The PTS is a Soviettrackedamphibious transport. PTS stands for Plavayushchij Transportyer - Sryednyj or medium amphibious transport vehicle. Its industrial index was Ob'yekt 65.
Introduced in 1965,[4] to replace the earlier K-61 (GPT)[de]. Improvements over its predecessor includes a higher water-speed and being capable of carrying 10,000kg (22,000lb) on land for 3km (1.9mi) before entering the water.[5]
The PTS and PTS-M are both based on the T-55 main battle tank chassis, while the PTS-2 is based on the MT-T tracked transport vehicle, which uses some components of the T-64 MBT. The PTS-2 also uses a V-64-4 diesel engine derived from the T-72 MBT engine. The driving cab of the three models provide the crew with NBC protection.[2]
Description
The PTS has a boxy, open watertight hull, with six road wheels per side, front drive sprocket, rear idler sprocket, and no return rollers. Like the BAV 485, and unlike the DUKW, it has a rear loading ramp. The crew is seated at the front, leaving the rear of the vehicle open for a vehicle, which can be driven (or backed) in, rather than lifted over the side. The engine is under the floor. Propulsion in water is by means of twin propellers, in tunnels to protect them from damage during land operations.[4] Two rudders at the rear of the vehicle provide steering on water. The crew enter the cab via two circular hatches on the roof. The cargo area can be covered by bows and a tarpaulin cover and was sometimes used as an ambulance.[5]
PKP trailerPTS-2
The PTS-M also has a companion vehicle, the PKP, a boat-like amphibious two-wheeled trailer, with fold-out sponsons providing stability on water; the combination allows the PTS-M to accommodate an artillery tractor, field gun (up to medium caliber), its crew, and a quantity of ammunition, all in one load.[4] According to Foss and Gander, a 122mm (4.8in) howitzer is carried on the trailer, while the prime mover (such as the Ural-375D truck) is carried on the PTS-M itself.[2]
Standard equipment of the PTS and PTS-M includes infrared night vision equipment, intercom, radios, and a searchlight mounted on the top of the cab. A special kit allows both vehicles to operate in the sea with wave heights up to 1.25m (4ft 1in). While the PTS-2 can be optionally fitted with a multipurpose shovel, dozer blade, water-jet, air conditioning equipment, radio locator, and navigation systems.[2]
PTS-4: Based on T-80 chassis with improved armor and larger props.[7]
PLAM: Chinese variant on indigenous chassis with MG turret on the cab.[7]
In 2014, the Russian Defense Ministry intends to purchase an undetermined number of PTS-4s, which underwent acceptance trials in 2011. The vehicle will be fitted with a remotely operated12.7mm (0.50in)machine gun and a multi-fuel engine. The PTS-4 weighs 33 tons, with a payload of 12 tons on land (18 tons on water). Projected maximum road speed is 60km/h (37mph), with an expected maximum speed in water of 15km/h (9.3mph).[8] Unlike its predecessors, it uses T-80 suspension components. The fully enclosed cab offers protection against small arms fire and splinter. Production began in 2014.[9]
Users
The PTS-M was adopted by the Soviet Army and Warsaw Pact forces,[4] and has been supplied to Egypt,[4] the former Yugoslavia, Iraq, Uruguay, and other nations.
Current
Self-propelled PTS on the marchLoading equipment before crossing
↑ Kristóf, Kengyel (18 September 2024). "A honvédség beveti legerősebb fegyverét az árvíz ellen"[The Hungarian Armed Forces are deploying their most powerful weapon against the flood]. totalcar.hu (in Hungarian). Retrieved 23 March 2025.
↑ "Engineering". Serbian Armed Forces. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
Foss, Christopher F; Gander, Terry J, eds. (1985). Jane's Military Vehicles and Ground Support Equipment 1985 (6thed.). London: Jane's Yearbooks. ISBN978-0-7106-0811-6.
Foss, Christopher F; Gander, Terry J, eds. (1999). Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics, 1999-2000 (20thed.). Surrey: Jane's Information Group. ISBN978-0-7106-1912-9.
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