Hungarian PTS Soviet amphibious vehicle carrying a Csepel D-344 truck.
Source: VargaA -
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The PTS is an amphibious vehicle of Soviet origin. It was developed in the early 1960's as a replacement for the earlier K-61 amphibious vehicle. The name PTS stands for "Plavayushchij Transportyer Sryednyj", which is Russian for "medium amphibious vehicle". Although the PTS may also transport cargo on land it is slower and less fuel economic than regular transport vehicles.
The PTS is based on the chassis of the ATS-59 artillery tractor and has a boat like hull. The crew compartment is located at the front and provides seating for the driver and commander. The rest of the vehicle is the cargo area which is loaded using the ramp at the rear. The engine is located in the middle and powers both the tracks and the two propellers. The PTS is mostly used for river crossing, but can be used for landing troops in a coastal salt water setting.
The PTS may carry 5 t of cargo on land and 10 t in the water. Although the carry capacity is lower on land the full capacity may be used for up to 3 km in order to reach the water. The cargo area is large enough to carry a 5 t truck, 70 troops or 12 stretchers. The PTS can also tow the also use the PKP floating trailer. Using the trailer allow for transportation of a prime mover and an artillery piece in one ferry.
The PTS is fully amphibious and is better suited at traversing water than most amphibious armored vehicles, although it is difficult to steer. The tracked chassis provides a good all terrain performance on land albeit at limited speeds. The V-54 diesel engine produces 350 hp and allows the PTS to travel at 42 km/h on land and at 11 km/h in the water.
The primary user of the PTS was the USSR. Subsequently Russia remained the major user. During the Cold War era many vehicles were exported to Warsaw Pact nations and various Soviet allies around the world. In Russian service most PTS have been retired or replaced by the newer PTS-2, but some remain in service today.
The PTS is based on the ATS-59G prime mover. This in turn uses many automotive components from the T-54/55 series of main battle tanks.
The PTS-2 is an elongated PTS-M based on the chassis of the MT-T tracked prime mover. The cargo capacity and weight have increased, while the engine power is doubled.
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