The floating PTS-2 transporter belongs to the category of domestic tracked military equipment designed to transport combat units through water obstacles. During the Second World War, the army of the USSR was in dire need of self-propelled ferry devices. A small part of the needs was blocked with the help of Lend-Lease. Nevertheless, after the war ended, it was decided to create their own developments of this configuration.
Prototypes
One of the progenitors of the floating conveyor PTS-2 was the 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 solid metal bearing casing that does not allow water to pass through. Loading and unloading manipulations were carried out by means of a special winch located in the bow. The equipment had a discarding board at the rear, equipped with inbound skis (ramps). The YaAZ-204V diesel engine with a capacity of 130 horsepower was in the middle, providing the technique with decent trim 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 a stretcher, 40 soldiers in full gear, trucks (one at a time), a 100 mm gun, and a 160 mm mortar. A pair of screws located in the tunnel part of the bottom of the casing acted as liquid propulsors.
Title Series
The floating medium conveyor was created in 1961 at the plant in Kryukov. The designers, led by E. Lentius, took the ATS-59 artillery tractor as the basis. The layout of the new car was identical to the configuration of the K-61. At the same time, the PTS-2 conveyor had higher technical parameters in the direction of load capacity, maneuverability and speed. The equipment was equipped with a sealed cabin with a filtration ventilation device.
The unit forwarded in one attempt:
- a pair of 85 mm caliber guns with a combat crew;
- 122-152 mm howitzer;
- two UAZ vehicles;
- Ural trucks without cargo.
Tractors and artillery fire systems were transported using a PKP floating hitch. The advanced 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 appearance of ice on the sides. The equipment included marine equipment for work when waves of up to three points, night vision devices.
PTS-2 floating conveyor: technical specifications
In 1973, this modification was developed at the diesel locomotive manufacturing plant in Voroshilovgrad. In the manufacture of PTS-2 used components from the T-64 tank. The equipment was equipped with a reinforced multi-fuel power unit of type B-46-5. The power indicator was over 700 horsepower. A self-digging device, units for use at sea, a reversible-type winch, and ramps at the rear of the hull were installed on the machine.
The car’s cabin with armor is airtight, has a HLF and protection against radioactive attacks. A radiometer and a communication station were also placed there. A turret for a machine gun is provided above the command hatch.
Main performance characteristics:
- cardan for the floating conveyor PTS-2 from the T-34 tank;
- power capabilities of the motor - 710 liters. from;
- fuel tank capacity - 1,090 l;
- weight - 24 t;
- speed threshold on land - 60 km / h;
- cruising range by water - 18 hours;
- dimensions - 12.5 / 3.3 m;
- capacity - 75 fighters in full gear, one large-caliber gun, a pair of UAZ-3151 type cars.
The equipment is transported by military transport aircraft.
Modification of PTS-3
Unlike the PTS-2 floating tracked conveyor, the model of the next project did not become serial. The carrying capacity was planned to be increased to 16 tons, and the water speed was from 12 to 15 km / h. At the top of the armored cabin, a turret with a machine gun PKT was provided. As a basis, designers took units and nodes T-64.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, production capabilities passed to Ukraine (Luganskteplovoz). In this regard, there was a need to create a similar model of military equipment at factories in Russia. Operational design bureau in Omsk has developed an updated version of the PTS-4. Unlike the PTS-2, the photo of which is given below, the new model was made from parts and assemblies of the T-72 and T-80 tanks. The machine was presented to the broad masses at the exhibition in 2007 (manufacturer - Omsk Machine-Building Plant OJSC). After testing in 2011, the sample was adopted.
Design features
The domestic floating conveyor is focused on the transportation of artillery systems, personnel, wheeled and tracked vehicles. 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 enclosure, a crew cabin and a cargo compartment with a discarded tailgate.
The power unit of type B-84 has a force of 840 "horses", located in the middle hull. This configuration improves stability on the water and ensures the reliability of the transformation of the torsion moment on propulsors and winches. Unlike the floating PTS-2 transporter, on the 4th series they refused to place the screws in the tunnels, and placed them behind the stern of the machine.
A twin 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 machine with the help of rudders was about 80 meters, and up to 20 m on the counter-runway. When moving on land, the propellers rise with the clip to the side.
Other parameters
PTS-4, like the floating PTS-2, is equipped with an armored cabin with a HLF. Also, the design of the machine includes devices for self-digging. If necessary, it is possible to mount shielding of running elements. In addition, communication tools and equipment are installed in the cab to help facilitate driving at night and with poor visibility.
The chassis consists of commercially available parts: tracks and torsion elements T-80. From the 72nd modification taken clutches and gearbox. Armament - a remotely controlled machine gun installation with a caliber of 12.7 mm with an ammunition load of 400 charges.
Operational capabilities
The equipment in question enters the hinged side on its own. The remaining units are moved using a special winch. The last element is also used to pull out the machine itself in case the conveyor is not possible to exit due to terrain features. There is the possibility of synchronous crossing of the tractor and towed artillery systems. They are loaded onto a floating trailer with wheels. With such work, the speed and maneuverability of the machine is reduced by almost 30 percent.
The floating transporters PTS-2 and PTS-4 can not only transport combat units, cargo and fighters through water obstacles, but also carry them along swampy or rough terrain. Such capabilities make the car as versatile as possible. With such loads, the carrying capacity of a tracked all-terrain vehicle is significantly reduced. Another area of operation of this equipment is naval landing. For 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, a sealed tent, a half compass, exhaust extensions.
In conclusion
The high-quality characteristics of the PTS-2 caterpillar conveyor, including good maneuverability, high carrying capacity, decent handling, contribute to further operation of the machine. This equipment will be used by engineering troops for more than a year, since the updated analogue of the PTS-4 is mainly seen at exhibitions and parades; there are not many of these units in real troops.