WZT-3
| WZT-3 | |
|---|---|
WZT-3 in 2015 |
|
| General properties | |
| crew | 4 (commander, driver, 2 tank mechanics) |
| length | 8.30 m |
| width | 3.60 m |
| height | 2.71 m |
| Dimensions | 42 tons |
| Armor and armament | |
| Main armament | 1 × 12.7 mm NSW machine gun |
| agility | |
| drive | W-46-6 12-cylinder diesel engine 582 kW (780 PS ) |
| suspension | Torsion bar |
| Top speed | 60 km / h |
| Power / weight | 13.8 kW / ton |
| Range | 450 km (road) |
The WZT-3 (from Polish W óz Z abezpieczenia T echnicznego ; in German armored recovery vehicle ) is a Polish armored recovery vehicle based on the chassis of the T-72M , which was manufactured under license in VR Poland . It serves as a mobile workshop and has the task of repairing or towing the broken down armored vehicles of the armored units.
Development history and technology
The WZT-3 was developed in the late 1980s to support the T-72 main battle tank of the Polish Army, which was introduced in 1978 and manufactured under license. The previous armored recovery version WZT-2 , based on the chassis of the T-55 , was not able to tow the heavier T-72. The first prototypes of the new armored recovery vehicle were tested from 1986 to 1988, production began in 1988 and was discontinued in 1989 due to logistical and financial difficulties. In total, only 20 of these recovery vehicles were built.
The WZT-3 is based on a modified T-72M tank chassis. It is equipped with a crane, a winch and a dozer blade . The shield serves primarily as a support for crane work and as a spur when pulling winches, earth movements are possible to a limited extent . The main task of this vehicle is to transport damaged tracked vehicles from the battlefield . The slewing crane has a maximum hook load of 15 tons for the 5.8 m boom and 13.5 tons for the 8 m boom. The crane is less powerful compared to modern western armored recovery vehicles. However, a T-72 turret or the drive unit of a main battle tank can be raised without any problems. The recovery vehicle also has a mechanical winch with 31 tons of pulling power, which can be increased to 62 tons with the help of a pulley system . A tensioning device ensures that the rope is evenly tensioned when the 200 m long rope is rolled up and unrolled. The WZT-3 has a trailer load of around 50,000 kg.
The tank is equipped with NBC protection and automatic fire extinguishing systems. The armament includes a roof-mounted 12.7 mm NSW machine gun for self-defense against ground and air targets. A smoke-throwing system with a total of twelve throwing cups (eight on the right and four on the left front) enables the crew to avoid the eyes of the enemy in battle.
The WZT-3M is a modernized variant from the 2000s, which is based on the chassis of a PT-91 .
equipment
- 1 main winch with 280 kN pulling force
- 1 auxiliary rope winch with a pulling force of 20 kN and a rope length of 400 meters
- 1 telescopic hydraulic crane TD-50 with a maximum lifting capacity of 15 tons and an adjustable arm from 5.8 to 8 meters
- Electrical and acetylene welding and cutting equipment
- Dozer blade
- Various tools, air compressor
literature
- WZT-3- niedoceniony eksportowy hit z Łabęd, Nowa Technika Wojskowa No. 7/2004.
