The PTS amphibious transporter is designed to cross wide water barriers for personnel, wheeled vehicles, artillery systems and materiel. For the simultaneous crossing of the artillery system and the tractor, the PKP wheeled floating trailer is included in the vehicle kit. In this case, the artillery system is transported on a trailer, and the tractor in the conveyor.
The PTS transporter can also be used to transport personnel and cargo over rough and wetlands. Carrying capacity on water is 10 tons (with a buoyancy margin of 30%), when transported by land 5 tons.
The PTS transporter can be used during amphibious assault operations. For this purpose, it is equipped with a gyro-semi-compass. Additional marine equipment (exhaust extensions, cockpit glazing protection, sealed canopy, two powerful bilge pumps provide seaworthiness up to 4-5 points.
For one trip, the PTS transporter can transport: two 85-mm cannons with crews or guns and howitzers of caliber from 122 to 152, one each with crews or 12 wounded on stretchers or 72 soldiers with full armament or two vehicles of the UAZ-469 type or a car from UAZ -452 to Ural -4320 (without cargo).
The PTS conveyor cabin is double sealed, equipped with a heater and an air blower with a filter, which allows the crew to work without gas masks.
Loading is carried out on land through a folding tailgate with ramps. Opening and closing of a back board is carried out by means of two manual mini winches. But the ramps have to be tilted and raised manually.
Self-propelled equipment drives into the body by self-propelled, non-self-propelled equipment is dragged into the body by a conveyor winch driven by the base engine.
Movement on the water is carried out using two propellers. The propellers can be activated simultaneously with the drive of the tracks, which increases the capabilities of the machine when entering / leaving the water and driving in shallow water. The maximum permissible speed for the operation of the machine is 3m/sec. Due to the reduced specific pressure on the ground, the machine has good maneuverability in wetlands. The winch drive from the base engine provides full ability to self-pull the machine when stuck or overcoming steep slopes.
The predecessor of the PTS was the K-61 tracked carrier, a further development of the PTS-2. Modernization of the PTS transporter PTS-M was equipped with a diesel cabin and body heater, which increased the capabilities of the vehicle during operations in winter conditions, and excluded the possibility of ice freezing on the sides of the vehicle.
PTS were in service with the airborne assault company of the engineer-sapper battalion of a motorized rifle (tank) division - 1 platoon (9 vehicles); in a separate airborne battalion of the district - 2 companies (36 vehicles).
Tactical and technical characteristics of PTS:
Weight of equipped vehicle, t: 17;
Overall dimensions, m: length - 11.43; width - 3.3; height - 2.65; gauge - 2.8; clearance - 0.4;
Crew, people: 2;
Carrying capacity on land, t: 5;
Carrying capacity on water, t: 10;
Engine: diesel four-stroke V-2 with liquid cooling;
Engine power, l. s.: 350 (256 kW);
Maximum speed on land, km/h: 42;
Maximum speed on water, km/h: 11.2;
Fuel range on land, km: 360;
Power reserve on fuel on water, h: 12;
Fuel tank capacity, l: 705;
Overcoming obstacles: elevation angle - 30 degrees; ditch - 2.5 m; wall - 0.65 m
Armored vehicles of Russia and the world photo, video watch online was significantly different from all its predecessors. For a large reserve of buoyancy, the height of the hull was noticeably increased, and to improve stability, it was given a trapezoidal shape in cross section. The required bullet resistance to the hull was provided by rolled cemented armor with an additionally hardened outer layer of the KO brand ("Kulebaki-OGPU"). In the manufacture of the hull, welding of armor plates from the inner soft side was used; special stocks were used to facilitate assembly. To simplify the installation of units, the upper armor plates of the hull were made removable with a seal on fabric gaskets lubricated with red lead.
Armored vehicles of the Second World War, in which the crew of two of them was located near the longitudinal axis at the back of each other's head, but the turret with weapons was shifted by 250 mm to the port side. The power unit is shifted to the starboard side in such a way that access for engine repair was possible from inside the fighting compartment of the tank after removing the safety partition. In the stern of the tank, on the sides, there were two gas tanks with a capacity of 100 liters each, and directly behind the engine there was a radiator and a heat exchanger, washed by sea water when moving afloat. At the stern, in a special niche, there was a propeller with navigable rudders. The balance of the tank was chosen in such a way that afloat it had a slight trim to the stern. The propeller was driven by a cardan shaft from a power take-off mounted on the gearbox housing.
Armored vehicles of the USSR in January 1938, at the request of the head of the ABTU D. Pavlov, the armament of the tank was to be strengthened by installing a 45-mm semi-automatic gun or a 37-mm automatic gun, and if a semi-automatic gun was installed, the crew should have been increased to three people. The tank's ammunition was to consist of 61 shots for a 45-mm cannon and 1,300 rounds for a machine gun. The design bureau of plant No. 185 completed two projects on the theme of "Castle", the prototype of which was the Swedish tank "Landsverk-30".
Armored vehicles of the Wehrmacht did not escape the trouble with forcing the engine. To what has been said, one can only add that the indicated crisis was actually overcome only in 1938, for which the tank received not only a forced engine. In order to strengthen the suspension, thicker leaf springs were used in it. Rubber bandages made of neoprene, a domestically produced synthetic rubber, were launched, the production of tracks from Hartfield steel by hot stamping began, and hardened HDTV fingers were introduced. But all these changes to the tank were not introduced at once. The hull of the tank with inclined armor plates could not be made on time. However, a conical turret with improved protection was delivered on time, and the tank with the same hull, reinforced suspension (due to the installation of thicker leaf springs), a boosted engine and a new turret entered the NIBT test site for testing.
Modern armored vehicles went under the conditional index T-51. It retained the process of transition from caterpillars to wheels, as in the prototype, by lowering special levers with wheels without leaving a person. However, after adjusting the requirements for the tank, which made it a three-seater (it was decided to keep the loader's backup control), and strengthening its weapons to the BT level, it turned out to be impossible to implement a Landsverk-type wheel drive. In addition, the tank's wheel drive transmission was overly complex. Therefore, soon work on the topic "Castle" was already carried out on the T-116 tank, in which "changing shoes" was carried out according to the BT type - by removing caterpillar chains.
The tracked amphibious transporter PTS is designed for amphibious crossing of artillery systems, wheeled and tracked artillery tractors, armored personnel carriers and vehicles when crossing water barriers.
Together with a floating trailer on a hook, the PTS conveyor also provides for the simultaneous landing of artillery systems and their tractors. On land, a floating trailer is transported by towing on a hook or on a conveyor loading platform.
With special equipment, the conveyor can be used in marine conditions.
The main parts of the PTS conveyor: body, power plant, power transmission, undercarriage, screw propellers and rudders, special equipment, electrical equipment and communications.
The conveyor is divided into three compartments: the control compartment, the power compartment and the cargo compartment.
Department of Management is located in the conveyor cabin, located in the bow of the hull. It contains the seats of the driver (left) and the conveyor commander (right), the levers and pedals of the conveyor control drives, the drive and control steering wheel, the ejector damper control lever, the driver’s central shield, switchboard, battery switch, gyro semi-compass with a converter, a cylinder with an air inlet reducer, a fuel distribution valve, a manual fuel priming pump, an air bleed valve from the fuel supply system, a relay-regulator, a winch, a radio station, two intercom devices, a three-color signaling unit and an air blower. Above the crew seat in the cabin roof there are two access hatches with covers.
Force branch located in the lower part of the hull (under the cargo compartment). It houses the engine, fuel and oil tanks, oil pump, oil and water coolers, air cleaner, heater, junction box with main clutch and starter, gearbox, planetary steering mechanisms with brakes, final drives, cardan shafts, propeller drive shafts, large evacuation pump, cabin heater and starter relay. On the bottom of the power compartment inside the transverse beams are the torsion shafts of the undercarriage suspension. In the bottom, under the drain plugs of the units and assemblies of the power plant and power transmission, there are hatches with covers. There is a drain valve to drain the water from the conveyor. From above, the power compartment is closed by roadway ruts and removable hoods and grilles.
cargo compartment located in the power department. It has two tracks that form a cargo platform for transported goods. In front, the cargo compartment is limited by the rear wall of the cab, from the sides - by the sides of the hull and at the back - by a folding side. Batteries are located at the rear wall of the cab. Outside the machine are attached: wave guard, headlights, position lights and towing device. In the stern there are propellers and rudders.
Technical characteristics of the PTS conveyor:
Weight:
- conveyor: 17 t.
- floating trailer: 3.6 tons.
Crew: 2 people
Load capacity:
- transporter on the water and approaches to the barrier: 10 t.
- conveyor on land (on the march): 5 t.
- floating trailer on the water and approaches to the barrier: 5 t.
Dimensions, mm.:
- length of the conveyor: 11 426
– conveyor width: 3300
– conveyor height: 2650
Clearance with a load of 5 tons: 400 mm.
Movement speed, km/h:
- average on a dirt road with a load of 5 tons: 25-27
- max. on land with a load of 5 tons: 42
- max. on water without cargo: 11.5
Max. ascent and descent angles, degrees:
- without load: 30
- with a load of 10 tons: 15
Ditch crossing width: 2.5 m.
Average fuel consumption, l.:
- per 100 km. tracks with a load of 5 tons: 150
- per hour of engine operation on water with a load of 10 tons: 50
Fuel range:
- on land with a load of 5 tons: 380 km.
– on water with a load of 10 tons: 12 hours
Read also:
PTS-4 is the latest Russian floating tracked carrier, which was created by specialists of OAO KBTM from the city of Omsk. In 2014, the company was renamed Omsk Transport Engineering Plant JSC. For the first time, this machine was shown to the public at an exhibition of weapons and military equipment in Omsk in 2007. In 2011, the floating tracked carrier successfully passed state tests. The machine was accepted for supply to the Russian armed forces, and is mass-produced in Omsk.
The PTS-4 was created to replace the outdated PTS-2 and PTS-3 amphibious transporters, which were produced in the USSR in the 1970s and 1980s. Their production was established in Lugansk on the chassis of the T-64 tanks of the Kharkov Transport Engineering Plant. In the design of the chassis of the new PTS-4, elements of mass-produced main battle tanks are used: T-80 tracks and torsion bars, T-72 gearbox and clutches.
The mass of this caterpillar floating machine is 33 tons, which is comparable to the weight of 7 African elephants. Despite its considerable weight, the machine feels great both in the field and in the pond, demonstrating an excellent level of buoyancy. The maximum speed on the highway is 60 km / h, afloat - 15 km / h. The carrying capacity of the vehicle is 18 tons, and the cruising range (in terms of fuel) on land is 587 km.
Currently floating caterpillar conveyors PTS-4, which are produced in Omsk at the transport engineering plant, are considered the best in their class. At the military-technical forum "Army-2015", which took place this summer in the Moscow region, the PTS-4, which are in service with the engineering units of the Russian army, were shown for the first time. The "Four" was created with the widespread use of components and assemblies of the T-72 and T-80 tanks. This transporter is intended for crossing various types of military equipment through various water barriers: cars, towed artillery, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.
Also, floating conveyors can be used in various rescue operations during natural disasters, for example, when rivers flood. The crew of the car consists of two people. The armament is a remote-controlled heavy-caliber 12.7-mm machine gun. According to some military experts, in the near future, it is possible that a new floating tracked transporter will appear using the nodes of the promising Armata heavy tracked platform.
The PTS-4 caterpillar amphibious transporter can not only transport military equipment, personnel and various cargoes across water barriers, but also transport the listed cargoes in swampy or rough terrain, which makes the vehicle quite versatile. True, this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of the caterpillar conveyor.
Also, the caterpillar conveyor can be used in amphibious assaults. For this purpose, additional equipment is specially installed on it: two pumps designed for pumping water with a capacity of 800 and 400 liters per minute, special glazing protection, a sealed awning, exhaust extensions and a gyro semi-compass. The floating transporter PTS-4 can be used for its intended purpose with sea waves up to 5 points.
Taking into account the fact that the plant in Omsk received the task to develop the fifth generation conveyor, in the process of creating the PTS-4, a very large amount of research and experimental work was carried out, which included the search for the most rational and effective technical solutions, as well as their subsequent processing and run-in. In particular, the issues of the size and shape of displacement hulls were worked out, various types of propulsors, afloat conveyor control systems, sump pumps, and the like were sorted out.
Significant attention was paid to the developers to improve the cross-country ability of the new caterpillar conveyor, especially at the stage of entering the car into the water and leaving the water on land. The roll angle was increased to 25 degrees, and the climb / descent angle to be overcome - up to 32 degrees.
Unlike the machines of its predecessors, the same PTS-3, the new floating conveyor has become heavier by 8 tons due to an increase in carrying capacity and the appearance of a reservation that meets modern requirements. In particular, the PTS-4 control department received bulletproof armor. Thanks to the use of a new design engine, it was possible to increase the speed of the floating conveyor both on land and on the water surface. And the increased fuel supply allows the transporter to cover a much greater distance at one gas station. For self-defense, a remote-controlled heavy machine gun was installed on the caterpillar conveyor.
Medium amphibious tracked carrier PTS-4 was created to replace obsolete transporters in service with the Russian army, and also due to the fact that all the production of these combat vehicles since the days of the USSR ended up on the territory of Ukraine (Lugansk). All PTS transporters of the previous series were produced on the chassis of the main battle tank T-64, which was also manufactured at the Ukrainian enterprise (Kharkov). The new transporter PTS-4 is based on the chassis of the T-80 tank and is completely manufactured by Russian enterprises from Russian components.
The caterpillar amphibious transporter consists of a waterproof hull with a crew cabin and a cargo compartment, which has a folding tailgate. The engine is located approximately in the central part of the conveyor body, which increases its stability afloat and the reliability of the transmission of torque to the water and caterpillar propellers, as well as to the winches.
On the PTS-4, the developers abandoned the location of the propellers in the tunnels and installed them in special guide nozzles that were installed behind the rear of the vehicle. At the same time, a double water steering wheel appeared behind each of the screws. Thanks to the presence of these design solutions, it was possible to increase the maneuverability and controllability of the PTS-4 afloat, especially when the conveyor moves along curved trajectories. When turning afloat with the help of rudders, the PTS-4 circulation radius is approximately 80 meters, and when turning in the propeller mode in counter-rotation, it is approximately 20 meters.
While the track conveyor is moving on land, the screws are raised and pressed against the tailgate. When lowering and raising the tailgate, the propulsion-steering complex moves along with the side.
The floating conveyor is unloaded and loaded on land through the folded tailgate, which is equipped with ramps. Technique comes on board under its own power. Non-self-propelled military equipment is moved with the help of a special mechanical winch, which is located in front of the cargo platform of the conveyor. This winch can also be used for self-pulling PTS-4 in a situation where the coastal terrain does not allow the conveyor to go ashore (in this case, unloading the machine is much more complicated and the time required for this operation increases).
Structurally, the engineers provided for the possibility of simultaneously crossing the tractor and the artillery system towed by it, which in this case is loaded onto a floating wheeled trailer, which is included in the PTS-4 kit. At the same time, maneuverability and movement speed decrease significantly (by almost 30%).
The floating transporter PTS-4 has an armored cockpit, which is equipped with a filter and ventilation unit. Also, the machine has a device for self-digging. Technically, it is possible to install hinged shielding of the undercarriage on the conveyor. In the cockpit there are communications equipment, as well as equipment that allows you to drive a car even at night and in poor visibility.
It should be noted that PTS-4 has been repeatedly used during rescue operations in flood zones both in our country and in a number of other states. With the help of these machines, the evacuation of the civilian population, property, livestock from flooded areas was organized, as well as the establishment of the supply of water and food to the population, the provision of first aid in areas that were cut off by the flood.
Tactical and technical characteristics of PTS-4:
Overall dimensions: length - 8.28 m, width - 3.3 m.
Machine weight - 33.145 tons.
Carrying capacity on the water and approaches to the water barrier - 18 tons.
Carrying capacity on land - 12 tons.
The maximum speed on the highway is 60 km / h.
The maximum speed on the water is 15 km/h.
Engine power - 840 hp
Cruising range on land (fuel) - 587 km.
Power reserve on water (for fuel) - 10.6 hours.
Armament - one 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun (400 rounds of ammunition)
Crew - 2 people.
Loading options: landing in full gear - 72 people; wounded on stretchers - 12 people; artillery system caliber 57-152 mm - 1 pc.; car type "Ural 4320" - 1 pc.; car type "UAZ-469" - 2 pcs.
3D model PTS-4:
(eighties of the XX century - the second decade of the XX I century)
Floating conveyor PTS-2
The floating transporter PTS-2 is designed to cross wide water obstacles for personnel, wheeled vehicles, artillery systems and materiel. For the simultaneous crossing of the artillery system and the tractor, a PKP wheeled floating trailer can be attached to the PTS-2. In this case, the artillery system is transported on a trailer, and the tractor and gun crew are transported in a conveyor.
The transporter can also be used to transport personnel and cargo over rough and wetlands. 
Carrying capacity on water and on land is 12 tons (with a buoyancy margin of 46%), which is 2 tons more than the capabilities of the old PTS type machine.
In the picture on the right: loading a ZIL-131 car into the PTS-2.
The conveyor is equipped with a system of protection against toxic substances and radioactive substances. The crew in the cockpit can work without personal protective equipment.
A hydraulically controlled self-digging device is suspended under the tailgate, thanks to which the crew has the opportunity to equip a shelter for the machine on their own.
From the author. Well, this device is more likely for big bosses and for big headquarters. Only there they can believe that such gizmos can really do something. If a similar device suspended under the lower frontal sheet of the T-72 tank still really makes the work of the crew a little easier on the excerpt of the trench (it only makes it easier!), And even then in very soft soil, then it can be believed that the PTS-2 can really dig itself in just a pretty naive person. Opening a shelter for the PTS-2 is still the same task even for the excavated MDK machine. Estimate for yourself - 160 cubic meters of soil need to be removed and moved. And from a depth of 3 meters. This is at least an hour of time for MDK.
Although, fools are not kept in large headquarters. They are well aware of the capabilities of any machine. But for staff it is convenient for operational-tactical calculations. The regulations stipulate that the PTS-2 tears off its shelter itself. This means that the calculations are simplified. And there, in the troops, soldiers and commanders will get out on their own. We will press, we will shout, we will intimidate - they will come up with something.
PTS-2 can also be used in amphibious assault operations. For this purpose, it is equipped with a gyro-semi-compass. Additional marine equipment (exhaust extensions, cockpit glazing protection, sealed canopy, two powerful bilge pumps provide seaworthiness up to 3 points.
For one trip, the transporter can transport (options):
* 12 wounded on stretchers,
* 75 motorized infantry soldiers with full weapons and equipment,
*2 guns up to 85 mm caliber. including calculations,
*1 gun caliber from 85 to 122 mm. including calculations,
*1 howitzer caliber 122-152 mm. with the calculations
*1 vehicle with a total weight of up to 12 tons.
The cabin is triple sealed, equipped with a heater and an air blower with a filter, which allows the crew to work without gas masks. It has anti-noise and thermal insulation, heating system. The glazing is equipped with windshield wipers and glass heating.
The commander's hatch is equipped with a machine gun turret, however, the machine gun is not included in the vehicle.
The cabin has two hatches for going up and a door for accessing the cargo platform.
Loading is carried out on land through a folding tailgate with ramps. The opening and closing of the tailgate is carried out using a hydraulic system. But the ramps have to be tilted and raised manually.
Self-propelled equipment drives into the body by self-propelled, non-self-propelled equipment is dragged into the body by a conveyor winch driven by the base engine.
The predecessor of the PTS-2 was the PTS tracked carrier and its modification PTS-M.
Tactical and technical characteristics of PTS-2.
| Crew................................................. .................................................. | . people |
| Loading capacity on land (for long-term movement) ....... | 12 tons |
| Carrying capacity on water .......................................................... ............. | 12 tons |
| Track width .................................................. ................................ | 2.76 m |
| Clearance................................................. ......................................... | 04. m. |
| Specific pressure on the ground (with a load of 12 tons).................................................. | 0.65 kg/sq.cm |
| Maximum ground speed ............................................... | 60 km/h |
| Average speed on land with a load of 12 tons....................... | 34 km/h |
| Maximum speed on water (unladen) .............................................. | 12.9 km/h |
| Maximum speed on water (with a load of 12t.) .............................. | 11.7 km/h |
| Maximum traction force on mooring lines .............................................. . | 2.9 tons |
| Buoyancy reserve with a load of 12 tons .............................................. ............... | 46% |
| Seaworthiness .............................................................. ................................................ | 3 points |
| Maximum allowable flow rate .............................................. | 2.5 m/s |
| Maximum climbing angle .......................................................... .............. | 32 degrees |
| The maximum angle of exit from the water and entry into the water .................................... | 15 degrees |
| Maximum Bank Angle (Unladen) .......................................................... | 20 degrees |
| Maximum bank angle (with a load of 12 tons) .............................................. | 20 degrees |
| Minimum turning radius .................................................................. .......... | 8.5m. |
| Fuel range on land (with a load of 12 tons)................................. | 500 km. |
| Cruising on fuel on water (with a load of 12 tons at max. rev.) .... | 18 hours. |
| Fuel tank capacity............................................................... ................ | 1090 liters |
| Engine................................................. ................................................ | diesel four-stroke multi-fuel B-46-5 |
| Engine power................................................ ...................... | 522.2. kw. (710 HP) |
| Water pumps: |
| Traction winch ............................................... ............................... | thrust 10 tons, cable length 50 m. |
| Means of communication................................................ ............................... | radio station R-123M, int. intercom R-124 |
| Means of measuring radioactivity .............................................................. | radiometer-roentgenmeter DP-3B |
| Air transportability .............................................................. ................. | Aircraft An-22 (2 PTS-2) |
Movement on the water is carried out using two propellers. The propellers can be activated simultaneously with the drive of the tracks, which increases the capabilities of the machine when entering / leaving the water and driving in shallow water. The maximum permissible speed for the operation of the machine is 2.5 m/sec. Due to the low specific pressure on the ground, the machine has good maneuverability in wetlands. The winch drive from the base engine provides full ability to self-pull the machine when stuck or overcoming steep slopes.
PTS-2 were in service with the airborne company of the engineer-sapper battalion of the motorized rifle (tank) division - 1 platoon (9 vehicles); in a separate airborne battalion of the district - 2 companies (36 vehicles).
Floating trailer PKP.
Characteristics:
-carrying capacity - 5 tons (caliber artillery systems up to 152 mm inclusive);
- weight - 3.6 tons;
- loading time of the artillery system on the trailer - 8 minutes;
- unloading time - 5 min.
Dimensions:
- length with towing device - 10300 mm;
- deck height - 1980 mm;
- height on raised floats - 2200;
- width along the hull with raised floats - 2870 mm;
- width along the hull with retracted floats - 4030 mm.
To load the artillery system onto the trailer, he leaned back, the artillery system rolled onto the trailer using the PTS winch. PKP trailers were supplied to the GPT divisions based on half of the division's vehicles.
From the author. With a trailer, the PTS on the water became completely uncontrollable. Satisfactorily, such a bundle could act only on stagnant water (in lakes, ponds). Therefore, they were never used.
Sources
1. Floating caterpillar conveyor PTS-2. TO and IE. Military publishing house. Moscow. 1979
2. Manual on military engineering for the Soviet Army. Military publishing house. Moscow. 1984
3. Engineering intelligence. Military publishing house. Moscow. 1983
