Czech Republic Poland
OT-64/SKOT Armored Personnel Carrier
Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide

OT-64
GENERAL DATA
  OT-64C(1)
Alternative Designations SKOT-2A
Country of OriginCzech Republic, Poland
RoleAmphibious armored personnel carrier
Date Of Introduction 1964, original OT-64
Crew 2 (commander, driver) + 10 passengers
Combat Weight 16 tons (14.5 mt)
Ground Pressure ?
Drive Formula8 x 8
Length, Overall 24.41 ft (7.44 m)
Width, Overall 8.37 ft (2.55 m)
Height, Hull Top 6.76 ft (2.06 m)
Height, Turret Top 8.89 ft (2.71 m)
Ground Clearance18.1 in (460 mm)
PERFORMANCE
  OT-64C(1)
Engine180 hp (134 kw) diesel
Range441 miles (710 km)
Fuel Capacity87 gal (330 l)
Road Speed58 mph (94 km/h)
Cross Country Speed?
Swim Speed5.6 mph (9 km/h)
Fording DepthAmphibious
Grade60%
Side Slope30%
Trench Crossing6.6 ft (2.0 m)
Vertical Wall Climb1.6 ft (0.5 m)
PROTECTION
  OT-64C(1)
ArmorHull: 0.39 in (10 mm).  Turret: 0.55 in (14 mm).
Applique ArmorN/A
Explosive Reactive ArmorN/A
Active Protective SystemN/A
NBC Protection SystemYes
Smoke EquipmentN/A
ARMAMENT
OT-64C(1)
Type Mount Typical Ammo Load
14.5mm KPVT heavy machine gun Turret; Belt feed 500
7.62mm PKT machine gun Coaxial to main gun 2,000
Firing ports: 2 on each side of troop compartment, 1 on each of two rear doors.
FIRE CONTROL
  OT-64C(1)
Fire Control SystemN/A
Main Gun StabilizationN/A
RangefinderN/A
Infrared SearchlightYes

NOTES

Jointly developed and used by the Czech Republic (former Czechoslovakia) and Poland in place of the similar Soviet BTR-60 (8 x 8) APC, the OT-64 (SKOT) is the official designation of this armored personnel carrier with the designation "OT-64" often being used in the West.

The OT-64 is a fully amphibious vehicle that is propelled through the water by two propellers mounted at the rear of the hull. The vehicle has an all-welded steel hull with the crew compartment at the very front, engine immediately behind and the troop compartment at the very rear. The vehicle is steered by the front four wheels. The driver is seated at the front of the vehicle on the left side with the commander to the driver's right.

VARIANTS

OT-64A (SKOT)
The basic model of the OT-64 series of vehicles, the OT-64As used by the Czech Republic are unarmed while those used by Poland are fitted on both sides with open pintle mounts for 7.62mm machine guns. Five hatches are fitted over the troop compartment, two open to the left of the vehicle, two open to the right of the vehicle and the center one opens forward. The five hatches can be locked vertical. Some OT-64As have been observed with two Sagger ATGWs mounted over the top of the troop compartment. Four Sagger ATGWs are carried.
OT-64B (SKOT-2)
This model has been used only by Poland and has a pintle-mounted 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun. The gun has a shield that gives front and side protection to the gunner, but has an open top and open rear. The OT-64B has three hatches over the troop compartment: one opens forward and the other two open to each side.
OT-64B
OT-64C(1) (SKOT-2A)
See data above.

IN0534: OT-64C(1) OT-64C(1)
Recognition features:
  • An 8 x 8 chassis with space in middle of vehicle between the second and third axles.
  • A wedge-shaped front and flat rear.
  • A one-man centrally-mounted turret similar to those fitted to the Soviet BRDM-2 (4 x 4) reconnaissance vehicle and the BTR-60PB.
  • A single-piece rear-opening door on each side beside the commander and driver.
  • driver's single-piece hatch cover that opens to the rear and three periscopes for vision to his front and sides.
  • A commander's single-piece hatch cover that opens forward with a periscope in the forward part which can be traversed through 360°.
  • A searchlight mounted to the roof between the driver's and commander's positions.
  • Air inlets and outlets for the engine on top of the hull and exhaust pipes on each side of the hull.
  • The turret mounted on an eight-sided plinth (lower turret platform) for weapon depression.
  • Two troop entry/exit doors in the rear of the hull, each with a firing port.
  • Four roof hatches that are hinged on the outside and can be locked vertically, each with a firing port.
  • Two firing ports in each side of the troop compartment.
  • A trim vane that is erected on the front of the vehicle before entering the water and stowed on the glacis plate when travelling.
  • A winch mounted at the front of the hull.
OT-64C(1) with OT-62B Turret
This version is used by Morocco with the original turret replaced by the same turret as installed on the OT-62B full-tracked APC.
OT-64C(2) (SKOT-2AP)
This version is used only by Poland and is similar to the OT-64C(1) except that it has a new turret with a curved top. It is armed with a 14.5mm KPVT machine gun with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun mounted to the right of the main armament and the sight to the left. The weapons have an increased elevation capability, which allows them to be used against aircraft. Some vehicles have been observed with a single Sagger ATGW mounted on each side of the turret. The turret on this model is also installed on the OT-62C tracked APC.
OT-64C(2)
OT-64 DTP
Repair and maintenance vehicle.
OT-64 R-2M, OT-64 R-2AM
Command models of the OT-64.
OT-64 R-3MT, OT-64 R-4MT
Signals models of the OT-64 with additional communications equipment and radio antennas.
OT-64 Recovery Vehicle (SKOT-WPT)
A recovery vehicle based on the OT-64 is known to be in service with Poland. This is armed with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun and is provided with a light crane for changing components in the field.

Last updated:  28-FEB-2008
Copyright ©2008 Gary W. Cooke
To the best of my knowledge all military data and images presented in these pages are UNCLASSIFIED, NON-SENSITIVE, and approved for public release.

IN0534 Vehicle Recognition (Threat Armor), Edition D.