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PTS


PTS-M


Overview


PTS

Hungarian PTS Soviet amphibious vehicle carrying a Csepel D-344 truck.
Source: VargaA - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
All terrain vehicle
Entered service
Around 1965
Status
Limited service
Development
Early 1960's
Developer
Soviet Union - Krasnoyarsk shipbuilding yard
Production
1965 - 1980's
Producer
Soviet Union
Number produced
Several hundred
Designations
PTS | Plavayushchij Transportyer Sryednyj
Russian for "medium amphibious vehicle"
PTS-10 (PTS-M in Czechoslovak service)
Notable users
Soviet Union
Poland
Czechoslovakia

Description


Introduction

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.

Design

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.

Variants

PTS
Original vehicle with A-712P 300 hp engine. Produced briefly and in limited numbers.
PTS-M
Improved PTS with V-54P 350 hp engine. This has more power and better fuel economy. Often referred to as PTS without the M suffix.

Cargo capacity

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.

Mobility

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.

Users

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.

Details


Facts PTS PTS-M
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Amphibious transport vehicle
Crew
2 + 70 (driver, assistant, 70 infantry)
Dimensions
Weight
18 t empty
28 t max load
Length
11.4 m
Width
3.3 m
Height
2.65 m
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track width
0.48 m
Track on ground
5.63 m
Ground pressure
0.38 kg/cm² empty
0.58 kg/cm² max load
Tread
2.8 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Propulsion in water
Tracks + 2 water jets
Automotive
Engine model
A-712P
Engine type
V12 four-stroke diesel
Power output
300 hp at 1.700 rpm
Fuel
820 L
Mobility
Speed
40 km/h on road
10 km/h afloat
Range
300 km on road
10 km afloat
Power to weight ratio
16.7 hp/t empty
10.7 hp/t at max load
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.4 m
Wall
0.65 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
60 % unladen
20 % at full load
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
Up to 7 mm
NBC system
Yes, only for cabin
Smoke system
No
Equipment
Night vision
Passive night vision for driver
Cargo capacity
Cargo area
7.9 x 2.6 m
Payload
5 t on land
10 t afloat
Towed load
Optional PKP amphibious trailer

Media


Related articles


ATS-59G

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.

PTS-2

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.