- TYPE
Main battle tank - ORIGIN
USSR
- NICKNAMES
- - DESIGNED
1945 - 1947 - DESIGNER
Morozov - PRODUCTION
1947 - 1983 - PRODUCERS
Czechoslovakia - ZTS Martin
Poland - Bumar-Labedy
USSR - Malyshev tank plant
USSR - Uralvagonzavod
- QUANTITY
Estimated run between 86.000 and 100.000. - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Limited production costs
Small silhouette
Powerful armament at the time of introduction
Good mobility
Lack of ergonomics and internal space
Limited rate of fire
Vulnerable to modern tanks and anti-tank weapons
The T-55 is a main battle tank of Soviet origin. The T-55 was developed after World War 2 to become the predominant tank in Soviet service that could replace the proven but outdated T-34. The T-55 designation includes the T-54, which was the early production version of the T-55 that is similar in most areas. The T-55 is one of the most produced tanks in the world and played a major role during the Cold War and conflicts in that era. Although upgrades have increased the potency significantly the T-55 is no match for modern tanks and anti-tank weapons. Nonetheless it remains a potent weapon system when used properly.
The T-55 has a conventional layout with the driver in the front, the dome shaped turret with its three crew members in the middle and the diesel engine and drivetrain in the rear. The T-55 is simple to operate, but rather cramped and not very ergonomic. The T-55 features a welded steel hull and a cast steel turret. The T-55 can be distinct from the later T-62 by the space between the first two roadwheels and the fume extractor at the end of the barrel.
The main armament for the T-55 is the rifled 100mm D-10T cannon. The rate of fire is roughly 4 rounds per minute. Over time the ammunition was improved and the Bastion barrel launched guided missile was added on some models. Early models were fitted with a 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun and had no roof armament. Later models featured a 7.62mm PKT as coaxial weapon and a 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun on the turret roof.
The steel armor protected the T-55 from most late World War 2 armament but the introduction of 105mm guns on NATO tanks made the T-55 vulnerable. The small size results in a low silhouette and makes the T-55 a harder target to hit. On various variants the protection level has been improved by adding bra armor, appliqué armor or ERA blocks.
The tracked chassis provides the T-55 with a good mobility for an early Cold War era tank. The road speed is about 55 km/h and the cross country speed is up to 40 km/h depending on the terrain. The wide tracks result in a limited ground pressure. The movement of the T-55 is rather jerky and steering is not very precise. A large snorkel can be attached for deep wading across rivers.
The T-55 was used in large quantities by the Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces. The T-55 was supplemented by the later T-62 and most were replaced in the front line role by the T-72. Large quantities have been exported and were used during most Cold War era conflicts. The T-55 remains in use with dozens of nations. In some nations such as Russia it is only stored for reserve forces while in many third world nations it remains the main tank in service. The T-55 was also produced in China as the Type 59 and Type 69 series, which are descrived seperately.
The T-54 was the original version of the T-55 series. The production of the T-54 was superseded by the T-55, but it remained in service next to the T-55.
T-54: Original T-54 produced in limited numbers in three minor variants. Features different shaped turrets and no stabilization for main armament.
T-54A: T-54 with horizontal stabilization for D-10TG cannon, new sights and radio and automotive improvements. T-54AK is the command version with additional radios.
T-54B: T-54A with stabilization in both planes for D-10TS cannon, new sights and infrared searchlight next to barrel. T-54BK is the command version with additional radios.
T-54M: T-54 with various improvements to bring it up to T-55 standards, including the more powerful V-55 engine.
- Specifications:
- T-54
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loaders) Length 6.04 m (hull), 9 m (gun forward) Width 3.27 m Height 2.4 m (cupola), 2.75 m (overall) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 34 t unloaded, 36 t combat load Ground pressure 0.81 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-54 V12 diesel, 520 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 14.4 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road Fuel 812 L Range 510 km, 720 km with fuel tanks Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 5 m with snorkel Armor Steel, 97 mm hull front, 79 mm upper hull sides, 20mm lower hull sides, 46mm hull rear, 203mm turret front, 150mm turret sides, 64mm turret rear, 39mm turret roof NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke - Remarks - Armament 100mm D-10 cannon
7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun
7.62mm SGMT bow machine gun
12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gunWeapon1 100mm D-10 cannon in turret
34 rounds
-5 to +17° elevation, powered
360° traverse, 17°/s powered
non-stabilizedWeapon2 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun
3.000 rounds in total
traverse and elevation as main armament
non-stabilizedWeapon3 7.62mm SGMT bow machine gun
3.000 rounds in total
fires over forward arc
non-stabilizedWeapon4 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on turret roof
500 rounds, 50 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon5 - Weapon6 -
The T-55 was the follow on to the T-54. The T-55 featured many improvements and was produced in much larger numbers than the T-55.
T-55: The original T-55 is a much improved version of the T-54. The T-55 features a more powerful V-55 engine, an NBC system, a turret floor and carries more fuel and ammunition. Was fitted without DShK on the turret roof until retrofitted in 1972. T-55K is the command version with additional radios.
T-55A: T-55 with much improved NBC shielding, removed the bow machine gun and has the PKT as a coaxial machine gun instead of the SGMT. Was fitted without DShK on the turret roof until retrofitted in 1972. T-55AK is the command version with additional radios.
- Specifications:
- T-55A
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loaders) Length 6.20 m (hull), 9 m (gun forward) Width 3.27 m Height 2.35 m (cupola), 2.70 m (overall) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 33.7 t unloaded, 36 t combat load Ground pressure 0.81 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-55 V12 diesel, 580 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 16.1 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road Fuel 960 L Range 460 km, 650 km with fuel tanks Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 5 m with snorkel Armor Steel, 97 mm hull front, 79 mm upper hull sides, 20mm lower hull sides, 46mm hull rear, 203mm turret front, 150mm turret sides, 64mm turret rear, 39mm turret roof NBC equipment yes Night vision Yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection Remarks - Armament 100mm D-10T2S cannon
7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gunWeapon1 100mm D-10T2S cannon in turret
43 rounds
-5 to +18° elevation, powered
360° traverse, 17°/s powered
stabalized in both axisWeapon2 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
3.500 rounds
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The T-55M and T-55AM are improved versions of the T-55 and T-55A. The upgrade includes improvements in firepower, mobility and protection. The firepower is improved by the ability to launch the Bastion anti-tank missile from the barrel, the Volna fire control system, improved stabilization, a laser range finder and new sights. The mobility is improved by fitting a V-55U engine, improved suspension and new tracks. The protection is improved by adding BDD bra (or brow) armor to the turret, rubber side skirts, smoke grenade launchers and appliqué armor. The T-55M-1 and T-55AM-1 are fitted with the V-56-5M engine.
- Specifications:
- T-55AM
- T-55AM-1
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader) Length 6.2 m (hull), 9 m (gun forward) Width 3.31 m Height 2.7 m (overall) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 37 t combat load Ground pressure 0.84 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-55U V12 diesel, 620 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 16.8 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road Fuel 960 L Range 450 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 5 m with snorkel Armor Steel plus bra add-on armor NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection, optional smoke grenade dischargers Remarks - Armament 100mm D-10T2S cannon
7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gunWeapon1 100mm D-10T2S cannon in turret
43 rounds incl Bastion anti-tank missile
-5 to +18° elevation, powered
360° traverse, 17°/s powered
stabalized in both axisWeapon2 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
3.500 rounds
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon3 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on turret roof
50 rounds ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader) Length 6.2 m (hull), 9 m (gun forward) Width 3.31 m Height 2.7 m (overall) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 37.6 t combat load Ground pressure 0.85 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-46-5M V12 diesel, 691 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 18.4 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road Fuel 960 L Range 460 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 5 m with snorkel Armor Steel plus bra add-on armor NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection, optional smoke grenade dischargers Remarks - Armament 100mm D-10T2S cannon
7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gunWeapon1 100mm D-10T2S cannon in turret
43 rounds incl Bastion anti-tank missile
-5 to +18° elevation, powered
360° traverse, 17°/s powered
stabalized in both axisWeapon2 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
3.500 rounds
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon3 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on turret roof
50 rounds ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The T-55MV and T-55AMV are improved versions of the T-55 and T-55A. The MV package features the same improvements as the T-55M but instead of the bra armor ERA tiles are fitted. The Kontakt-1 ERA is mounted on the turret front, sides and roof, the glacis plate and hull sides. The T-55MV-1 and T-55AMV-1 are fitted with the V-56-5M engine.
- Specifications:
- T-55AMV
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader) Length 6.2 m (hull), 9 m (gun forward) Width 3.4 m Height 2.7 m (overall) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 40.5 t combat load Ground pressure 0.89 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-55U V12 diesel, 620 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 15.3 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road Fuel 960 L Range 400 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 5 m with snorkel Armor Steel plus ERA on glacis, hull sides and turret NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection, optional smoke grenade dischargers Remarks - Armament 100mm D-10T2S cannon
7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gunWeapon1 100mm D-10T2S cannon in turret
43 rounds incl Bastion anti-tank missile
-5 to +18° elevation, powered
360° traverse, 17°/s powered
stabalized in both axisWeapon2 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
3.500 rounds
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon3 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on turret roof
50 rounds ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The T-55AD is a T-55A fitted with the Drozd active protection system and several other improvements that was developed for the USSR naval infantry. A total of 250 have been converted. It is also incorrectly known as teh T-55AMD as it features several improvements found on the T-55AM, such as a new radio, new sights and improved stabilization. The T-55AD-1 also has the more powerful V-46-5M engine. The Drozd system relies on 4 missile on each side of the turret to intercept incoming missiles. By todays standards the Drozd system is found rudimentary due to its limited capability of interception.
- Specifications:
- T-55AD
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader) Length 6.2 m (hull), 9 m (gun forward) Width 3.27 m Height 2.7 m (overall) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 37 t combat load Ground pressure 0.84 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-55U V12 diesel, 620 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 16.8 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road Fuel 960 L Range 450 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 5 m with snorkel Armor Steel plus Drozd self-protection system NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke 2x4 smoke grenade dischargers, exhaust diesel injection Remarks - Armament 100mm D-10T2S cannon
7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gunWeapon1 100mm D-10T2S cannon in turret
43 rounds incl Bastion anti-tank missile
-5 to +18° elevation, powered
360° traverse, 17°/s powered
stabalized in both axisWeapon2 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
3.500 rounds
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon3 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on turret roof
50 rounds ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The Ti-67 is a collective designation for T-54 and T-55 in Israeli service. Israel captured many T-55 from Arab states during various conflicts. Israel put many to use in its own army. Some with only minor alterations such as new camouflage and markings. Others were extensively upgraded, with a new 105mm cannon for instance.
Tiran-1: Virtually unmodified T-54 in Israeli Army service.
Tiran-2: Virtually unmodified T-55 in Israeli Army service.
Tiran-4: T-54 with additional stowage and M1919 machine gun on turret roof. The Tiran-4Sh also features a new 105mm L7 cannon.
Tiran-5: T-55 with new communitions gear, additional stowage, coaxial and roof mounted M1919 machine gun on a ring mount and many featured a 12.7mm M2HB machine gun over the barrel. The Tiran-5Sh also features a new 105mm L7 cannon.
Ti-67s: Tiran-5Sh with Detroit Diesel engine, new transmission, improved gun stabilization system
Blazer ERA, Matador fire control system, improved suspension, fire suppresion system and night vision systems. Also known as Tiran-5 Model S or Ti-67 Model S.
- Specifications:
- Tiran-5Sh
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader) Length ? Width 3.27 m Height ? Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 37 t Ground pressure 0.84 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-55 V12 diesel, 580 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 15.7 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road Fuel 960 L Range 450 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 5 m with snorkel Armor Steel NBC equipment Yes Night vision yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection Remarks - Armament 100mm D-10T2S cannon
.30 M1919A4 coaxial machine gun
12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun
.30 M1919A4 roof machine gunWeapon1 100mm D-10T2S cannon in turret
43 rounds
-5 to +18° elevation, powered
360° traverse, 17°/s powered
stabalized in both axisWeapon2 .30 M1919A4 coaxial machine gun
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon3 12.7mm M2HB coaxial machine gun over barrel
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon4 .30 M1919A4 roof machine gun
100 rounds ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon5 - Weapon6 -
The M-55 is a Slovenian upgrade of the T-55 that is based on many Israeli components.
M-55 S: T-55 fitted with a 105mm L7 cannon, new fire control systems, improved sights and Super Blazer ERA on the turret, glacis plate and upper sides. All M-55 S were subsequently upgraded to S1 standard.
M-55 S1: The M-55 S1 is a futher improved M-55 S that features an 850 hp MAN diesel engine replacing the standard 600 hp engine.
- Specifications:
- M-55 S
- M-55 S1
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader) Length 6.45 m (hull), 8.49 m (gun forward) Width 3.50 m Height 2.35 m Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 38 t combat load Ground pressure 0.85 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear Turn radius ? Engine Uprated V-55 V12 diesel, 600 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 15.8 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 55 km/h on road, 22 - 28 km/h cross country Fuel 960 L Range 500 km on road Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient, 40% slope Fording 1.4 m Armor Steel and Super Blazer, protects against RPG-7 over 100° arc, against HOT over 80° arc, against TOW over 60° arc NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke 2x6 smoke grenade dischargers, exhaust diesel injection Remarks - Armament 105mm L7 Sharir cannon
7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gunWeapon1 105mm L7 Sharir cannon in turret
36 rounds
powered traverse and elevation
stabilized in both axisWeapon2 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
3.000 rounds
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon3 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on turret roof
250 rounds, 50 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
Type Main battle tank Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader) Length 6.45 m (hull), 8.49 m (gun forward) Width 3.50 m Height 2.35 m Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 40 t combat load Ground pressure 0.89 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear Turn radius ? Engine MAN diesel, 850 hp Power ratio 21.3 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed ? Fuel ? Range ? Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient, 40% slope Fording 1.4 m Armor Steel and Super Blazer, protects against RPG-7 over 100° arc, against HOT over 80° arc, against TOW over 60° arc NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke 2x6 smoke grenade dischargers, exhaust diesel injection Remarks - Armament 105mm L7 Sharir cannon
7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gunWeapon1 105mm L7 Sharir cannon in turret
36 rounds
powered traverse and elevation
stabilized in both axisWeapon2 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
3.000 rounds
traverse and elevation as main armament
stabilized in both axisWeapon3 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on turret roof
250 rounds, 50 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The BTS is an artillery tractor based on the T-54 chassis that can also be used as an armored recovery vehicle. The name BTS stands for Bronetankoviy Tyagach Sredniy, which is Russian for medium armored tractor. The BTS models are also known as the T-54-T and T-55T and are based mostly based on the T-54A chassis, but also on other models such as T-55 and even the occasional T-62. The BTS was supplemented and replaced in Soviet service with the VT-55.
BTS-1: A T-54A without turret that is fitted with a stowage basket.
BTS-2: A BTS-1 fitted with a 3 t crane, produced since 1955.
BTS-4: A BTS-2 fitted with snorkel. The BTS-4B is a BTS-2 with a dozer blade.
- Specifications:
- BTS-2
Type Armored recovery vehicle Crew 3 (commander, driver, operator) Length 7.12 m Width 3.23 m Height 1.89 m Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 36 t empty Ground pressure 0.72 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width Turn radius ? Engine V-54 V12 diesel, 520 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 14.4 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 48 km/h on road Fuel 812 L Range 400 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m Armor Steel, 100mm @ 60° glacis, 70mm hull sides at 0°, 60mm hull rear, 20mm hull floor, 30mm hull roof NBC equipment No Night vision ? Smoke - Remarks - Armament - Weapon1 - Weapon2 - Weapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The VT-55 is an armored recovery vehicle based on the T-55 chassis that was designed in Czechoslovakia. Unlike the earlier Soviet BTS models all were produced from new chassis. The VT-55 features a 1.5 t crane and loading platform.
VT-55A: VT-55 produced for Warsaw Pact use. Called ZS-55A when fitted with the BTU-55 dozer blade.
VT-55K: VT-55 produced for export customers.
- Specifications:
- VT-55A
Type Armored recovery vehicle Crew 3 (commander, driver, operator) Length 7.12 m Width 3.28 m Height 2.64 m (crane lowered) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 36.5 t Ground pressure 0.85 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear Turn radius ? Engine V-55 V12 diesel, 580 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 15.9 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road, 32 km/h cross country, 18 km/h when towing Fuel ? Range 270 km on road, 100 km cross country Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 32% gradient, 30% slope Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 5 m with snorkel Armor Steel NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection Remarks Dozer blade, 3 t crane, 25 t winch, 0.8 t winch, tow bars Armament 7.62mm PKT machine gun Weapon1 7.62mm PKT machine gun in one man turret
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon2 - Weapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The WZT-1 and 2 are armored recovery vehicles of Polish origin. Later model WZT models are based on the PT-91 Twardy chassis.
WZT-1: Polish armored recovery vehicle based on the T-54 chassis.
WZT-2: Polish armored recovery vehicle based on the T-55 chassis. Fitted with a dozer blade and crane on the left side.
- Specifications:
- WZT-1
- WZT-2
Type Armored recovery vehicle Crew 3 (commander, driver, operator) Length 7.10 m Width 3.27 m Height 2.1 m Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 31.5 t Ground pressure 0.73 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear Turn radius ? Engine V-55A V12 diesel, 580 hp Power ratio 18.4 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 50 km/h on road, 27 km/h cross country, 15 km/h when towing Fuel ? Range 470 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient ? Fording ? Armor Steel NBC equipment ? Night vision ? Smoke exhaust diesel injection Remarks - Armament 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun Weapon1 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on roof
200 rounds, 50 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon2 - Weapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
Type Armored recovery vehicle Crew 4 (commander, driver, 2 operators) Length ? Width 3.27 m Height 2.1 m Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 34 t Ground pressure 0.76 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear Turn radius ? Engine V-55W V12 diesel, 591 hp Power ratio 17.4 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed ? Fuel ? Range 465 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient ? Fording ? Armor Steel NBC equipment ? Night vision ? Smoke exhaust diesel injection Remarks Dozer blade, crane, Armament 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun Weapon1 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on roof
200 rounds, 50 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon2 - Weapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The IMR is an armored engineer vehicle based on the T-55 chassis and is produced since the early 1970's. The name IMR stands for Inzhenernaya Maschina Razgrazhdeniia, which is Russian for engineer vehicle for the removal of obstacles.
IMR: The IMR is fitted with a large dozer blade and a crane that can be fitted with either a bucket or a pincer type grabber.
IWT: The IWT is the Polish equivalent of the IMR and features the same capabilities. The IWT can also be fitted with the PW-LWD mine clearing rockets.
- Specifications:
- IMR
Type Armored engineer vehicle Crew 2 (driver, operator) Length 6.45 m (hull), 10.6 m (dozer forward and crane stowed) Width 3.27 m (chassis), 3.48 m (dozer blade) Height 2.48 m (crane cupola), 3.37 m (crane stowed) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 37.5 t combat load Ground pressure 0.76 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width Turn radius ? Engine V-55 V12 diesel, 580 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 15.5 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 48 km/h on road Fuel 812 L Range 400 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m Armor Steel, 100mm @ 60° glacis, 70mm hull sides at 0°, 60mm hull rear, 20mm hull floor, 30mm hull roof NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection Remarks Dozer blade, crane Armament - Weapon1 - Weapon2 - Weapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The MTU is a bridgelayer of Soviet origin. Bridgelayer based on T-54 chassis produced since 1958. It carries a single rigid 12.3 meter 50 t bridge to span a 11 meter gap. The name MTU stands for Mostoykladchik tankoviy ustroystvo. The MTU is also known as the MTU-1 and MTU-12. It can be distinguished from the other bridge laying vehicles based on the T-55 series by its single rigid bridge.
- Specifications:
- MTU
Type Vehicle launched bridge Crew 2 (driver, operator) Length 12.3 m (with bridge) Width 3.27 m Height 2.87 m (with bridge) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 34 t combat load (with bridge) Ground pressure 0.76 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-54 V12 diesel, 520 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 15.3 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 48 km/h on road Fuel 812 L Range 400 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 60% gradient Fording 1.4 m Armor Steel, 100mm @ 60° glacis, 70mm hull sides at 0°, 60mm hull rear, 20mm hull floor, 30mm hull roof NBC equipment No Night vision ? Smoke - Remarks Carries and launches 12.3 meter 50 t bridge Armament 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun Weapon1 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on roof
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilizedWeapon2 - Weapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The MTU-20 is an improved bridgelayer based on T-55 chassis. It carries a single 20 meter 60 t bridge with folding ends that can span a 18 meter gap.
- Specifications:
- MTU-20
Type Vehicle launched bridge Crew 2 (driver, operator) Length 11.64 m (with bridge) Width 3.31 m (with bridge) Height 3.4 m (with bridge) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 37 t combat load (with bridge) Ground pressure 0.84 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-55 V12 diesel, 580 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 15.7 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 54 km/h on road Fuel 960 L Range 485 - 500 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 40% gradient Fording 1.4 m Armor Steel, 100mm @ 60° glacis, 70mm hull sides at 0°, 60mm hull rear, 20mm hull floor, 30mm hull roof NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection Remarks Carries and launches 20 meter 60 t bridge Armament - Weapon1 - Weapon2 - Weapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -
The MT-55 is a bridgelayer that is based on the T-55 chassis. The MT-55 launches a two part scissor bridge in front of the vehicle. It is more capable than the Soviet MTU series. The MT-55 can be identified by the T-55 chassis in combination with the forward launching scissor bridge.
MT-55: Soviet designation for MT-55A.
MT-55A: Czechoslovak production MT-55 for Warsaw Pact nations. Carries and launches a 18 meter 50 t scissor bridge to span a 16 meter gap.
MT-55K: Czechoslovak production MT-55 for export.
MT-55L: MT-55A with the ability to use the longer 20 m bridge as used with the MT-72.
BLG-60: East German version of the MT-55 with various minor details.
BLG-60M: Improved BLG-60 with the ability to launch 52 meter three part bridges.
BLG-67: Improved BLG-60 of East German origin.
BLG-67M: Improved BLG-60M with similar ability to launch longer bridges.
- Specifications:
- MT-55A
Type Vehicle launched bridge Crew 2 (driver, operator) Length 9.88 m (with bridge) Width 3.3 m (with bridge) Height 3.35 m (with bridge) Ground clearance 0.43 m Weight 36 t combat load (with bridge) Ground pressure 0.82 kg/cm2 Wheelbase Tracked chassis, five roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.84 m length, 0.58 m width, 2.64 m track Turn radius ? Engine V-55 V12 diesel, 580 hp at 2.000 rpm Power ratio 16.1 hp/t Transmission Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse Speed 32 - 35 km/h on road, 16 - 20 km/h cross country Fuel 900 L Range 485 - 500 km Wall 0.8 m Trench 2.7 m Gradient 30% gradient Fording 1.4 m unprepared, 4 m with snorkel Armor Steel NBC equipment Yes Night vision Yes Smoke exhaust diesel injection Remarks Carries and launches 18 meter 50 t bridge Armament - Weapon1 - Weapon2 - Weapon3 - Weapon4 - Weapon5 - Weapon6 -