Floating conveyor PTS-2: photo, description, specifications

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Floating transporter PTS-2 belongs to the category of domestic tracked military equipment, designed to transport combat units through water obstacles. During the Second World War, the USSR army was in dire need of self-propelled crossing devices. A small part of the needs was covered with the help of Lend-Lease. Nevertheless, after the end of the war, it was decided to create their own developments of a similar configuration.

Prototypes

One of the progenitors of the PTS-2 floating conveyor was a caterpillar modification of the K-61 type. Its development was carried out in 1948. The engineering design bureau of engineering was engaged in this project using parts of the M2 combat tractor. Mass production began at the plant in Kryukov (until 1958). Further production was established at the Izhevsk enterprise Stroymashina.

The floating unit was equipped with a one-piece supporting body made of metal, impervious to water. Loading and unloading manipulations were carried out by means of a special winch located in the bow section. The technique haddiscarded board at the rear, equipped with entry skis (ramps). The YaAZ-204V diesel unit with a capacity of 130 horsepower was in the middle, providing the equipment with decent trims when moving afloat in a loaded and empty state.

In one trip, the K-61 is able to transport up to eight wounded soldiers on stretchers, 40 soldiers in full gear, trucks (one at a time), a 100 mm gun, a 160 mm mortar. A pair of screws placed in the tunnel part of the bottom of the hull acted as liquid propellers.

PTS Series

Floating medium conveyor was created in 1961 at the plant in Kryukov. The designers, headed by E. Lenzius, took the ATS-59 artillery tractor as a basis. The layout of the new machine was identical to that of the K-61. At the same time, the PTS-2 conveyor had higher technical parameters in terms of carrying capacity, maneuverability and speed. The equipment was equipped with a pressurized cabin with a filtration ventilation device.

The unit was transported in one attempt:

• a pair of 85 mm cannons with a combat crew;
• 122-152mm howitzer;
• two UAZ cars;
• Ural trucks without cargo.

Tractors and artillery fire systems were transported using a PKP floating hitch. An improved modification of the PTS-M was equipped with a diesel heater for the body and cab, which increased the capabilities of the equipment in the winter and prevented the formation of ice on the sides. The equipment included marinedevices for working with waves up to three points, night vision devices.

Floating transporter PTS-2: specifications

In 1973, this modification was developed at the plant for the production of diesel locomotives in Voroshilovgrad. In the manufacture of the PTS-2, components from the T-64 tank were used. The equipment was equipped with a reinforced multi-fuel power unit of the B-46-5 type. The power indicator was over 700 horsepower. The machine was equipped with a self-digging device, units for use at sea, a reversible winch, ramps at the stern of the hull.

The cabin of the vehicle is armored, hermetically sealed, has a HEF and protection against radioactive attacks. A radiometer and a communication station were also placed there. A machine gun turret is provided above the commander's hatch.

Main performance characteristics:

• cardan for floating transporter PTS-2 from T-34 tank;
• power capabilities of the motor - 710 hp. c;
• fuel tank capacity - 1,090 l;
• weight - 24 tons;
• Land speed threshold - 60 km/h;
• water power reserve - 18 hours;
• dimensions - 12.5/ 3.3 m;
• capacity - 75 fighters in full gear, one large-caliber gun, a pair of UAZ-3151 vehicles.

Technique is transported by military transport aircraft.

Modification of PTS-3

Unlike the PTS-2 amphibious caterpillar transporter, the model of the next project did not become serial. Parameterit was planned to increase the carrying capacity to 16 tons, and the water speed - from 12 to 15 km / h. At the top of the armored cab, a rotary turret with a PKT machine gun was provided. As a basis, the designers took the units and components of the T-64.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, production capabilities passed to Ukraine (Luganskteplovoz). In this regard, it became necessary to create a similar model of military equipment at plants in Russia. The design bureau in Omsk promptly developed an updated version of the PTS-4. Unlike the PTS-2, the photo of which is shown below, the new model was made from parts and assemblies of the T-72 and T-80 tanks. The machine was presented to the general public at an exhibition in 2007 (manufactured by OJSC Omsk Machine Plant). After testing in 2011, the sample was adopted.

Design features

Domestic floating transporter is focused on the transportation of artillery systems, personnel, wheeled and tracked vehicles. The PTS can, if necessary, serve as a ferry or a vehicle for work in places of accidents and natural disasters. The latest generation of the machine in question includes in its design a sealed hull, a crew cabin and a cargo compartment with a drop tailgate.

The power unit type B-84 has a power of 840 "horses" and is located in the middle hull. This configuration improves stability on the water and ensures the reliability of the transfer of torque to propulsion and winches. Unlike the floating PTS-2 conveyor, the 4th series refused to placescrews in the tunnels, but placed them behind the stern of the machine.

A paired water rudder was provided behind each screw element. Such implementations allowed to increase the parameters of controllability and power. This is especially noticeable when moving equipment afloat in curved sections. The turning radius of the car with the help of the rudders was about 80 meters, and on the opposite way - up to 20 m.

Other options

PTS-4, like the floating PTS-2, is equipped with an armored cab with a FVU. Also, the design of the machine includes devices for self-digging. If necessary, it is possible to install the shielding of running elements. In addition, communication tools and equipment are installed in the cab to help facilitate driving at night and in poor visibility.

The undercarriage consists of mass-produced parts: tracks and torsion elements of the T-80. Clutches and gearbox were taken from the 72nd modification. Armament - remote-controlled machine gun mount 12.7 mm caliber with 400 rounds of ammunition.

Operational capability

The technique in question enters the tailgate under its own power. The remaining units are moved using a special winch. The last element is also used to pull out the machine itself if it is impossible to exit the conveyor due to the terrain. There is the possibility of synchronous crossing of the tractor and towed artillery systems. They are loaded onto a floating trailer with wheels. Atin such work, the speed and maneuverability of the machine is reduced by almost 30 percent.

Floating transporters PTS-2 and PTS-4 can not only transport combat units, cargo and fighters through water obstacles, but also carry them over swampy or rough terrain. Such features make the machine as versatile as possible. With such loads, the carrying capacity of the caterpillar all-terrain vehicle is significantly reduced. Another area of operation of this equipment is amphibious assault. To do this, a pair of pumps for pumping water is additionally mounted on board. Their productivity is 800 and 400 liters per minute. In addition, the equipment includes a special glazed protection, sealed awning, semi-compass, exhaust extensions.

Finally

The quality characteristics of the PTS-2 caterpillar conveyor, including good maneuverability, high load capacity, decent handling, contribute to the further operation of the machine. This technique will be used by engineering troops for more than one year, since the updated analogue of the PTS-4 is mainly seen at exhibitions and parades, there are not so many of these units in real troops.