics. The vehicles on display were remarkably diverse. There was also room for tactical vehicles designed to transport personnel and cargo. It should be noted that different developers have their own take on the concept of these vehicles. As a result, original designs are emerging, some of which have even gone into production. In this particular case, you can see the “Plastun-TT” tactical vehicle, developed in Novosibirsk.
The car is simple, but it’s not without character
The word “karakat” isn’t very well known to the average person, but among off-roaders, it evokes very specific associations. This nickname was given to homemade all-terrain vehicles that first emerged primarily in the Vologda region. Conceptually, they are a development of Ugo Pavesi’s ideas, albeit on a slightly different level. While the Italian vehicles were designed as tow trucks, a karakat is a cheap, often rather primitive-looking all-terrain vehicle—and one that can often float. Like Ugo Pavesi’s creations, most karakats feature a folding frame, which proves useful on rough off-road terrain.
It turned out to be something between a karakat and a tactical vehicle
Karakats come in various forms, including some with highly advanced designs. What’s more, they’ve already been deployed in the Special Military Operation; as early as 2022, the first Karakats, built by volunteer design bureaus, were sent to the front lines. Of course, the opinions of those who received them are more interesting, but in general, such vehicles aren’t particularly well-suited for combat operations. They have high off-road capability, but combat operations require a reasonably high level of mobility. The Karakat, however, typically travels at a speed of around 40 kilometers per hour, which is clearly insufficient—especially under current conditions, when the sky is swarming with drones.
The Plastun-TT Karakat shares a hinged frame
The Chinese Desertcross 1000-3 all-terrain vehicle turned out to be far more widespread. This nimble machine appears quite often in frontline photographs. Although not perfect in every way, and not the cheapest, this vehicle is nevertheless in higher demand. It’s no surprise that there is demand for similar vehicles, but ones manufactured domestically. There is also demand for heavier tactical vehicles; in this sense, the introduction of the AG-34 was entirely expected. And some people need something in between the AG-34 and the Desertcross 1000-3.
In addition, the machine is deliberately simple—there’s nothing extra
The “Plastun-TT” falls into this category; a prototype was displayed at “Army-2024.” The Novosibirsk-based company “Russian All-Terrain Vehicles ‘Plastun’” is better known for its tracked vehicles, including the purely military “Plastun-SN.” Given the company’s specialization, the interest in a wheeled chassis is somewhat surprising. But in reality, there’s nothing strange about it. No one is stopping them from trying their hand at other niches, especially when there’s a chance to secure an order and there are no direct competitors. In terms of its concept, the “Plastun-TT” stood out noticeably from the other tactical vehicles presented at the forum.
But in terms of mobility, it’s a typical tactical vehicle—in other words, it’s fast
The vehicle looks like a fairly typical karakat, but with its own unique features. First, the decision was made to forgo ultra-low-pressure tires. While these tires give similar vehicles buoyancy, they significantly reduce their speed. In this case, however, the vehicle can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h—very respectable performance, especially for a karakat. Second, the vehicle is quite large and heavy. 1,850 kg is a lot for a karakat, and its 1,000 kg payload capacity is quite respectable. Essentially, it shares the Karakat’s very simple exterior, as well as its articulated frame, which is by no means superfluous off-road.
Frame Joint Assembly
Some articles compare the Novosibirsk vehicle to the Desertcross 1000-3, but that’s not really accurate. The “Plastun-TT” is noticeably larger and heavier. Even the longer Desertcross 1000-6 HVAC is one meter shorter and 600 kg lighter. The vehicles’ capabilities also differ significantly. The “Plastun-TT” seats two in the cab, and up to eight people can be accommodated in the rear. Or two stretchers. Its use as an ambulance is just one of its possible applications. Typically, vehicles like this are designed to be multipurpose.
Vehicle Specifications
One of the clear advantages of this new model is its approach to component selection. “Plastun” vehicles are built exclusively with domestic parts and assemblies. The reasons go beyond simply reducing the risk of supply disruptions. Try getting a Desertcross 1000-3 repaired somewhere in the LBS region. You simply won’t find a suitable service center. In the case of the “Plastun-TT,” however, the engine, transmission, and transfer case come from the Lada Niva, the axles from the “Gazelle,” and so on. This effectively eliminates any maintenance concerns.
As is traditional for the “Plastuns,” the equipment is domestically produced
As befits a tactical vehicle, the car has an extremely austere appearance. This is hardly surprising, since a tactical vehicle is stripped of everything that isn’t necessary. Nevertheless, the “Plastun-TT” certainly has its own distinct style. That said, what matters most isn’t its appearance, but its performance. The vehicle turned out to be quite interesting. It is larger than the Chinese all-terrain vehicle and, in theory, has a wider range of applications. At “Army-2024,” the vehicle was showcased as an ambulance, equipped with two stretchers and space for an attendant in the cargo bed.
There’s nothing extra inside
The key question is how realistic the prospects for mass production appear to be. There is already interest in the vehicle, and footage of its military trials is available. “Russian Plastun All-Terrain Vehicles” already has experience producing pilot batches of all-terrain vehicles for the Special Operations Forces. Only time will tell what will become of this new model. In this case, the opinions of “experts” on all matters—including armchair manufacturers—are clearly off the mark.
