PT-76 Russian Light Amphibious Tank
PT-76
Amphibious Light Tank
Other
Basic Information
Name
PT-76 Russian Light Amphibious Tank
Designation
PT-76
Alternate Designation
PT-76
Equipment Type
Amphibious Light Tank
Manufacturer
VTZ, Kirov Factory
Date of Introduction
1951
Description
The PT-76 is a Soviet amphibious light tank designed in 1948 which saw service from 1952 up until its gradual retirement from 1967 onwards, partly replaced by the more versatile BMP-1 APC. Characterized by a wide hull and water jet propulsion, the PT-76 offered excellent amphibious capabilities. It was, however, plagued by a large silhouette, weak armor protection, and an underpowered 76 mm gun. Despite these flaws, the PT-76 enjoyed a long service life within the Soviet and Russian armed forces, which only placed it into its reserves in 2006. Comparable to other Soviet Cold War vehicles, it has seen combat in several wars and is still in use within smaller armies. Russia is attempting to replace them with BMP-3F amphibious IFVs.
Ground Specifications
Crew
3
Mobility Type
Tracked
Main Weapon
76 mm gun
Engine
Inline 6-Cylinder Diesel (240 hp)
Max Speed
44.0 km/h
Range
370.0 km
Variants
PT-76A
This variant is equipped with a D-56T gun with a multi-slotted muzzle brake.
PT-76B
This version features the D-56TS gun with a double-baffle muzzle brake, fume extractor and two-axis stabilizer system. Two auxiliary fuel tanks, each with 25 gal (95 liters), were also fitted, increasing overall weight by 440 lb (200 kg). Speed is increased to 37 mph (60 kmh).
The hull was raised by 5 in (130 mm), the bow lengthened and the stern given a slightly steeper reverse angle to enhance buoyancy.
PT-76C
This variant is fitted with a 12.7-mm air defense machine gun.
PT-76(M)
NIMDA, an Israeli company, designed an upgrade package for the PT-76. This included a new Detroit Diesel 6V-92T engine developing 300 hp at 2,100 rpm coupled to the original transmission and a new clutch; a Cockerill Mk 3M-A2 90-mm main gun; and a new fire-control system with a laser rangefinder. The 90-mm barrel measures 10 ft 8 in (3.25 m).
The upgrade kit also includes a new alternator; new cooling and electrical system; and fuel, exhaust, air inlet, hull and top deck modifications.
PT-76 with AU-220M 57-mm turret
First shown in 2005 as an export-oriented upgrade, the AU-220M replaces the existing PT-76 two-man turret with the AU-220M two-man turret equipped with a 57-mm automatic gun and a 7.62-mm machine gun. The fully stabilized main gun, equipped with a muzzle brake, fires a 57 x 347 SR round. Its ammunition-handling system manages the 20 ready rounds stored in the turret and replaces them with 70 more in the vehicle.
Chinese Type 63
he Chinese Type 63 is a modification of the PT-76 design.
System
Alternative Designation
PT-76
Type
Light Amphibious Tank
Manufacturer
VTZ, Kirov Factory
In Service
1951-Present
Crew
3 (commander, gunner, driver)
Dimensions
Length, Hull
6.91 m
Length, with Gun Forward
7.63 m
Width
3.14 m
Height
2.26 m
Weight, Combat
14,000 kg
Ground Pressure
0.48 kg/sq cm
Track Length on the Ground
4.08 m
Track Width
0.36 m
Ground Clearance
0.37 m
Automotive
Engine Name
1 x Model V-6B
Engine Type
water-cooled, in-line six-cyl diesel
Engine Power
240 hp at 1,800 rpm
Main Fuel Capacity
380 liters
Auxiliary Fuel Capacity
190 liters
Speed, Road
44 kph
Speed, Water
10 kph
Maximum Road Range
370 km
Maximum Road Range with Aux Fuel Tanks
480 km
Maximum Water Range
120 km
Gradient
70 %
Vertical Obstacle
1.10 m
Trench
2.80 m
Fording
Amphibious w/hydrojet
Suspension
torsion bar, 6 road wheels, rear drive, front idler, no return rollers
Main Gun
System
Name
D-56T
Type
Rifled Anti-Tank Gun
Caliber
76.2 mm
Length
3.2 meters
Carriage
Vehicle Mount
Rate of Fire
6-8 rounds per minute
Maximum Firing Range
1,500 metres
Maximum Elevation
+30 deg
Minimum Elevation
-4 deg
Traverse Range
360 deg
Traverse Left
180 deg
Traverse Right
180 deg
Ammunition
Name
BM-354P
Type
High Velocity Armor Piercing (HVAP)
Caliber
76.2 mm
Cartridge
INA
Maximum Effective Range
650 meters by day and 600 meters at night.
Other Types of Ammunition
BM-354P High Velocity Armor Piercing (HVAP); BK-350M High Explosive Anti Tank or HEAT; OF-350 Frag-HE
Basic Load
40 Rounds
Coaxial Weapon System
Note
The PT-76 has been seen with the following types of secondary weapons:
* 1 x 7.62 mm SGMT,
* 1 x PKT machine gun,
* 1 x 12.7mm DSHKM Machine Gun
Fire Control
Name
INA
Computerized FCS
INA
Night Vision
Only the driver had a night vision device
Main Gun Stabilization
Stabilized in both planes
Protection
Hull Armor
front upper: 11 mm at 80 deg;
front lower: 14 mm at 45 deg;
side: 14 mm at 0 deg;
rear upper: 7 mm at 0 deg;
rear lower: 7 mm at 45 deg;
top: 7 mm;
belly: 5 mm
Turret Armor
front: 17 mm at 35 deg;
sides: 16 mm at 35 deg;
rear: 11 mm at 35 deg;
top: 8 mm;
mantlet: 11 mm at 33 deg
Applique Armor
Available
Explosive Reactive Armor
INA
Active Protection System
INA
Mine Clearing
INA
Self-Entrenching Blade
INA
NBC Protection
Only with the PT-76B and later
Smoke Equipment
Diesel fuel injected into exhaust system
Details
Country of Origin
Russia
Category
Tanks
Land > Tanks
Filter Label
P
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
7.63 m
Width
3.14 m
Height
2.26 m
Weight
14000 kg
Operators (15)
Russia
South Korea
North Korea
Benin
Cambodia
Congo, Republic of the
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Indonesia
Laos
Madagascar
Nicaragua
Uganda
Vietnam
Zambia
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