MOSCOW, — Specialists at Russia’s Bryansk Automobile Plant (BAZ), part of the Almaz-Antey defense group, have patented an armored high-mobility tractor designed to tow heavy-duty semi-trailers.
The patent, RU 2870257 C1, “Tractor Unit,” was filed by BAZ on December 25, 2025, and registered and published by Russia’s Federal Institute of Industrial Property (FIPS) on September 18, 2026.
Armored cabin and machine-gun turret
According to the patent, the vehicle uses a four-axle chassis with a fifth-wheel coupling for towing heavy semi-trailers. It has a fully armored frame-and-panel cabin, with a roof-mounted slewing ring, hatch and turret designed to carry a machine gun. The patent does not specify the weapon's model or caliber.
A separate engine compartment is located behind the cabin. It has a welded rectangular-steel-tube frame enclosed by a hood, protective panels, doors and access hatches.
Thermal and visual protection
The design includes several measures to reduce the vehicle’s thermal signature. Heat shields are fitted around the cabin running boards, steering system hydraulic oil tank cover, batteries, air filters and engine-compartment walls. The spark-arresting mufflers also have external heat shields.
Additional armor-steel panels protect transmission components and chassis wheel wells.
For camouflage, the vehicle has clamps for attaching camouflage nets and mounts for securing natural vegetation.
The patent also lists a filtration and ventilation system, a winch, a spare-wheel removal mechanism, and main and auxiliary fuel tanks.
Production status not confirmed
BAZ is known for producing heavy wheeled chassis and tractor units associated with Russian S-300, S-350, S-400, S-500 and Tor-M2 systems, as well as radar and electronic-warfare equipment.
However, the patent does not confirm that a prototype has been built, serial production has started, or that the armored tractor has entered Russian military service. It establishes the vehicle's patented design and intended role as a protected, high-mobility tractor for towing heavy semi-trailers.
——— End of Article ———
