Difference between revisions of "PT-76 (China)"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎Usage in battles: Added modules)
(→‎Machine guns: Updated)
 
(30 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card|code=cn_pt_76}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = PT-76 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=cn_pt_76
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''PT-76 (плавающий танк, plavayushchiy tank, or ПТ-76)''' is a Soviet amphibious light tank that went into service in the early 1950s and quickly became the standard reconnaissance tank of the Soviet Army and other Warsaw Pact armed forces. It was widely exported to other allies all over the world. As China's southeast coastal area was unrestful in late 1957, and the terrain was harsh with massive water networks and rivers, China was committed to developing an indigenous amphibious tank that would be deployed along the southeast coastal area in the event of future conflict. The development code "Project 211 ([[Object 211]])" was assigned in July 1958, and China purchased the Soviet Union's PT-76 amphibious light tank to acquire the technology. The project underwent numerous revisions before entering production as the [[Type 63-I|Type 63 amphibious light tank]]. Since an early variant of the PT-76 was imported to China, it lacks the two-plane stabilizer that subsequent variants feature.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]], the PT-76, as one of the first tanks to be armed with HEAT-FS, has little issue dealing with heavily armoured adversaries at any range. However, due to the restrictions of the main gun's calibre, post-penetration damage can be insufficient, necessitating additional shots. Nonetheless, it is a great asset to the Chinese Army's ground forces, which contributed to the development of the Type 63 amphibious light tank.
 +
 
 +
In [[Update "La Royale"]], the tank was hidden from the Chinese ground vehicles tree and is no longer available for research, though it will remain available for players who have researched and purchased the unit. Its place in the vehicle tree was replaced by the [[Object 211]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->'''Armour type:'''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
  
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
Line 15: Line 28:
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!Armour
+
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
−
!Front
 
−
!Sides
 
−
!Rear
 
−
!Roof
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
| Hull || 10 mm (80°) ''Top'' <br> 13 mm (44°) ''Bottom'' || 13 mm ''Top'' <br> 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 6 mm (1°) ''Top'' <br> 6 mm (46°) ''Bottom'' || 6 mm
−
|10 mm (80°) ''Top''
 
−
13 mm (44°) ''Bottom''
 
−
|13 mm ''Top''
 
−
10 mm ''Bottom''
 
−
|6 mm (1°) ''Top''
 
−
6 mm (46°) ''Bottom''
 
−
|6 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
+
| Turret || 15 mm (32-35°) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm (19-32°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm (35°) || 15 mm (35°) || 6 mm
−
|15 mm (32-35°) ''Turret front''
 
−
15 mm (19-32°) ''Gun mantlet''
 
−
|15 mm (35°)
 
−
|15 mm (34-35°)
 
−
|6 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Armour
+
| Cupola || 10 mm || 10 mm || 10 mm || 6 mm
−
!Sides
 
−
!Roof
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Cupola
 
−
|10 mm
 
−
|6 mm
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
Line 50: Line 42:
 
* Tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
* Tracks are 15 mm thick.
  
−
Almost every tank in the game will be able to destroy the PT-76 with relative ease due to its ultra-thin armour. Avoid tanks with access to heavy machine guns on their turrets such as most American tanks, the [[IS-2 (1944)|IS-2 1944]], etc. This vehicle has next to no armor due to its amphibious abilities and can be easily destroyed even by machine guns.
+
Almost every tank in the game will be able to destroy the PT-76 with relative ease due to its ultra-thin armour. Avoid tanks with access to heavy machine guns on their turrets such as most American tanks, the [[IS-2 (1944)]], etc. This vehicle has next to no armour due to its amphibious abilities and can be easily destroyed even by machine guns.
  
 
Also, keep well clear of enemy SPAA. 12.7 mm guns and above will absolutely wreck this tank. In particular, the Wirbelwind is a significant threat. It has good penetration at range and will literally saturate the vehicle with autocannon shells. Just a short burst from the quad 20 mm guns will finish the PT-76 off.
 
Also, keep well clear of enemy SPAA. 12.7 mm guns and above will absolutely wreck this tank. In particular, the Wirbelwind is a significant threat. It has good penetration at range and will literally saturate the vehicle with autocannon shells. Just a short burst from the quad 20 mm guns will finish the PT-76 off.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 372|rbMinHp= 212}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=372|rbMinHp=212}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
Go for parts and FPE (safety first) and then go for the AP and HEATFS shells so penetrating enemies won't be such a problem anymore. Then go for mobility modifications and then the ESS.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|D-56T (76 mm)}}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[D-56T (76 mm)|76 mm D-56T]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+31° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 16.2 || 22.4 || 27.2 || 30.1 || 32.0 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 10.1 || 11.9 || 14.5 || 16.0 || 17.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== Machine guns ===
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
+
{{:D-56T (76 mm)/Ammunition|BR-354N, 53-BR-354, BK-354M, OF-350M}}
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB). -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_PT-76B.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
Since the PT-76 doesn't have much armour, avoid directly confronting enemy tanks. In order to defeat heavy/medium tanks, watch them and fire when they are not aiming or focusing on you. Use the light tank's manoeuvrability and fire rate to deliver pin-point hits onto the enemy's flanks, then retreat back in to cover before they can get a fix on the firing location. The PT-76 is also helpful in scouting enemy positions for its allies so they can bring in more firepower. As previously mentioned, this tank does not have the armour nor the crew to take on enemies head-on, so try to remain stealthy. It functions great as a scout tank in [[Simulator Battles]].
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.55''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''40''' || 39&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
While the PT-76 has amphibious capabilities, it is not necessary to use them all the time. Keep in mind that the PT-76 can only go about 10 km/h in the water, so utilize the ability to travel on land as well. Instead, use the water to make an escape or take a shortcut. As an example, drive into the water if an enemy has spotted you, and take cover behind an off-shore rock. Driving through a river to flank the enemy is also possible if a bridge is not nearby. Take caution that reversing in the water is slow, if not nonexistent, which may get the PT-76 stuck if driven into an obstacle. Also make sure to check the map, as some maps like ''Eastern Europe'' have rivers with no way to get back onto land, or at least not many.
+
=== Machine guns ===
−
 
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
−
Otherwise, avoid directly confronting an enemy. Instead, take cover and scout. Another good tactic to use is watching the enemy - find a spot where they can't engage you and watch them. Wait for the right moment; when the enemy is reloading, aiming somewhere else, not noticing the PT-76, is attacking an ally, etc, quickly check to make sure no other enemy can target you and send a shell towards your enemy! Try to snipe at the enemy, but make sure to avoid '''all''' enemy fire, as all tanks can penetrate the PT-76's armour (even the [[GAZ-AAA (4M)]] technically has enough penetration to get through the tank's rear armour!).
+
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
−
 
+
{{main|Type 59 (7.62 mm)}}
−
The amphibious capabilities are a huge helper to the vehicle, allowing it to reach unusual sniper areas that vehicles without said capabilities could not reach (e.g. hiding behind the rocks near the jetty on Normandy). The incredible stabiliser also allows the PT-76 to simply sit in the water and blast away at enemies without them even realizing where the shots are from. Make sure to relocate after knocking out enemies or being spotted, however, as they will know the PT-76's location and likely broadcast it to other players, most often resulting in the PT-76 being destroyed.
 
  
−
The HEAT-FS shell is powerful in terms of penetration, but the post-penetration damage is lacking compared to other Soviet shells. Not to say that the BK-350M is weak (It's actually quite amazing for a HEAT shell), but oftentimes, 2 or more shots will be needed to destroy an enemy, particularly the more spacey vehicles like the Tiger 1 and Panther. It would be wise, therefore, to look up crew and module locations on enemy vehicles in order to make your shots as lethal as possible.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| I
+
! colspan="5" | [[Type 59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 59]]
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
| 53-BR-354
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|II
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| Airstrike
 
−
| BK-354M
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| III
+
| Coaxial || 1,000 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
| ESS
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| Improved optics
 
−
| NVD
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
Since the PT-76 doesn't have much armour, avoid directly confronting enemy tanks. In order to defeat heavy/medium tanks, watch them and fire when they are not aiming or focusing on you. Use the light tank's manoeuvrability and fire rate to deliver pin-point hits onto the enemy's flanks, then retreat back in to cover before they can get a fix on the firing location. The PT-76 is also helpful in scouting enemy positions for its allies so they can bring in more firepower. As previously mentioned, this tank does not have the armour nor the crew to take on enemies head-on, so try to remain stealthy. It functions great as a scout tank in [[Simulator Battles]].
 +
 +
While the PT-76 has amphibious capabilities, it is not necessary to use them all the time. Keep in mind that the PT-76 can only go about 10 km/h in the water, so utilize the ability to travel on land as well. Instead, use the water to make an escape or take a shortcut. As an example, drive into the water if an enemy has spotted you, and take cover behind an off-shore rock. Driving through a river to flank the enemy is also possible if a bridge is not nearby. Take caution that reversing in the water is slow, if not nonexistent, which may get the PT-76 stuck if driven into an obstacle. Also make sure to check the map, as some maps like ''Eastern Europe'' have rivers with no way to get back onto land, or at least not many.
 +
 +
Otherwise, avoid directly confronting an enemy. Instead, take cover and scout. Another good tactic to use is watching the enemy - find a spot where they can't engage you and watch them. Wait for the right moment; when the enemy is reloading, aiming somewhere else, not noticing the PT-76, is attacking an ally, etc, quickly check to make sure no other enemy can target you and send a shell towards your enemy! Try to snipe at the enemy, but make sure to avoid '''all''' enemy fire, as all tanks can penetrate the PT-76's armour (even the [[GAZ-AAA (4M)]] technically has enough penetration to get through the tank's rear armour!).
 +
 +
The amphibious capabilities are a huge helper to the vehicle, allowing it to reach unusual sniper areas that vehicles without said capabilities could not reach (e.g. hiding behind the rocks near the jetty on Normandy). Make sure to relocate after knocking out enemies or being spotted, however, as they will know the PT-76's location and likely broadcast it to other players, most often resulting in the PT-76 being destroyed.
 +
 +
The HEAT-FS shell is powerful in terms of penetration, but the post-penetration damage is lacking compared to other Soviet shells. Not to say that the BK-350M is weak (it's actually quite amazing for a HEAT shell), but oftentimes, 2 or more shots will be needed to destroy an enemy, particularly the more spacey vehicles like the Tiger 1 and Panther. It would be wise, therefore, to look up crew and module locations on enemy vehicles in order to make your shots as lethal as possible.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
Line 129: Line 132:
 
* Good mobility, amphibious
 
* Good mobility, amphibious
 
* Powerful HEAT-FS round
 
* Powerful HEAT-FS round
−
* Has access to Scouting
+
* Has access to scouting
 
* Low profile
 
* Low profile
 
* Much better gun elevation/depression speed than the Soviet [[PT-76B]]
 
* Much better gun elevation/depression speed than the Soviet [[PT-76B]]
Line 138: Line 141:
 
* Very poor armour, vulnerable to heavy machine gunfire
 
* Very poor armour, vulnerable to heavy machine gunfire
 
* Stock APCR round has disappointing angled performance and post-penetration damage
 
* Stock APCR round has disappointing angled performance and post-penetration damage
−
* Slow reload
 
 
* Easy target for aircraft
 
* Easy target for aircraft
−
* Can be hull-broken
+
* Susceptible to overpressure damage
 
* Looks very similar to the Soviet PT-76B (gun barrel is slightly different), can be confused for it in Simulator Battles
 
* Looks very similar to the Soviet PT-76B (gun barrel is slightly different), can be confused for it in Simulator Battles
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
{{main|PT-76B#History|l1=History of the PT-76}}
 +
 
 +
The People's Republic of China (PRC) received a number of PT-76 amphibious light tanks from the Soviet Union in the 1950s.
 +
 
 +
In 1958, the PLA decided to design an amphibious light tank of their own based off the PT-76. The first prototype, known as the WZ-221 or Type 60, was tested in 1959 and the final design was approved in December 1963. The final design had the factory designation WZ-211 and entered production as the Type 63. Upgraded variants of the Type 63 are still in service with the PLA as of 2021.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_pt_76 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|SJoW-2_6J6o|'''Amphibious tanks'''  discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:38  - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|YYkmREFrcC0|'''PT 76 - No Expert Crew Challenge''' - ''Napalmratte''|SJoW-2_6J6o|'''Amphibious tanks'''  discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:38  - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Type 63-I]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wikipedia:PT-76|[Wikipedia] PT-76]]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/USSR/soviet_PT-76.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> PT-76 light tank (1952)]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{China light tanks}}
 
{{China light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 01:11, 18 December 2023

This page is about the light tank PT-76 (China). For other versions, see PT-76 (Family).
␗PT-76
cn_pt_76.png
GarageImage PT-76 (China).jpg
␗PT-76
China flag.png China
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.0 5.0
Class:
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

The PT-76 (плавающий танк, plavayushchiy tank, or ПТ-76) is a Soviet amphibious light tank that went into service in the early 1950s and quickly became the standard reconnaissance tank of the Soviet Army and other Warsaw Pact armed forces. It was widely exported to other allies all over the world. As China's southeast coastal area was unrestful in late 1957, and the terrain was harsh with massive water networks and rivers, China was committed to developing an indigenous amphibious tank that would be deployed along the southeast coastal area in the event of future conflict. The development code "Project 211 (Object 211)" was assigned in July 1958, and China purchased the Soviet Union's PT-76 amphibious light tank to acquire the technology. The project underwent numerous revisions before entering production as the Type 63 amphibious light tank. Since an early variant of the PT-76 was imported to China, it lacks the two-plane stabilizer that subsequent variants feature.

Introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision", the PT-76, as one of the first tanks to be armed with HEAT-FS, has little issue dealing with heavily armoured adversaries at any range. However, due to the restrictions of the main gun's calibre, post-penetration damage can be insufficient, necessitating additional shots. Nonetheless, it is a great asset to the Chinese Army's ground forces, which contributed to the development of the Type 63 amphibious light tank.

In Update "La Royale", the tank was hidden from the Chinese ground vehicles tree and is no longer available for research, though it will remain available for players who have researched and purchased the unit. Its place in the vehicle tree was replaced by the Object 211.

General info

Survivability and armour

ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull13 / 10 / 6
Turret15 / 15 / 15
Crew3 people
Visibility75 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 10 mm (80°) Top
13 mm (44°) Bottom 		13 mm Top
10 mm Bottom 		6 mm (1°) Top
6 mm (46°) Bottom 		6 mm
Turret 15 mm (32-35°) Turret front
15 mm (19-32°) Gun mantlet 		15 mm (35°) 15 mm (35°) 6 mm
Cupola 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm 6 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick.
  • Tracks are 15 mm thick.

Almost every tank in the game will be able to destroy the PT-76 with relative ease due to its ultra-thin armour. Avoid tanks with access to heavy machine guns on their turrets such as most American tanks, the IS-2 (1944), etc. This vehicle has next to no armour due to its amphibious abilities and can be easily destroyed even by machine guns.

Also, keep well clear of enemy SPAA. 12.7 mm guns and above will absolutely wreck this tank. In particular, the Wirbelwind is a significant threat. It has good penetration at range and will literally saturate the vehicle with autocannon shells. Just a short burst from the quad 20 mm guns will finish the PT-76 off.

Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
Speedforward / back
AB49 / 8 km/h
RB and SB44 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight14.0 t
Engine power
AB458 hp
RB and SB240 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB32.7 hp/t
RB and SB17.1 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 49 8 14 372 458 26.57 32.71
Realistic 44 7 212 240 15.14 17.14

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 214 → 1 744 Sl icon.png
RB1 497 → 2 151 Sl icon.png
SB1 838 → 2 641 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications34 800 Rp icon.png
67 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training39 000 Sl icon.png
Experts135 000 Sl icon.png
Aces550 Ge icon.png
Research Aces390 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 120 / 160 % Sl icon.png
154 / 154 / 154 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_ussr_AP_53_ammo_pack
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_ussr_HEAT_53_ammo_pack
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png

Go for parts and FPE (safety first) and then go for the AP and HEATFS shells so penetrating enemies won't be such a problem anymore. Then go for mobility modifications and then the ESS.

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm D-56T cannon
Ammunition40 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-4° / 31°
Main article: D-56T (76 mm)
76 mm D-56T Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 40 -4°/+31° ±180° N/A 16.2 22.4 27.2 30.1 32.0 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 10.1 11.9 14.5 16.0 17.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
BR-354N APCR 152 148 129 109 92 78
BR-354 APHE 99 97 89 80 72 65
BK-354M HEATFS 200 200 200 200 200 200
OF-350M HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
BR-354N APCR 950 3.3 - - - 66° 70° 72°
BR-354 APHE 655 6.5 1.2 14 49.28 47° 60° 65°
BK-354M HEATFS 700 7 0.05 0.1 550 65° 72° 77°
OF-350M HE 680 6.2 0.05 0.1 621 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the PT-76 (China)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
40 39 (+1) 25 (+15) 1 (+39) No

Machine guns

7.62 mm Type 59 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Type 59 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm Type 59
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,000 (250) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Since the PT-76 doesn't have much armour, avoid directly confronting enemy tanks. In order to defeat heavy/medium tanks, watch them and fire when they are not aiming or focusing on you. Use the light tank's manoeuvrability and fire rate to deliver pin-point hits onto the enemy's flanks, then retreat back in to cover before they can get a fix on the firing location. The PT-76 is also helpful in scouting enemy positions for its allies so they can bring in more firepower. As previously mentioned, this tank does not have the armour nor the crew to take on enemies head-on, so try to remain stealthy. It functions great as a scout tank in Simulator Battles.

While the PT-76 has amphibious capabilities, it is not necessary to use them all the time. Keep in mind that the PT-76 can only go about 10 km/h in the water, so utilize the ability to travel on land as well. Instead, use the water to make an escape or take a shortcut. As an example, drive into the water if an enemy has spotted you, and take cover behind an off-shore rock. Driving through a river to flank the enemy is also possible if a bridge is not nearby. Take caution that reversing in the water is slow, if not nonexistent, which may get the PT-76 stuck if driven into an obstacle. Also make sure to check the map, as some maps like Eastern Europe have rivers with no way to get back onto land, or at least not many.

Otherwise, avoid directly confronting an enemy. Instead, take cover and scout. Another good tactic to use is watching the enemy - find a spot where they can't engage you and watch them. Wait for the right moment; when the enemy is reloading, aiming somewhere else, not noticing the PT-76, is attacking an ally, etc, quickly check to make sure no other enemy can target you and send a shell towards your enemy! Try to snipe at the enemy, but make sure to avoid all enemy fire, as all tanks can penetrate the PT-76's armour (even the GAZ-AAA (4M) technically has enough penetration to get through the tank's rear armour!).

The amphibious capabilities are a huge helper to the vehicle, allowing it to reach unusual sniper areas that vehicles without said capabilities could not reach (e.g. hiding behind the rocks near the jetty on Normandy). Make sure to relocate after knocking out enemies or being spotted, however, as they will know the PT-76's location and likely broadcast it to other players, most often resulting in the PT-76 being destroyed.

The HEAT-FS shell is powerful in terms of penetration, but the post-penetration damage is lacking compared to other Soviet shells. Not to say that the BK-350M is weak (it's actually quite amazing for a HEAT shell), but oftentimes, 2 or more shots will be needed to destroy an enemy, particularly the more spacey vehicles like the Tiger 1 and Panther. It would be wise, therefore, to look up crew and module locations on enemy vehicles in order to make your shots as lethal as possible.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good mobility, amphibious
  • Powerful HEAT-FS round
  • Has access to scouting
  • Low profile
  • Much better gun elevation/depression speed than the Soviet PT-76B

Cons:

  • Lacks the two-plane stabilizer of the Soviet PT-76B, hard to fire on the move or in water
  • Very poor armour, vulnerable to heavy machine gunfire
  • Stock APCR round has disappointing angled performance and post-penetration damage
  • Easy target for aircraft
  • Susceptible to overpressure damage
  • Looks very similar to the Soviet PT-76B (gun barrel is slightly different), can be confused for it in Simulator Battles

History

Main article: History of the PT-76

The People's Republic of China (PRC) received a number of PT-76 amphibious light tanks from the Soviet Union in the 1950s.

In 1958, the PLA decided to design an amphibious light tank of their own based off the PT-76. The first prototype, known as the WZ-221 or Type 60, was tested in 1959 and the final design was approved in December 1963. The final design had the factory designation WZ-211 and entered production as the Type 63. Upgraded variants of the Type 63 are still in service with the PLA as of 2021.

Media

Skins
Videos
PT 76 - No Expert Crew Challenge - Napalmratte
Amphibious tanks discusses the PT-76 (China) at 4:38 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


China light tanks
Type 63  Object 211 · Type 63 · ZTS63
Type 62  Type 62
WZ551  ZSL92 · PTL02 · WMA301
ZBL08  ZLT11
Type 86  ZBD86
WZ502  ZBD04A
ROC  M41D · M64
Type 59  QN506
USA  ␗M8 LAC · ␗M3A3 Stuart · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ␗M5A1 · ␗M24 · ␗M18 GMC · ␗M41A3
USSR  ␗T-26 · T-26 No.531 · ␗PT-76

Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=PT-76_(China)&oldid=178902"