CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank)

MT-55KS
MT-55A bridge tank


Research and development work began while still in the development design of the then J. V. Zavody. Stalin in Martin in 1961. In 1962-63, two working samples of the vehicle were produced, and after their trials in late 1964, a prototype was produced, with which extensive tests were carried out. Development was completed in early 1967. A validation batch of 5 units was produced in 1968, and serial production took place in 1969-1983. In the course of the development of this product, 5 Čsl. 5 author's certificates related to the superstructure design. Deliveries of these vehicles to the CSLA accounted for about 15%, exports to the former Warsaw Pact countries accounted for about 65%, exports to the so-called non-socialist countries accounted for about 20% of the quantity produced.
The vehicle is equipped with an accurate rangefinder for determining the width of the obstacle to be bridged.
MT 55 A, even with a loaded bridge, is capable of crossing a 1000m wide water obstacle by deep wading to a depth of 4m using the "RIEKA" device.
The MT 55 A is an armoured vehicle with gunnery and anti-radiation resistance on par with the T 55 A tank, designed for rapid bridging of water, terrain and other obstacles and roadblocks in contact with enemy fire. The power unit, transmission and chassis are unified with the T 55 A tank.


Main technical parameters of MT 55A:


Weight : 36 000 kg
crew : 2 men
max. speed : 50 km/h
specific power : 11,83 kW/t
range without additional barrels : 500 km
bridge capacity : 50 t
max. width of obstacle to be bridged : 17.5 m
time required to lay the bridge : 3 min.
time required to load the bridge : 5-8 min.
length of the bridge when unfolded : 18 m
bridge width : 3.3 m
bridge weight : 6500 kg
Placing mechanism : 4-hinge, fully hydraulic (hydraulic cylinders), with electrical system for automated bridge laying and loading process.


Source : MOT 8/2000



Further information
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#47346 Version : 0
Bridge tank MT-55A



The development of the bridge tank, which was to be based on the T-55 tank's underbody, began in the spring of 1964 on the basis of technical-tactical requirements of the Ministry of Defence - Headquarters of the Engineer Troops, sent to the ZTEES Martin Directorate. According to them, the length of the scissor-type bridge was to reach 18 m when opened and the width was not to exceed 3.4 m. In addition, the tank was to be equipped with protection against weapons of mass destruction, fire protection and deep wading kit "RIEKA".


The main designer of the bridge tank project was the TEES Martin Development Plant. VOP 025 Nový Jičín and some other companies cooperated with it on the project. By the end of June 1964 the final design was completed, according to which a prototype vehicle was produced by December 1964. Functional tests with the prototype began in February 1965. However, their progress was interrupted by an accident of the laying mechanism. The prototype underwent further modifications. The company and the following control tests of the prototype were carried out in Martin from June to the end of October 1965.


The tests were divided into driving and special tests, in which the functionality of the superstructure was verified.During these tests, the prototype was driven in the area of the future Liptovská Mara dam with the bridge for 1,500 km and without the bridge for 500 km.During the special tests, there were failures in the hydraulic system. On the basis of these facts, the test committee evaluated the prototype as satisfactory in terms of meeting the technical-tactical parameters, but as unsatisfactory in terms of functional reliability. The development plant therefore proceeded to further modify the prototype. The hydraulic system and the most stressed parts of the laying mechanism were modified. On the first of July 1966, the modified prototype was handed over for repeated company and inspection tests. The prototype drove 200 km without failure in the approach tests, but failed again in the special tests due to the cracking of the spoon of the laying mechanism and the rear support bracket. In early May 1967, following a report from TEES Martin that the defects had been rectified, the prototype was subjected to military trials, which ended in October 1967 with a negative result. Again there were malfunctions on the laying mechanism and the bridge pin cracked. In view of this, the prototype underwent further extensive modifications.


The modified prototype was subjected to driving and functional tests on the TEES Martin company polygon from 1 February to 24 April 1968, in which the prototype was successful. This was followed by the production of 5 vehicles of the validation series at TEES Martin. Two of the units underwent major inspection tests at the Military Test Centre 020 Doksy. The centre carried out intensive driving-technical and special tests with the vehicles, in which the vehicles passed. After the tests, one bridge tank was retained by VOP 025 Nový Jičín as a model vehicle and the other one was taken over by the Military Academy in Brno after overhaul. The remaining three units were temporarily taken over by the 1st Tank Division, which used them until mid-1973, when they were sent for overhaul. In December 1969, the MNO approved the documentation for serial production of the bridge tank under the designation MT-55A (later supplemented).


Serial production lasted from 1973 to 1983, with a total of 1,270 MT-55A units delivered for the needs of the CSFA. The bridge tanks were incorporated into the line-up of tank regiments of tank divisions, tank battalions of motorized artillery regiments and tank regiments of motorized artillery divisions, as well as engineer battalions, engineer brigades.




Source : TURZA Peter - Bridge Tank from Martin OBRANA No.10 2011


Photo : MIHÁLIK Miroslav, ing. - VHÚ VHM Piešt'any
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - MT-55A ako exponát VHM Piešťany.

MT-55A ako exponát VHM Piešťany.
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#414410 Version : 0
The MT-55A bridge tank is designed for fast bridging:


- anti-tank trenches, walls and precipices on horizontal terrain,
- natural obstacles in rough terrain or artificial obstacles created by explosives,
- narrow water obstacles,


The bridge can also be used to reinforce poorly load-bearing bridges or to reinforce unload-bearing terrain sections, etc.


Dimensions of MT-55A with loaded bridge :
Length : 9880 mm
Width : 3300 mm
Height : 3350 mm
Clearance : 425 mm
Length with bridge laid flat : 27100 m


Range : on road 430 - 480 km / off road 270 - 300 km
Fuel consumption with bridge placement : 50 l/hour


Bridge : tracked, scissor bridge with two independent bridge decks


Folded bridge length : 9600 mm
Width of one track : 1150 mm
Track gap width : 1000 mm


The MT-55A can be transported :
- by rail on two Px or Paon railcars : the bogie on one car, the bridge deck on the other.
- on two sleepers with a capacity of 20 t,
- on its own axis,
- on a PM-55 transporter / bridge only /.



Source : Military bridges and water supply SVST 1984
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#254006 Version : 0
Abilities to overcome obstacles:


Max. 32° climb
Max. 30° lateral inclination
Trench width 2.7 m
Perpendicular wall height 0,7 m
Depth of ford without vehicle preparation 1,4 m


Driving under water:
- max. current speed 1 m/s
- width of water obstacle 1000 m
- max. water depth 4 m


Armament:
Samopal vz.58 1 pc
Hand grenades 15 pcs
Signal pistol 1 pc


Communications:
R-123


Propulsion and motion equipment:
V-55 engine
Fuel tank capacity without additional barrels 910 l
Number of gears 5
Controls mechanical, double power steering
Directional control, liquid
On-board mains 24 V


Night vision devices:
- Commander's observation instrument TKN-1
- Driver's observation device TVN-2


WMD protection:
In the event of a nuclear weapon explosion, an automatic shutdown occurs .
As the vehicle passes through the contaminated area, overpressure builds up in the vehicle.


The bridge tank storage device is equipped with a liquid-operated, high-pressure, three-circuit system, operated manually or electro-hydraulically. The source of pressurized oil is 4 pcs of ACK-16-7 pumps (piston, axial, high-pressure). Heating of the pressurized oil in the oil tank is provided by a heat exchanger in which hot water from the engine cooling and heating system flows.


Supplied oil quantity 50 l
Continuous working pressure 21.5 MPa (220 kp/cm2)
Short-term maximum pressure 27.5 MPa (280 kp/cm2)
Quantity of oil in the fluid system 350 l
Manifold - six section with two controlled fuse valves
Slide control - manual, electro-hydraulic in case of process automation



Source
1) Main tactical-technical data of tank and automobile equipment of the CSLA, Nasha vojsko, 1976
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#304338 Version : 0
The MT-55A bridge tank is designed to quickly bridge anti-tank roadblocks and other obstacles. It is a specially modified T-55A tank without turret and armament. It is equipped with a bridge and a device that allows laying a bridge over the obstacle.


The laying gear is driven by hydraulic cylinders. The distribution of pressurised fluid to the individual hydraulic cylinders is controlled by a distributor located inside the vehicle.


The chassis, driveline and transmission are essentially identical to the T-55A tank. The only difference is the arrangement of the groups in the combat compartment. The hull of the MT-55A has some minor modifications related to the incorporation of the bridge superstructure and the placement of the bridge on the chassis.


The bridge is placed on the obstacle by folding forward while simultaneously unfolding.


The MT-55A is folded :
- Hull,
- observation and orientation instruments,
- the propulsion and transmission gears,
- chassis,
- the laying gear,
- bridge,
- equipment for placing the bridge on the chassis,
- hydraulic system,
- electrical equipment,
- couplings,
- equipment for protection against the effects of WMD,
- fire-fighting and fume suppression equipment,
- equipment for underwater travel,
- spare parts equipment, tool accessories.


Armament


Observation device
During the day :
- Tank Commander : TPKU-2B + prismatic observation apparatus - 4 pcs,
- tank driver : prismatic observation device - 2 pcs.
-
At night :
- tank commander :TKN-1 infrared binoculars,
- tank driver : infrared TVN-2.


Main technical data :
TTD of the tank are identical to the T-55A medium tank


Bridge
Type : tracked, scissor type with two independent bridge legs,
Roadbed : steel plate with longitudinal mouldings and transverse roughening.
Load capacity : 50 t


Bridge dimensions in mm:
Bridge span length : 18000
Length of bridge clamped : 9600
Bridge width : 3300
Width of one track : 1150
Height of the spanned bridge at the centre : 8000


Bridge weight : approx. 6500 kg



Pressurised fluid source : ACK-16-7 piston, axial, high-pressure pump.
Number : 4
Quantity supplied : 45 l / min. ( one pump )
Max. Obstacle length : 17.5 m


Dimensions in mm:
Length : 9880 with bridge / transport position : 8450
Length with bridge on flat : 27100
Width : 3270 without bridge / with bridge loaded : 3300
Height : with loaded bridge 3350 / without bridge with laying device : 2800
Clearance . with loaded bridge : 425 / without bridge : 460



Weight kg : approx. 36000
Average speed in km/h :
- roads : 30 - 32
- off-road :15 - 25
- max. on road : 50


Range : 430 - 480 km / terrain : 270 - 300 km
Time required for bridge laying : 3 minutes / for bridge loading : 5 - 8 minutes


Crew : 2 men




Source : Žen-24-11[/baa] MT-55A bridge tank - Czechoslovak Army, Prague 1975 - VHÚ Bratislava
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - Predná časť.

Predná časť.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - Zadná časť.

Zadná časť.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - Korba.

Korba.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - MT-55A - popis.

MT-55A - popis.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - MT-55A bez mostu.

MT-55A bez mostu.
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#385865 Version : 0
MT-55A of the Slovak Army at the IDEE 2004 exhibition
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#46231 Version : 0

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niekde v muzeu
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#73957 Version : 0

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ten pískový MT-55A je v barvách IDF ( Israeli Defence Forces ) a je vystaven ve vojenském muzeu v Latrunu. Tyto mosťáky izraelská armáda ukořistila Egyptu během Šestidenní války v roce 1967 na Sinaji. Během této války IDF ukořistila několik set kusů nepoškozené vojenské techniky všeho druhu. Tato technika byla dost často egypťany opuštěna z důvodu nedostatku pohonných hmot a rychlým postupem izraelských jednotek.
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#97359 Version : 0

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MT-55KS


Vývoj: 1970
Výroba: 1971 - 1983
Počet vyrobených kusů: 183
Uživatelé: Indie, Irák



Stroj indické armády
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#127186 Version : 0
MT-55A without bridge plate
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#259137 Version : 0
MT-55A
CIAF 2009
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - vlastní foto

vlastní foto
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - vlastní foto

vlastní foto
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - vlastní foto

vlastní foto
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#325587 Version : 0

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Možnosti využitia MT-55A.




Zdroj : Žen-24-11 Mostný tank MT-55A – predpis ČSĽA, Praha 1975 - fond VHÚ Bratislava
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - Mostovka - popis.

Mostovka - popis.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - Pokladanie mostu na prekážku.

Pokladanie mostu na prekážku.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - Nakladanie mostu na tank.

Nakladanie mostu na tank.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - Varianty použitia MT-551.

Varianty použitia MT-551.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) - Pokladač - popis.

Pokladač - popis.
URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#385911 Version : 0
The MT-55A ("white 071") of the armaments 73. tank battalion, a Tank a day, Military technical museum, Lešany, 1.9.2012..
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#458486 Version : 0
the Monument and the museum of the Armored corps, Latrun own photo, 2017.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#586987 Version : 0
Brobandvagn 971 (BroBv 971), originally the east German BLG-60M2 purchased in 1999, in number of 32 pieces. Bogies for all of the east German bridge series tanks BLG-60's were made in Czechoslovakia.

Own photo, the museum Boden.
CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#619733 Version : 0

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Vlastný archív

CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


CZK - MT-55A (mostní tank) -


URL : https://www.valka.cz/CZK-MT-55A-mostni-tank-t10857#708446 Version : 0

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