od z archivu » 05 zář 2014, 18:38
In 60' it was supposed to be one of the best carriers in the world. It has very modern construction, but not everything was done according Czechoslovak constructers. It could be even better. It is hard to say if it was better than BTR. For exapmle, OT64 was better for crew, because they could leave and enter the carrier from the back and they were hiden from enemies. If I am not mistaken, from BTR soldiers were leaving from sides. But we can discuss about it ...
We can say, OT-64 was more difficult to maintain - however OT64 has Single Diesel Engine (BTR60 has 2 PETROL engines), impeccable Tatra Pedigree, relatively cheap (BTR was more expensive), good spares availibility and only 2.5 meters wide (BTR is 2.8m wide). OT64 was for up to 20 persons (BTR max 16). consumption 25-36% better then BTR and range 650km (BTR 600km). OT64 was capable of reaching speeds of around 100 km / h.
Most important was armor. OT64 was resistant against ammunition 7,62mm at all distances and 12,7mm from 400m. BTR was reistant only to non armor-piercing projectiles from 100m. Crew of OT64 was fully closed and better resisted to weapons of mass destruction.Originally OT-64A is armed with a 14.5 mm machine gun KPVT and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun SGMT, which was phased out progressively replaced by a tank machine gun 7.62 mm PKT
Of course there were some technical problems, but development most of them eliminated. New versions of BTR were in some or most points better.