The KWZT-1 Mamut (mammoth) is a Polish heavy wheeled recovery vehicle built on the chassis of Czech Tatra T815-7 8×8 military truck.This vehicle was specially designed to operate in extreme climates and terrains. It is intended to recover wheeled military vehicles. It is one of the most capable recovery vehicles in its class. The Mamut can handle practically any wheeled military vehicle. It can also recover the Polish Rosomak armored personnel carriers. Crew of the Mamut also provides maintenance service and performs simple repairs in the field. This military machine is fitted with two 28 t capacity winch. One of the winches is used to work at the back for recovery of stuck, damaged, or overturned vehicles. Winch at the front can be used for self-recovery. Each winch has 100 m of cable.
The Mamut has a hydraulic remotely-controlled crane. It is intended to lift damaged vehicles, or their components, such as engines or turrets. It can be also used for various load handling operations. The crane can be operated remotely from a distance of up to 60 m. It can lift 12 000 kg at 3.5 m. At maximum radius it can lift 5 200 kg. The Mamut has a massive towing device. It can lift front or rear axle of the damaged vehicle for suspended towing. It can lift weights of up to 13 500 kg. It is sufficient to handle virtually any wheeled military vehicle.
This recovery vehicle has an armored cab, that accommodates driver and 3 passengers. It provides the crew protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Fuel tanks of the vehicle have the same level of protection. There is a roof hatch, that can be used to mount a 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine gun. The Mamut is powered by a Deutz TCV 2015 V08 trubocharged diesel engine, developing 585 hp. It originated from the line of military engines. It is mated to an automatic gearbox. The Mamut has a 8×8 configuration.
Vehicle has a unique Tatra’s independent suspension with swinging half-axles. Each wheel moves up and down independently, which allows exceptional cross country mobility and higher speeds on rough roads. This unique chassis has been constantly developed and improved by Tatra. Vehicle has a central tyre inflation system. Tyres are fitted with run-flat inserts.
