ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS

OT-64

 

The OT-64 wheeled amphibious personnel carrier is a combat and transport vehicle used with mechanised, communications and other specialised units.

The OT-64 wheeled amphibious personnel carrier is a combat and transport vehicle used with mechanised, communications and other specialised units.

 

The OT-64 development was motivated by the need to replace the obsolete OT-810 APC by a newly designed armoured vehicle.

 

The first prototype called SKOT (for “medium wheeled armoured carrier”) was designed in 1959, in 1961 the first test series was produced and a contract closed between the Czech Republic and Poland on joint production. The OT-64 was introduced into both countries´ armed forces in 1964.

It was characterised by a very good design (for its time), combat and running characteristics, e.g. all eight-wheel drive, an interlock of front and rear axles´ differential, two steerable front axles, central tire-pressure regulation system (it enables the driver to adjust the individual tires even when the vehicle is in motion), the Praga Wilson planet transmission and other elements.

 

The vehicle is powered by a Tatra diesel engine with air cooling, which permits smooth travel both offroad and on the road. On the road, the vehicle is capable of achieving a speed of about 100 km/h. The OT vehicle is fully armoured, providing protection of the crew and of the whole mechanized squad against small calibre projectiles and shell splinters.

 

Protection of the crew is further improved by an overpressure ventilation (NBC) system. With the current downsizing of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, the numbers of the OT-64 in service are being reduced, and gradual decommissioning of this type from the inventory started.
 

OT-64 Specifications
Type Eight wheeled armoured amphibious personnel carrier
Manufacturer Czechoslovakia and Poland
Crew OT-64 2 + 18 troops, OT-64A 2 + 8 troops
Armament 14.5mm machine gun or 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun and 7.62mm machine gun
Length 7.45m
Height OT-64 2.4m OT-64A 2.7m
Width 2.5m
Weight OT-64 13 tonnes OT-64A 13.5 tonnes
Powerplant Tatra diesel engine producing 180hp
Performance Max speed 94km/h, range 740km
Variants OT 64 without weapons ambulance variant, OT-64A with weapons, OT-64 DTP repair and maintenance vehicle and a number of signal and command variants