Overview
The BAZ-6950 is a Soviet/Russian heavy equipment transporter designed and manufactured by Bryansk Automobile Plant (BAZ) for moving main battle tanks and other heavy military equipment. The 8×8 configuration provides exceptional payload capacity and off-road mobility for strategic relocation of armored vehicles, reducing track wear and enabling rapid deployment.
Development purpose
Modern main battle tanks require specialized heavy equipment transporters (HETs) to:
Preserve tracks: Avoiding unnecessary road wear on expensive tracked vehicles.
Strategic mobility: Rapid repositioning of armor units over long distances.
Maintenance support: Transporting disabled or battle-damaged vehicles to repair facilities.
Deployment speed: Moving units to crisis areas faster than self-deployment.
The BAZ-6950 addresses these requirements with heavy-duty chassis, powerful drivetrain, and low-loading trailer specifically designed for tank transport.
Technical specifications
Chassis configuration
Configuration: 8×8 all-wheel drive truck-tractor
Engine: V8 diesel engine producing approximately 400+ hp
Transmission: Heavy-duty manual transmission with range selector
Suspension: Independent torsion bar suspension on all axles
Brakes: Air-brake system with multi-circuit safety
Cab: Enclosed steel cab for 2-3 crew
Performance capabilities
Payload capacity: Capable of transporting 50+ tonne loads (T-72, T-80, T-90 tanks)
Maximum speed: 60-65 km/h (37-40 mph) loaded
Range: 500-600 km depending on load
Off-road capability: All-wheel drive with diff locks enabling cross-country operations
Loading system: Hydraulic winch and ramp system for tracked vehicle loading/unloading
Operational employment
Tank transport: Primary role moving MBTs between garrisons, training areas, and deployment zones.
Recovery operations: Transporting battle-damaged or mechanically disabled vehicles to repair depots.
Strategic deployment: Moving armored units rapidly in response to crises.
Exercise support: Facilitating large-scale training exercises by reducing equipment wear.
Export versions: Variants produced for international customers requiring heavy transport capability.
Related equipment
MZKT-7922 (/guide/army/tr/mzkt7922.shtml): Alternative heavy transporter from MZKT manufacturer.
Tank Recovery Vehicles: BREM series for battlefield recovery complementing strategic transport.
Heavy Trucks (/guide/army/tr/): Other BAZ and MZKT heavy vehicle platforms.
BAZ-6950 documentation maintained for military logistics and equipment transport reference.