PT-76
Though the Red Army fielded large numbers of light tanks during World War II, their effectiveness was mixed. They were fast and mobile, but lacked armor and hitting power; a light BT-7, T-70, or Lend-Lease M3 Stuart could not take on German tanks of any type, and were vulnerable even to German armored cars. The light tank had a place in Soviet tactical doctrine, but something better was needed. The result was the PT-76, named for its type (Plavayushchiy Tank, or Swimming Tank) and the type of gun it carried (a 76mm). It entered service in 1951.
The PT-76 was able to achieve the intent of the initial requirement: it was fast, mobile, decently armored, and well-armed. As the name indicated, much emphasis was placed on its amphibious ability: rivers were an obstacle during the war, and in any campaign in Central Europe, the Red Army could expect to cross many of them. The job of the PT-76 was to scout ahead of the main force, cross rivers, and seize bridges for the main body coming up behind. With its 76mm gun, it could take out other reconnaissance vehicles and even tanks. The turret was cramped and the tank commander was forced to act as a loader for the gun, but given that the PT-76 was not meant to engage in pitched battle, this was not a concern. The PT-76 was also light enough to be air-dropped.
PT-76s quickly became the light tank of choice for the Red Army, replacing all older World War II-era types. They were also supplied to Soviet client states, namely North Vietnam, who would use the tank operationally for the first time in 1968. In the assault on an American special forces camp at Lang Vei, NVA PT-76s were able to overrun the camp, though several tanks were lost in the process. Though the PT-76 could be knocked out by recoilless rifles, it was resistant to handheld rocket launchers like the M72; as a result, the US Army began development of the wire-guided TOW missile. These were used to devastating effect on PT-76s in 1972.
Though replaced in Soviet service by the faster (if less well-armed and armored) BRDM series, the PT-76 remained in service, especially in Naval Infantry and paratrooper units. It has seen action in nearly every war since 1965, and remains with the Russian Army today.
This anonymous PT-76 wears Soviet dark green, so it could be from the Red Army or any one of the dozens of Soviet client states.
PT-76
Though the Red Army fielded large numbers of light tanks during World War II, their effectiveness was mixed. They were fast and mobile, but lacked armor and hitting power; a light BT-7, T-70, or Lend-Lease M3 Stuart could not take on German tanks of any type, and were vulnerable even to German armored cars. The light tank had a place in Soviet tactical doctrine, but something better was needed. The result was the PT-76, named for its type (Plavayushchiy Tank, or Swimming Tank) and the type of gun it carried (a 76mm). It entered service in 1951.
The PT-76 was able to achieve the intent of the initial requirement: it was fast, mobile, decently armored, and well-armed. As the name indicated, much emphasis was placed on its amphibious ability: rivers were an obstacle during the war, and in any campaign in Central Europe, the Red Army could expect to cross many of them. The job of the PT-76 was to scout ahead of the main force, cross rivers, and seize bridges for the main body coming up behind. With its 76mm gun, it could take out other reconnaissance vehicles and even tanks. The turret was cramped and the tank commander was forced to act as a loader for the gun, but given that the PT-76 was not meant to engage in pitched battle, this was not a concern. The PT-76 was also light enough to be air-dropped.
PT-76s quickly became the light tank of choice for the Red Army, replacing all older World War II-era types. They were also supplied to Soviet client states, namely North Vietnam, who would use the tank operationally for the first time in 1968. In the assault on an American special forces camp at Lang Vei, NVA PT-76s were able to overrun the camp, though several tanks were lost in the process. Though the PT-76 could be knocked out by recoilless rifles, it was resistant to handheld rocket launchers like the M72; as a result, the US Army began development of the wire-guided TOW missile. These were used to devastating effect on PT-76s in 1972.
Though replaced in Soviet service by the faster (if less well-armed and armored) BRDM series, the PT-76 remained in service, especially in Naval Infantry and paratrooper units. It has seen action in nearly every war since 1965, and remains with the Russian Army today.
This anonymous PT-76 wears Soviet dark green, so it could be from the Red Army or any one of the dozens of Soviet client states.