VT-55


ZS-55 | T-55T


Overview

ZS-55A

Czech ZS-55A engineer vehicle in the field.
Source: Adam Hauner - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
Czechoslovakia
Type
Armored recovery vehicle
Entered service
1969
Status
In service
Development
Mid 1960's
Developer
Czechoslovakia
Production
1969 - 1983
Producer
Czechoslovakia
Designations
VT-55 / Vyprošťovací tank 55
Czech for "recovery tank 55"
ZS-55 / Ženijní stroj
Czech for "engineer vehicle 55"
T-55T (ZS-55A in East German service)
Notable users
Czechoslovakia
East Germany

Description

Introduction

The VT-55 is an armored recovery vehicle designed in Czechoslovakia. The VT-55 is based on the chassis of the T-55 main battle tank. Unlike the earlier Soviet BTS models all VT-55 were produced on a new chassis. The VT-55 features a small 1.5 t crane and cargo platform over the engine deck.

Variants

VT-55A
VT-55 produced for Warsaw Pact use.
VT-55K
VT-55 produced for export customers.
ZS-55A
VT-55A with BTU-55 dozer blade.

Details

Facts VT-55A
General
Origin
Czechoslovakia
Type
Armored recovery vehicle
Crew
3 (commander, driver, operator)
Dimensions
Weight
36.5 t
Length
7.12 m
Width
3.28 m
Height
2.64 m (crane lowered)
Main armament
Type
7.62mm machine gun
Mount
One man turret
Ammunition
250 rounds ready to fire
Elevation
Manual
Traverse
Manual
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, five roadwheels
Chassis layout
Idler front, drive sprocket rear
Ground pressure
0.85 kg/cm2
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine
V-55 V12 diesel
Power output
580 hp at 2.000 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Mobility
Speed
50 km/h on road
32 km/h cross country
18 km/h when towing
Range
270 km on road
100 km cross country
Power to weight ratio
15.9 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.43 m
Wall
0.8 m
Trench
2.7 m
Gradient
32 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
1.4 m unprepared
5 m with snorkel
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
35 - 100 mm
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
Exhaust diesel injection
Equipment
Night vision
Yes
Dozer blade
Optional, BTU-55
Crane
1.5 t
Winch
25 t
Secondary winch
0.8 t
Towing
Using tow bars

Media