OT-64 / SKOT

   The OT-64 / SKOT armored personnel carrier was jointly developed by Poland and Czechoslovakia in the early 1960s. Hulls and armament were supplied by the Polish FCS, while the final assembly was made in Czechoslovakia by Tatra. Deliveries commenced in 1964. Production of this APC ceased in the early 90s. This armored personnel carrier was designated as the OT-64 in Czechoslovakia as the SKOT in Poland. This APC is now obsolete and is currently replaced with modern designs, however it is still in service with some foreign operators, including Algeria, Egypt, Uruguay and some other countries.

   This APC is generally similar to the Soviet BTR-60P, however Polish and Czechoslovakian designers made a number of improvements to their armored vehicle. Engine compartment is located at the middle of the hull. It is worth mentioning that a rear-mounted engine of the BTR-60 series APCs was considered a significant drawback, as troops had to dismount via hull sides and roof hatches under fire.

   The OT-64 / SKOT provides all-round protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It is fitted with NBC protection system.

   The original Czechoslovakian OT-64 armored personnel carriers carried no armament, as these were considered as armored transport vehicles. Polish SKOTs were fitted with a single 7.62-mm machine gun, mounted over the troop compartment. Interim production models in both countries carried shielded 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine guns. Later all APCs were retrofitted with turrets, similar to the BTR-60PB. These turrets were armed with 14.5-mm heavy machine gun and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.

   This armored personnel carrier has a crew of two and accommodates up to 18 fully-equipped troops. Troop compartment is located at the hull rear. Soldiers dismount via rear doors or roof hatches. Commander and driver dismount via their individual side or roof hatches. There are some firing ports provided for the troops.

   The OT-64 / SKOT uses a number of automotive components of the Tatra T813 8x8 heavy utility truck. Vehicle is powered by a Tatra T928-14 air-cooled diesel engine, developing 180 hp. This armored personnel carrier has a central tyre inflation system. Vehicle is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.

Variants

   OT-64B / SKOT-2 improved variants, armed with shielded 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine guns;

   OT-64C / SKOT-2A improved model, fitted with turret similar to that of the Soviet BTR-60PB APC. These turrets were armed with 14.5-mm heavy machine gun and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. All Polish and Czechoslovakian APCs were retrofitted with these turrets. This vehicle has a crew of three and accommodates 15 troops;

   SKOT-2AP a Polish variant, fitted with indigenous turret. Armored personnel carriers fitted with these turrets were capable of engaging low flying air targets. This APC has a crew of three and accommodates 15 troops;

   DPT-65 Czechoslovakian armored recovery vehicle;

   OT-64R signals vehicle;

   armored command vehicle.