OT-64 series of wheeled armoured vehicles

OT-64

SERIES OF 8X8 ARMOURED VEHICLES

The OT-64 wheeled amphibious personnel carrier is used by mechanised, communications and other specialised units. The OT-64 development was motivated by the need to replace the obsolete OT-810 APC with 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 co-operation agreement between the Czechoslovakia and Poland was agreed and joint production commenced. The OT-64 was introduced into both countrie's armed forces in 1964. It was a very good design for its time with good combat and operating characteristics which included; all eight-wheel drive, an interlock of front and rear axles differential, two steerable front axles, central tire-pressure regulation system, a Praga Wilson planetary transmission and other elements. It 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 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.