PTS-4 Amphibious Cargo Vehicle (Russia)

The PTS-4 Duplo amphibious cargo vehicle was developed as a private venture to meet possible requirements of the Russian Army, as well as export customers. It is intended as a replacement for the ageing PTS and PTS-2 amphibious cargo vehicles, used by the Russian military and some other countries. The PTS-4 was first revealed in 2007. In 2011 this amphibian successfully passed Russian Army trials. It was officially accepted to service in 2013. Production should start in the near future.

The PTS-4 It is a further development of the previous PTS-2. This amphibious vehicle is designed to carry cargo, troops, artillery pieces, wheeled and tracked combat vehicles over water obstacles or in off-road conditions. This amphibious vehicle can be also used for naval landing operations or carry cargo from landing ship to shore. It can operate at Sea State 3.

The PTS-4 has a boxy, open watertight hull. It has improved payload capacity over its predecessor. This amphibious vehicle can carry 12 t on land and 18 t on water. It has a rear ramp for loading and unloading operations. The rear cargo area can be covered with bows and canvas cover.

The PTS-4 has a fully-enclosed armored cab. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Armored forward control cab also provides some degree of protection for the troops or vehicles carried in the rear cargo area. It seems that the cab also has NBC protection. It accommodates commander and driver of the vehicle.

This military vehicle is armed with a remotely controlled 12.7 mm heavy machine gun for self-defense. It is mounted on the roof over vehicle commander's position. A total of 400 rounds are carried for the machine gun.

This amphibian is powered by a V-84MS multi-fuel turbocharged diesel engine, developing 840 hp. This engine is also used on the Russian T-90 main battle tank. Vehicle uses a number of automotive components of the T-80 main battle tank. On water this tracked cargo vehicle is propelled by two waterjets. Waterjets and tracks can be used simultaneously for exiting water obstacles. Amphibious speed on water is up to 15 km/h. The PTS-4 has good cross-country mobility due to its powerful engine and tracked configuration. It can go over snow, sand and marshlands. This amphibian has a road range of 600 km or can operate 10.5 hours on water. The PTS-4 is fitted with 15 t capacity loading winches, that are used to load disabled vehicles.