TO-55
Overview
TO-55
Forward view of TO-55 flamethrower tank.
Source: www.btvt.info -
© Copyright lies with original owner
1958 - 1973 (820 vehicles)
Soviet Union - Omsktransmash (1968 - 1973)
Russian for "flamethrower tank 55"
Object 482 (GABTU index)
OT-55 (incorrect name often found in publications)
Description
Introduction
The TO-55 is an early Cold War era flamethrower tank of Soviet origin. It is a fire support vehicle to be used by specialist units in support of infantry pushes against reinforced defensive positions.
Design
The TO-55 has a similar design as the earlier OT-54, but is based on the newer T-55 tank and has an improved flamethrower design. A regular T-55 is fitted with a modified turret housing the ATO-200 flamethrower coaxial with the main armament. The ammunition storage in the bow next to the driver is replaced with a 460 liter fuel tank. The flamethrower is operated within the vehicle by aiming the turret and main gun.
Firepower
The TO-55 is centered around the ATO-200 flamethrower. There are 12 pyrotechnic charges to fire the flamethrower. Each burst consumes about 35 liters and may reach up to 200 meters. The 100mm rifled D-10T2S stabilized main gun is retained can be used as if it were a regular T-55. The ammunition load is reduced to about 20 rounds. A 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun is present, for which 1.500 rounds are carried.
Protection
The armor protection is of a similar level as a regular T-55 main battle tank. The ATO-200 flamethrower probably introduces a weak point in the turret armor. But as a whole the TO-55 has good armor protection. The flamethrower is operated from under armor protection. An NBC system is present.
Mobility
The T-55 chassis provides good all terrain mobility. The TO-55 is of a similar weight as the regular T-55 and mobility characteristics are identical. The V-55 diesel engine produces 581 hp, allowing for a maximum speed of 50 km/h on road.
Users
The TO-55 was adopted by the Soviet Union in 1961. However, serial production started only in 1968. Over 800 vehicles were produced. In Russian service the TO-55 was officially removed from service in 1993. Some are likely to remain in storage.
ATO-200 flamethrower
TO-55
Close-up of ATO-200 flamethrower on the TO-55 flamethrower tank.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
TO-55
Line diagram of the ATO-200 flamethrower installed in the turret of the TO-55 flamethrower tank.
Source: www.btvt.info -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Details
Media
TO-55
TO-55 flamethrower tank on display in the Kubinka tank museum.
Source: Kubinka tank museum
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
ATO-200 flamethrower in TO-55
Close-up of the ATO-200 flamethrower installed in the turret of the TO-55 flamethrower tank.
Source: www.btvt.info
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
TO-55
Forward view of TO-55 flamethrower tank.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
TO-55
Right side view of TO-55 flamethrower tank.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
