Belarus-based Minotor Service has developed an upgrade package for the PT-76 light amphibious tank, which was originally manufactured at the Volgograd Tractor Plant.
The upgraded PT-76 is designated the PT-76M by Minotor Service, and the enhancements are focused on mobility and firepower.
The original PT-76 was fitted with a two-person turret armed with a 76.2 mm rifled gun and a 7.62 mm SGMT coaxial machine gun (MG); subsequently some PT-76s were fitted with a roof-mounted 12.7 mm DShKM MG also.
The PT-76M features the BMP-2 IFV turret. (Minotor Service)
The PT-76M upgrade sees this turret replaced by the complete unit fitted to the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), with the commander seated on the right and the gunner on the left. This turret features a stabilised 30 mm 2A42 dual-feed cannon and a 7.62 mm PKT co-axial MG. A total of 500 rounds of 30 mm and 2,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition is carried.
Installed on the roof of the turret is a launcher for the KBP Instrument Design Bureau Konkurs 9M113M anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW).
The missile has a maximum range of 4,000 m and is fitted with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, which will penetrate 670 mm of conventional steel armour protected by explosive reactive armour (ERA).
The Konkurs 9M113M ATGW has a semi-automatic command-to-line of sight (SACLOS) guidance system, requiring the operator to keep his sight on the target until missile impact. A total of four missiles are carried.
Mounted either side of the turret is a bank of three 81 mm electrically operated grenade launchers.
The standard PT-76 powerpack consists of a Model V-6B water-cooled diesel developing 240 hp and coupled to a manual transmission. This gives the platform a maximum road speed of 44 km/h and a range of around 370 km on the internal fuel supply.
The PT-76M upgrade introduces a UTD-20S1 diesel unit that develops 300 hp and is coupled to a manual transmission.
