PT-76

The PT-76 is billed as a Light Amphibious Tank and is still in service with
several countries.

Designation: PT-76
Classification Type: Light Amphibious Tank
Contractor: State Arsenals - Soviet Union
Country of Origin: Soviet Union
Initial Year of Service: 1952

The PT-76 was developed shortly after Second World War. The weapon system is
designated as a "Light Amphibious Tank" featuring a crew of three and the
ability to traverse varying depths of water.

The PT-76 is armed with the World War Two-standard 76.2mm main gun, has
turret traversal of -4/+30 and can fire the standard set of projectiles -
from high explosive to AP-T and HE-FRAG rounds. For self-defense, the system
features a 7.62mm machine gun while some models have also added a 12.7mm air
defense heavy machine gun of DShKM type. Additional fuel tanks can be added
to the system increasing the overall road range by 68 miles (110 km).

By design, many of the PT-76's components are also shared with the BTR-50,
SA-6 Gainful SAM and the ZSU-23-4. The engine of the PT-76 is also the same
one that powers the T-55 Main Battle Tank.

The PT-76 is marketed as being fully amphibious but features some noticeable
drawbacks in the way of no NBC protection, a rather large overall size and
thin armor protection for ammunition and crew.

Total production numbers of the PT-76 has reached over 7,000 vehicles. The
last PT-76 entered service in 1967, though modernization programs and new
turret designs have kept the system ongoing. China produces a version of the
PT-76 locally as the Type 63.

Variants:
PT-76 - Base production model featuring varying muzzle breaks
PT-76B - Stabilized main gun
Type 63 - Chinese-produced variant
PT-76 - 57mm Main gun

Specifications:
Dimensions:
Length: 25.00ft (7.62m)
Width:10.30ft (3.14m)
Height: 7.38ft (2.25m)
Performance:
Speed: 27mph (44km/h)
Range: 230miles (370km)

Structure:
Accommodation: 3
Weight: 16.1 US Short Tons (14,600kg)
Systems:
NBC Protection: NO
Nightvision: Yes - Driver Only
Power:
Engine(s): 1 x V-6B 6-cylinder inline water-cooled diesel engine generating
240hp @ 1,800rpm.

Armament & Ammunition:

1 x 76.2mm main gun
1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
1 x 12.7mm air defense machine gun (optional)

Ammunition:
40 x 76.2mm projectiles
1,000 x 7.62mm ammunition