The PT-76B is a Soviet amphibious light tank, an upgraded version of the original PT-76, famous for its water-jet propulsion and use in reconnaissance and river crossings, seeing extensive service from the 1950s to present day in many nations, including major engagements in Vietnam and the Yom Kippur War, despite its thin armor and large size making it vulnerable. Introduced around 1957-1959, the 'B' model featured a stabilized 76mm gun, improved engine, and better hull, addressing some flaws of the earlier model and becoming a widely exported and long-serving vehicle for the Red Army's naval infantry and reconnaissance units.
Developed post-WWII for the Soviet Army's need for amphibious tanks, essential for rapid river crossings during potential European invasions. Its defining feature was water jet propulsion, allowing it to swim, propelled by two rear-mounted jets, with a deployable trim vane for stability. The PT-76 entered service in the early 1950s, with the PT-76B variant (Model 1957) featuring significant upgrades like a stabilized D-56TM gun and better engine. Around 12,000 PT-76s were built, with over 4,000 being the 'B' model; it served the Soviet Army until 2006 and was exported globally.
Saw extensive action in Vietnam, Laos (against US forces and allies), the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War (used by Egyptians to cross the Suez Canal). Excellent mobility in water, simple, reliable, and effective for reconnaissance and fire support, capable of carrying troops. Thin armor, large silhouette, and an un-stabilized main gun (in early models) made it vulnerable to heavier tanks and antitank weapons. Its chassis led to other vehicles (BTR- 50 APC, ZSU-23-4 SPAAG), and its design influenced China's Type 63 tank.
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History of the PT-76B!
The PT-76B is a Soviet amphibious light tank, an upgraded version of the original PT-76, famous for its water-jet propulsion and use in reconnaissance and river crossings, seeing extensive service from the 1950s to present day in many nations, including major engagements in Vietnam and the Yom Kippur War, despite its thin armor and large size making it vulnerable.
Introduced around 1957-1959, the 'B' model featured a stabilized 76mm gun, improved engine, and better hull, addressing some flaws of the earlier model and becoming a widely exported and long-serving vehicle for the Red Army's naval infantry and reconnaissance units.
Developed post-WWII for the Soviet Army's need for amphibious tanks, essential for rapid river crossings during potential European invasions. Its defining feature was water jet propulsion, allowing it to swim, propelled by two rear-mounted jets, with a deployable trim vane for stability. The PT-76 entered service in the early 1950s, with the PT-76B variant (Model 1957) featuring significant upgrades like a stabilized D-56TM gun and better engine. Around 12,000 PT-76s were built, with over 4,000 being the 'B' model; it served the Soviet Army until 2006 and was exported globally.
Saw extensive action in Vietnam, Laos (against US forces and allies), the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War (used by Egyptians to cross the Suez Canal). Excellent mobility in water, simple, reliable, and effective for reconnaissance and fire support, capable of carrying troops. Thin armor, large silhouette, and an un-stabilized main gun (in early models) made it vulnerable to heavier tanks and antitank weapons. Its chassis led to other vehicles (BTR-
50 APC, ZSU-23-4 SPAAG), and its design influenced China's Type 63 tank.
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