OT-64 SKOT Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier and tungsten alloy military

The OT-64 SKOT (Czech acronym for: Střední Kolový Obrněný Transportér, and/or Polish Średni Kołowy Opancerzony Transporter) is an amphibious armored personnel carrier (8x8), developed jointly by Poland and Czechoslovakia (ČSSR) well into the 1960s.

SKOT was intended to replace the halftrack OT-810, which was nearly identical to the German SdKfz 251 from World War II. The first prototype was built in 1959. In 1961 the first sample series were built and starting from October 1963 the vehicles were produced in Lublin, Poland by Fabryka Samochodów Ciężarowych. Czechoslovakia supplied the driveline components, ie. the engine, transmission and axles.

The first production vehicles were delivered in 1964 to both Polish and Czechoslovak army and many are still in use today. Both Polish and Czech units are gradually replaced by newer vehicles. Czech units are scheduled to be replaced between 2007 and 2012.

The OT-64's engine, transmission, suspension and axles were produced in Czechoslovakia. The engine was produced by Tatra and the transmission by Praga. The armored hull and weapons were produced in Poland.

The OT-64 was the answer to the Soviet BTR-60. Contrary to this the OT-64 used a diesel set in place of a petrol engine. That diminished the danger of fire and at the same time increased the range. The main advantage in relation to the Russian counterpart was the full-armored interior. The entrance is at the rear of the vehicle via twin doorsa. The OT-64 was air-transportable and amphibious. For the amphibious drive the vehicle used two screws installed at the back. The OT-64 had an NBC protection facility and night-vision equipment.

Several variants were built. Some OT-64 were re-equipped for air defense or built as tank hunters. The latter used the AT-3 Sagger missile as a weapon.

OT-64 SKOT entered service with Polish and Czechoslovak armies in 1963.It was produced until early 1970s. It still is in service with Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. OT-64 SKOT was also exported to eleven different countries 

(Algeria, Cambodia, India, Iraq, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria, Uganda and Uruguay). A total number of vehicles produced for the Polish Army, the Czechoslovak Army and for export is 4,500.

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