The OT-64 SKOT (Czech acronym for: Střední Kolový Obrněný Transportér, and/or Polish Średni Kołowy Opancerzony Transporter) is an amphibious armored personnel carrier (8x8), developed jointly by Poland and Czechoslovakia (ČSSR) well into the 1960s.
SKOT was intended to replace the halftrack OT-810, which was nearly identical to the German SdKfz 251
from World War II. The first prototype was built in 1959. In 1961 the
first sample series were built and starting from October 1963 the
vehicles were produced in Lublin, Poland by Fabryka Samochodów
Ciężarowych. Czechoslovakia supplied the driveline components, ie. the engine, transmission and axles.
The first production vehicles were delivered in 1964 to both Polish and Czechoslovak army and many are still in use today. Both Polish and Czech units are
gradually replaced by newer vehicles. Czech units are scheduled to be
replaced between 2007 and 2012.
The OT-64's engine, transmission, suspension and axles were produced in Czechoslovakia. The engine was produced by Tatra and the transmission by Praga. The armored hull and weapons were produced in Poland.
The OT-64 was the answer to the Soviet
BTR-60. Contrary to this the OT-64 used a diesel set in place of a
petrol engine. That diminished the danger of fire and at the same time
increased the range. The main advantage in relation to the Russian
counterpart was the full-armored interior. The entrance is at the rear
of the vehicle via twin doorsa. The OT-64 was air-transportable and
amphibious. For the amphibious drive the vehicle used two screws
installed at the back. The OT-64 had an NBC protection facility and
night-vision equipment.
Several variants were built. Some OT-64 were re-equipped for air defense or built as tank hunters. The latter used the AT-3 Sagger missile as a weapon.
OT-64 SKOT entered service with Polish and Czechoslovak armies in
1963.It was produced until early 1970s. It still is in service with
Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. OT-64 SKOT was also exported to
eleven different countries
(Algeria, Cambodia, India, Iraq, Libya,
Morocco, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria, Uganda and Uruguay). A
total number of vehicles produced for the Polish Army, the Czechoslovak
Army and for export is 4,500.
The author:Tungsten Directory
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