BTR-60PB

   The BTR-60PB armored personnel carrier is a further development of the previous BTR-60PA. This APC was produced in large numbers. Its production commenced in 1966 and ceased in 1976. For a long period of time the BTR-60PB was used to transport Soviet motorized infantry troops. It has also been exported to a number of countries. Despite its age, the BTR-60PB is still in service with at least 30 operators worldwide.

   This armored personnel carrier has a welded steel hull. Armor protection has been improved over the previous model. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. All-round protection is against 7.62 mm rounds from a 100 m range. In combat order front windscreens are covered with armored shutters. The BTR-60PB is equipped with an NBC protection system.

   The BTR-60PB is fitted with a turret, which mounts a 14.5 mm heavy machine gun and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. It is worth mentioning that the previous BTR-60PA had no turret. This turret was originally developed for the BRDM-2 armored scout car. The 14.5 mm machine gun penetrates 32 mm armor plate at 500 m range.

   The BTR-60PB accommodates eight soldiers, plus the crew of two. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via side or roof hatches. Though the entry is rather uncomfortable. Furthermore in case of ambush the troops had to leave the vehicle under direct enemy fire. There are a number of firing ports provided for the troops to fire their individual weapons.

   Engine compartment of the BTR-60PB is located at the rear of the hull. This was made in order to improve weight distribution and amphibious capabilities. Such engine layout had some disadvantages including cramped crew compartment and awkward entry. However Soviet military insisted on amphibious qualities of the vehicle and the BTR series 8x8 APCs are produced to this day with rear-mounted engines.

   The BTR-60PB is powered by two GAZ-49B petrol engines, developing 90 hp each. These were standard truck engines, produced in quantity. This APC used a number of other standard automotive components in order to reduce production cost and to simplify maitenance. In case of emergency, the BTR-60PB can move with one engine disabled. Also it will keep on moving without any two wheels. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. A self-recovery winch is fitted as standard. The BTR-60PB is fully amphibious. Mobility of this armored vehicle allows to operate alongside tanks, though it looses in terms of off-road performance to tracked armored personnel carriers. On water it is propelled by a single waterjet.

   The BTR-60PB was replaced in production with improved BTR-70 APC. In the 1980s most of the Soviet Army BTR-60s were replaced in service by the BTR-70 and BTR-80 APCs

Variants

   BTR-60PBK command post vehicle, fitted with additional radios and power generator. It entered production in 1975.

   BTR-60PU and BTR-60PU12, turretless command vehicles, fitted with two collapsible frame antennas and a telescopic mast.

   BTR-60PZ, improved version with a higher inclination of machine guns. It is capable of firing at a flying targets.

   1V18 Klyon-1 artillery command and forward observation vehicle, used by battery commanders.

   1V19 Klyon-2 artillery fire direction center, used by battalion commanders.

   Turretless communication vehicle.

   turretless air defense command vehicle.

   Signals vehicle.

   Radio relay station.

   BTR-70 is an improved version which replaced in production the BTR-60PB. This armored vehicle is longer and has triangular-shaped side entry hatches for the crew, located between the 2nd and 3rd axles. It uses the same turret as the BTR-60PB. The BTR-70 entered service with the Soviet Army in 1972. This APC was kept in secrecy and was publicly revealed only in 1980.