PT-76 – 워크어라운드

Primary Role and Design Philosophy

The PT-76 (from Plavayushchiy Tank, meaning “Floating Tank”) is a Soviet light amphibious tank introduced in the early 1950s. It was designed primarily for reconnaissance and fire support for Soviet Naval Infantry and ground forces crossing major water obstacles.

Its overall design prioritizes low weight and a spacious hull to ensure the necessary buoyancy for full amphibious operations without extensive preparation.

Mobility and Amphibious Capability

The ability to operate in water is the tank’s defining feature:

• Water Propulsion: The tank is propelled through the water by two powerful hydro-jets located at the rear of the hull. Steering in the water is achieved by opening and closing covers over the jet outlets.
• Preparation: To swim, the crew only needed to raise a trim vane on the front glacis plate and switch on bilge pumps.
• Speeds: It achieves a modest road speed of around 44 km/h on land, but its water speed is crucial, reaching approximately 10.2 km/h.
• Chassis: It uses a torsion-bar suspension and six large, hollow road wheels on each side, which also contribute to buoyancy.

Armament and Protection

The firepower and armor were a compromise to achieve amphibious capability:

The tank has a crew of three: the Driver, and the Commander/Gun

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