PT-76



Overview


PT-76

PT-76 amphibious light tank in use with Polish naval infantry.
Source: www.indomiliter.files.wordpress.com - © Copyright lies with original owner.

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Light tank
Introduction
Mid 1950's
Status
In service
Development
1949 - 1954
Developer
Soviet Union - VTZ / Volgograd Tractor Factory
Production
1953 - 1963 (PT-76)
1958 - 1969 (PT-76B)
Producer
Soviet Union - VTZ / Volgograd Tractor Factory
Soviet Union - LKZ / Leningrad Kirov Facctory
Number produced
About 12.000, including 2.000 for export sales.
Designations
PT-76 / Plavayushchiy Tank 76
Russian for "floating tank 76".

Description


Introduction

The PT-76 is an amphibious light tank of Soviet origin. Development began shortly after World War 2 and it was widely used by the USSR and most Soviet allies during the Cold War. Nowadays small numbers remain in use, mostly with third world nations.

Layout

The PT-76 is a tracked amphibious light tank. The hull is rather large in order to create buoyancy and stability while afloat. The driver is seated in the front of the hull. The turret is fitted in the middle and houses the commander and gunner. The engine and drivetrain are mounted in the rear. Two hydrojets provide propulsion in the water.

Firepower

The main armament is a rifled 76.2mm D-56T cannon, which was developed from the ZiS-3 anti-tank gun used during World War 2. A total of 40 rounds are carried. The rate of fire is 6 to 8 rounds per minute. On the early version of the PT-76 the main gun was not stabilized. As a coaxial weapon a 7.62mm SGMT or PKT machine gun is fitted. Additionally some PT-76 were refitted with a 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun on the turret roof.

Protection

To keep the weight down for the amphibious capability the armor is quite thin. The steel armor protects against small arms fire and shell splinters. Many PT-76 were not fitted with a NBC system, fire extinguishing system or the ability to lay a smoke screen.

Mobility

The PT-76 has a good cross country performance and is fully amphibious. The road speed is somewhat limited. A 240hp diesel engine provides propulsion.

Users

The PT-76 was used by most Soviet and Eastern European forces during the Cold War. It was also widely exported to nations with close ties to the USSR. Nowadays small numbers remain in use with Russian naval infantry and many PT-76 are still in service with third world nations.

Details


PT-76

Indonesian PT-76 traversing a water barrier.
Source: www.indoforce.tripod.com - © Copyright lies with original owner.

Overview of PT-76 variants

PT-76
The original PT-76 is armed with a non-stabilized D-56T 76.2mm cannon and 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun. The earliest production vehicels had a long multi-slotted muzzle brake.
PT-76B
The improved PT-76B is armed with an improved and stabilized D-56TS cannon. Additionally it is fitted with a PKT coaxial machine gun, NBC system and an improved engine.
PT-76A
The PT-76A designation is used for PT-76 and PT-76B that are fitted with a 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on the turret roof.

Details


Facts PT-76
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Light tank
Crew
3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
14.6 t
Length
7.63 m gun forward
6.91 m hull
Width
3.14 m
Height
2.26 m
Main armament
Type
76.2mm D-56T or TM rifled gun
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
40 rounds
Elevation
-4° to +30°
Traverse
360°
Stabilizer
No
Coaxial armament
Type
7.62mm SGMT machine gun
Mount
Coaxial with main armament
Ammunition
1.000 rounds, 250 ready to fire
Traverse
Elevation and traverse as main armament
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Idler front, drive sprocket rear
Track width
0.36 m
Track on ground
4.08 m
Ground pressure
0.5 kg/cm²
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
V-6
Engine type
6-cylinder diesel
Power output
240 hp
Transmission
Manual, 4 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
380 L, optional 190 L external tanks
Mobility
Speed
44 km/h on road
20 - 25 km/h cross country
9 km/h afloat
Range
370 km on road using internal fuel
480 km with external fuel
120 km in water
Turn radius
Skid turns
Power to weight ratio
16.4 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.37 m
Wall
1.1 m
Trench
2.8 m
Gradient
70 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
5 to 17 mm
NBC system
None
Smoke system
None
Equipment
Night vision
None
Radio
Yes

Related articles


ASU-85

The ASU-85 is an airborne assault gun. It is based on the same chassis as the PT-76 and uses many of the same automotive components. Unlike the PT-76 the ASU-85 is not amphibious.