VT-55A Recovery vehicle

[Martinnfb]

The VT-55 is an armored recovery vehicle designed in Czechoslovakia. The VT-55 is based on the chassis of the T-55 main battle tank. Unlike the earlier Soviet BTS models all VT-55 were produced on a new chassis. The VT-55 features a small 1.5 t crane and cargo platform over the engine deck.With its built-in crane it is possible to lift loads up to 1.5 tons. Another use of the VT-55A is in the transport of spare parts weighing up to 3 tons to damaged equipment.

The development of the VT-55 version began at the Turčianske strojárni n.p Martin Development Plant in 1964 with the partial use of the license documentation of the Soviet recovery tank on the T-54 chassis (BTS-II). During the development, two prototypes were built, subjected to tests. Development was completed in 1968. A testing series was produced in 1969, serial production took place from 1969 to 1983. About 20% of the vehicles produced were bought by the Czechoslovak People's Army (ČSLA), exports to the former Warsaw Pact countries accounted for about 50%, the rest, about 30% bought the so-called non-socialist states.

Models:

1/35 Panzer shop conversion set

 

1/35 Botond conversion set

1/35 Legend Production

[Martinnfb]

[Martinnfb]

[DocRob]

Interesting conversion possibility, Martin. Back in Berlin, a friend of mine got a drive session in one of these as a birthday present. The tank dated back to the NVA (East German Army). Not the best pictures, but clearly show, how to get your tank muddy .

Cheers Rob