Difference between revisions of "PT-76B"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_pt_76b}}
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{{About
 +
| about = Soviet light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = PT-76 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ussr_pt_76b
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--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.-->
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_PT-76B.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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After World War II, the Soviet Army once again resumed its interest on an amphibious light tank design, as during the war they often found themselves lacking in a suitable mean to transport troops across various water surfaces. Because of this, the Red Army deemed a tank with an ability to cross the water with little preparation essential for a planned reconnaissance unit. Two leading tank designers of the USSR at the time, Nikolay Shashmurin and Joseph Kotin, were assigned to develop a new amphibious light tank. The final result of the project is the '''PT-76''', and the tank would later entered production in 1951. The tank's simplistic design later proved to be a success, which spawned numerous variants and derivatives based on the same chassis. Ranking from an [[ASU-85|airborne assault gun]], a [[ZSU-23-4|self-propelled anti-air vehicle]], and an APC. With the chassis of the tank still being produced by the Russian Army, who has developed [[PT-76-57|a modernization of the vehicle]] that were still in service to this day.
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{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It is the first amphibious tank to be implemented in the game, being introduced with [[Update 1.53 "Fire Storm"]] (although the amphibious feature was not implemented until [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"|1.55 "Royal Armour"]]). The PT-76B, as a light tank, has paper-thin armour but also has a powerful main gun that can engage most tanks at its battle rating.
+
The '''PT-76B''' is an improved variant from the original PT-76, with an addition of two-plane gun stabilizer, an improved fuel capacity, as well as night vision equipment. This variant of PT-76 was produced between 1959 - 1961.
  
 +
Introduced with [[Update 1.53 "Fire Storm"]] (although the amphibious feature was not implemented until [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]).
 +
The '''PT-76B''' is an amphibious light tank developed during the early part of the Cold War. Because of this, it has many features that were considerably anachronistic compared to the majority of World War II-era design, particularly an access to a powerful HEATFS round that can penetrate almost any tank that it will face, a two-plane stabilizer, as well as a night vision (NVD) device. Its amphibious nature means that the tank can cover terrain and paths not normally travelled by land vehicles, allowing flexibilities on certain maps featuring water bodies. However, this quality is heavily offset by the tank's paper-thin armour that can be easily shredded even by machine guns, along with below-average speed for a light tank. Nevertheless, the PT-76B can still performs nicely in its intended role as the eye for the team and provided fire support when needed.
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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<!--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?
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{{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.'' -->
−
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
 
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
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! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 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
+
| 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
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || 15 mm (32-35°) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm (19-32°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm (35°) || 15 mm (34-35°) || 6 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Turret || 15 mm (32-35°) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm (19-32°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm (35°) || 15 mm (35°) || 6 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 10 mm || 6 mm
+
| Cupola || 10 mm || 10 mm || 10 mm || 6 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
* Tracks are 15 mm thick.
  
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Pretty much every tank in the game will be able to destroy the PT-76B with relative ease due to the ultra-thin armour of it. Avoid tanks with access to heavy machine guns on their turrets such as most American tanks, the [[IS-2 (1944)|IS-2 1944]], etc.
+
Pretty much every tank in the game will be able to destroy the PT-76B with relative ease due to the ultra-thin armour of it. Avoid tanks with access to heavy machine guns on their turrets such as most American tanks, the [[IS-2 (1944)]], etc.
  
−
Also, keep well clear of enemy SPAA. 12.7mm guns and above will absolutely wreck this tank. In particular, the Wirbelwind is a big 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-76B 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 big 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-76B 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|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=372|rbMinHp=212}}
  
 
The {{PAGENAME}} has decent mobility on land thanks to its rather light weight. It can reach its maximum speed of 49 km/h (AB) / 44 km/h (RB) easily due to its decent acceleration. Controlling it at maximum speed is not hard since its top speed is nothing special for a light tank (the ubiquitous [[M41A1]], for example, has a top speed of 72 km/h). The {{PAGENAME}} is also decently agile, being able to turn quickly in response to any events up the path. However, the vehicle does not have any type of neutral steering capability, so it will be difficult to turn on the spot. These forward mobility traits of the {{PAGENAME}} can be interrupted severely by moderate obstacles such as medium trees, wooden fences, concretes plots/barriers or stone walls; these will cause the vehicle to lose considerable amount of speed, or even be brought to a halt, especially in Realistic Battles
 
The {{PAGENAME}} has decent mobility on land thanks to its rather light weight. It can reach its maximum speed of 49 km/h (AB) / 44 km/h (RB) easily due to its decent acceleration. Controlling it at maximum speed is not hard since its top speed is nothing special for a light tank (the ubiquitous [[M41A1]], for example, has a top speed of 72 km/h). The {{PAGENAME}} is also decently agile, being able to turn quickly in response to any events up the path. However, the vehicle does not have any type of neutral steering capability, so it will be difficult to turn on the spot. These forward mobility traits of the {{PAGENAME}} can be interrupted severely by moderate obstacles such as medium trees, wooden fences, concretes plots/barriers or stone walls; these will cause the vehicle to lose considerable amount of speed, or even be brought to a halt, especially in Realistic Battles
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The amphibious feature of the {{PAGENAME}} makes the vehicle more versatile, broadening the flanking/sneaking potential and options on some maps. But this should only be exploited across smaller bodies of water, since it reaches only 12 km/h (AB) / 9 km/h (RB) in water when moving forward, and the reverse speed in water is only -7 km/h (AB) / -5 km/h (RB). These slow speeds mean that once the {{PAGENAME}} is on water, it will likely be a sitting duck if spotted. While firing from the water is an option due to the vehicle's stabilizer, the water waves and the recoil from firing may cause the vehicle to wobble, making it hard to get a good shot. On top of that when planning an amphibious trip, it is best to ensure the destination can be reached in a straight line as the vehicle turns poorly and slowly in the water and so any course corrections will take more time, which leaves the {{PAGENAME}} exposed to being spotted and taken out.
 
The amphibious feature of the {{PAGENAME}} makes the vehicle more versatile, broadening the flanking/sneaking potential and options on some maps. But this should only be exploited across smaller bodies of water, since it reaches only 12 km/h (AB) / 9 km/h (RB) in water when moving forward, and the reverse speed in water is only -7 km/h (AB) / -5 km/h (RB). These slow speeds mean that once the {{PAGENAME}} is on water, it will likely be a sitting duck if spotted. While firing from the water is an option due to the vehicle's stabilizer, the water waves and the recoil from firing may cause the vehicle to wobble, making it hard to get a good shot. On top of that when planning an amphibious trip, it is best to ensure the destination can be reached in a straight line as the vehicle turns poorly and slowly in the water and so any course corrections will take more time, which leaves the {{PAGENAME}} exposed to being spotted and taken out.
  
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
'''Researching the HEATFS first should be your priority!''' Without it, the PT-76B is basically a sitting duck due to how weak the stock APCR shell is. After this, you can either focus on mobility or gun handling improvement depending on your preference.
 
== 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. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|D-56-TS (76 mm)}}
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<!-- ''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-56TS (76 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[D-56-TS (76 mm)|76 mm D-56-TS]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[D-56TS (76 mm)|76 mm D-56TS]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! Capacity
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! Vertical
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! Horizontal
 
−
! Stabilizer
 
−
! Stock
 
−
! Upgraded
 
−
! Full
 
−
! Expert
 
−
! Aced
 
−
! Stock
 
−
! Full
 
−
! Expert
 
−
! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+30° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 11.9 || 16.5 ||32.0||35.4||37.6|| rowspan="2" | 11.1 || rowspan="2" |9.9|| rowspan="2" |9.1|| rowspan="2" |8.6
+
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+30° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Realistic''  
+
! ''Realistic''
−
| 11.9 || 14.0 ||17.0||18.8||20.0
+
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:D-56TS (76 mm)/Ammunition|BR-354N, 53-BR-354, BK-354M, OF-350M}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10m
 
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-354N || APCR || 152 || 148 || 129 || 109 || 92 || 78
 
−
|- 
 
−
| 53-BR-354 || APHE ||98||96||88||79||71||63
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-350M ||  HE ||10||10||10||10||10||10
 
−
|-
 
−
| BK-354M || HEATFS || 200 || 200 || 200 || 200 || 200 || 200
 
−
|- 
 
−
|}
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
|-
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.55''' -->
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| BR-354N || APCR || 950 ||3.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
|- 
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
| 53-BR-354 || APHE ||662|| 6.3 || 1.2 || 14 ||49.28 || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| OF-350M || HE || 680 || 6.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 621 || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| '''40''' || 39&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
−
| BK-354M || HEATFS || 700 || 7 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,140 || 65° || 72° || 75°
 
−
|- 
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Note''':
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
* Turret rack and rear ammo rack empty: 25 ''(+15)'' shells.
−
[[File:Ammoracks PT-76B.png|right|thumbnail|x242px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the PT-76B.]]
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
|| '''40''' || 15&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 3&nbsp;''(+37)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || style="text-align:center" | Yes
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--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.-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''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|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
  
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).-->
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
As the PT-76B 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-76B is also helpful in scouting enemy positions for its allies so they could 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.
 +
 
 +
If short to mid-range confrontation is inevitable, staying mobile makes you harder to hit while the impressive stabiliser will allow you to fire back almost unimpeded (while moving and shooting to the side, shots travel in the direction your vehicle is moving so when aiming at farther targets, remember to aim a little to one side to counteract this motion). While moving and shooting, always look where your vehicle is headed: a rock, cliff, enemy vehicle or similar obstacle could seriously ruin your PT-76B's day.
  
−
As the PT-76B 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-76B is also helpful in scouting enemy positions for its allies so they could 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-76B has amphibious capabilities, it is not necessary to use them all the time. Keep in mind that the PT-76B can only go about 10 km/h in the water (and your large size makes you an easier target for shore-based snipers), 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-76B 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.
  
−
While the PT-76B has amphibious capabilities, it is not necessary to use them all the time. Keep in mind that the PT-76B 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-76B 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!).
  
−
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). The incredible stabiliser also allows the PT-76B 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-76B's location and likely broadcast it to other players, most often resulting in the PT-76B being destroyed.
  
−
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-76B 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-76B's location and likely broadcast it to other players, most often resulting in the PT-76B being destroyed.  
+
The HEATFS shell is powerful in terms of penetration, but the post-penetration damage is lacking compared to other Soviet shells. Oftentimes, 2 or more shots will be needed to destroy an enemy vehicle, particularly the more voluminous vehicles like the Tiger I and the 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. Against open-topped and lightly-armoured vehicles, the explosive filler of the BK-354M will cause overpressure damage, resulting in a knock-out.
  
−
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.
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
!Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
−
!Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
|I
 
−
|Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
|Parts
 
−
|Horizontal Drive
 
−
|53-BR-354
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|II
 
−
|Suspension
 
−
|Brake System
 
−
|FPE
 
−
|Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|Airstrike
 
−
|BK-354M
 
−
|-
 
−
|III
 
−
|Filters
 
−
|
 
−
|Crew Replenishment
 
−
|Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|IV
 
−
|Transmission
 
−
|Engine
 
−
|ESS
 
−
|Artillery Support
 
−
|Improved optics
 
−
|NVD
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
 
=== 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:'''
  
−
* Access to HEAT-FS shells with excellent penetration at 5.3
+
* Low profile makes it easier to hide behind cover
 
* Decent acceleration and turning
 
* Decent acceleration and turning
−
* Has a two-plane [[Gun_stabilizer|gun stabilizer]] (the only non-Rank V USSR tank with it!)
 
 
* Amphibious capabilities
 
* Amphibious capabilities
−
* Good stabilizer works while shooting on water
+
* Access to HEATFS shells with excellent penetration
−
* Good stabilizer works while traveling in land even on its top speed
+
* Excellent gun handling due to having a two-plane [[gun stabilizer]] (the lowest-ranked USSR tank with it!), which works while driving at full speed on land and shooting in water
−
* Excellent [[Scouting|scout tank]] to spot targets for allies
 
−
* Low profile
 
−
* Decent turret rotation
 
−
* Lack of turret rotational inertia
 
 
* Has night vision devices (NVD)
 
* Has night vision devices (NVD)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Very thin armor, even heavy machine guns can go through the front
+
* While the tank is quite short, it is also very wide; quite easy to spot in the open, especially from the air
−
* Stock shell is APCR, giving it terrible Stock Syndrome
+
* Very thin armour, even heavy machine guns can go through the front, in addition to being extremely vulnerable to aircraft strafing
−
* Slow reload compared to the opposition
+
* Abysmal survivability due to having only 3 crew members; efficiency is greatly reduced when a crew member is lost
−
* Efficiency is greatly reduced when a crew member is lost
+
* Terrible stock grind due to the stock shell being an awfully unreliable APCR shell
−
* Shooting from the water will shake the entire vehicle, but not the aim
 
−
* Arcade Battles are unforgiving due to the Arcade spotting
 
−
* Prone to suffer [[Damage_mechanics#Hull-break|hull break]]
 
 
* Lightweight vehicle means it is heavily affected from collisions
 
* Lightweight vehicle means it is heavily affected from collisions
−
* Slow light tank compared to counterparts such as the [[M41A1]]
+
* Significantly slower than most light tanks, with bad reverse speed both on land and in water
−
* No neutral steering, makes it difficult to turn the PT-76B when not moving
+
* Driving in water is very slow, even when going forward
−
* Slow reverse speed both on land and also in water
+
* Limited gun depression makes it hard to use on hilly terrain
−
* Driving on the water is very slow, even when going forward
 
−
* EXTREMELY vulnerable to aircraft strafes
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. 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).-->
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
 
The purpose of light tanks fell into disuse in the course of World War II. The light tanks of every nation found themselves to be too lightly armoured and under-gunned to be of any use in the battlefield. Their mobility, which they once held with utility, was overtaken by the advancing mechanics of tanks that allow the heavier tanks to reach speed and mobility that light tanks used to monopolize. The utility of light tanks fell to specialized roles, mostly as a reconnaissance vehicle. The Soviet Union developed a light-weight vehicle for this role, with an additional requirement that the vehicle also is amphibious in operation. The amphibious operation would grant the tank a greater degree of movement over different terrain.
 
The purpose of light tanks fell into disuse in the course of World War II. The light tanks of every nation found themselves to be too lightly armoured and under-gunned to be of any use in the battlefield. Their mobility, which they once held with utility, was overtaken by the advancing mechanics of tanks that allow the heavier tanks to reach speed and mobility that light tanks used to monopolize. The utility of light tanks fell to specialized roles, mostly as a reconnaissance vehicle. The Soviet Union developed a light-weight vehicle for this role, with an additional requirement that the vehicle also is amphibious in operation. The amphibious operation would grant the tank a greater degree of movement over different terrain.
Line 253: Line 168:
 
The PT-76 saw use in the Soviet Union, who used it as their standard reconnaissance tank and in naval operations. The PT-76 stayed stationed at various bases during the Cold War but did not see much combat with the Soviet Union, staying until it was replaced by the infantry fighting vehicle BMP-1. Despite its replacement, the PT-76 stayed in reconnaissance companies and battalions and in the naval infantry units, as well as having a much better gun than the BMP-1. The PT-76 may still be in Russian service today in reserves as some have been reported to been used during the war in Chechnya. The PT-76 also served in various specialized roles such as an anti-aircraft mount.
 
The PT-76 saw use in the Soviet Union, who used it as their standard reconnaissance tank and in naval operations. The PT-76 stayed stationed at various bases during the Cold War but did not see much combat with the Soviet Union, staying until it was replaced by the infantry fighting vehicle BMP-1. Despite its replacement, the PT-76 stayed in reconnaissance companies and battalions and in the naval infantry units, as well as having a much better gun than the BMP-1. The PT-76 may still be in Russian service today in reserves as some have been reported to been used during the war in Chechnya. The PT-76 also served in various specialized roles such as an anti-aircraft mount.
  
−
The PT-76 was exported in large numbers to up to 25 different countries allied with the Soviet Union. Of these, Vietnam has the best combat record due to the Vietnam War, the PT-76 was a large part of the North Vietnamese Army's armoured force during the conflict. The PT-76 first successful action in Vietnam was in the Battle of Lang Vei in February 1968, where 13 PT-76s of the NVA 202nd Armoured Regiment fought against up to 500 defenders of the camp. The PT-76s were able to overrun the camp despite the defender's use of M40 recoilless rifles and M72 rocket launchers, which accounted for three PT-76 kills. Another combat engagement was in the Battle of Ben Het when the NVA 202nd Armoured Regiment was ordered to attack the base there. The PT-76 detonated a mine on the border of the camp, alerting to their presence. Several M48 Pattons of the 1/69th armour battalion was sent to engage the tanks, but one got hit by a PT-76 round and had two crewmen killed. By dawn after sporadic firefights between the Pattons and NVA tanks, the scene revealed two knocked out PT-76s and a BTR-50 APC. It was in 1972 where the PT-76 served as the testbed of an important American weapons development. Two helicopters on May 9 were scouring the countryside for enemy targets for its new armaments, it was at this time that the NVA attacked a camp at Ben Het. The helicopters responded, firing the experimental XM26 launchers at PT-76s and accounted for three PT-76 destroyed. This was the first combat usage of what would be the TOW anti-tank missile.
+
The PT-76 was exported in large numbers to up to 25 different countries allied with the Soviet Union. Of these, Vietnam has the best combat record due to the Vietnam War, the PT-76 was a large part of the North Vietnamese Army's armoured force during the conflict. The PT-76 first successful action in Vietnam was in the Battle of Làng Vây in February 1968, where 13 PT-76s of the NVA 202nd Armoured Regiment fought against up to 500 defenders of the camp. The PT-76s were able to overrun the camp despite the defender's use of M40 recoilless rifles and M72 rocket launchers, which accounted for three PT-76 kills. Another combat engagement was in the Battle of Ben Het when the NVA 202nd Armoured Regiment was ordered to attack the base there. The PT-76 detonated a mine on the border of the camp, alerting to their presence. Several M48 Pattons of the 1/69th armour battalion was sent to engage the tanks, but one got hit by a PT-76 round and had two crewmen killed. By dawn after sporadic firefights between the Pattons and NVA tanks, the scene revealed two knocked out PT-76s and a BTR-50 APC. It was in 1972 where the PT-76 served as the testbed of an important American weapons development. Two helicopters on May 9 were scouring the countryside for enemy targets for its new armaments, it was at this time that the NVA attacked a camp at Ben Het. The helicopters responded, firing the experimental XM26 launchers at PT-76s and accounted for three PT-76 destroyed. This was the first combat usage of what would be the TOW anti-tank missile.
  
 
Aside from Vietnam, the PT-76 also served in the Indian forces during the Indo-Pakistani Wars, the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War on both sides, the Angolan Civil War in Cuban and MPLA service, in the Iran-Iraq War in Iraqi service, and the Yugoslav wars.
 
Aside from Vietnam, the PT-76 also served in the Indian forces during the Indo-Pakistani Wars, the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War on both sides, the Angolan Civil War in Cuban and MPLA service, in the Iran-Iraq War in Iraqi service, and the Yugoslav wars.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
The first experimental model of the PT-76B light aquatic tank received the factory title of “Object 740” and was assembled at the ChKZ in February, 1950. It immediately began factory testing. Following state-run tests and the elimination of defects discovered during the testing process, “Object 740” was recommended for acceptance into the arsenal of the Soviet Army. Serial production of the tank took place at the STZ from 1952 to 1953.  
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The first experimental model of the PT-76 light aquatic tank received the factory title of "Object 740" and was assembled at the ChKZ in February, 1950. It immediately began factory testing. Following state-run tests and the elimination of defects discovered during the testing process, "Object 740" was recommended for acceptance into the arsenal of the Soviet Army. Serial production of the tank took place at the STZ from 1952 to 1953.
  
−
Tanks from the base batch released in 1952 underwent experimental field use. As a result, further refinements were made to the vehicle’s joints and components. Following field testing and experimental use, “Object 740,” now called the PT-76, was accepted into the arsenal by a decree of the USSR Council of Ministers: (#3636-1447) on August 6, 1952.  
+
Tanks from the base batch released in 1952 underwent experimental field use. As a result, further refinements were made to the vehicle's joints and components. Following field testing and experimental use, "Object 740", now called the PT-76, was accepted into the arsenal by a decree of the USSR Council of Ministers: (#3636-1447) on August 6, 1952.
  
 
During the process of serial release various changes were made to the design of the vehicle to enhance its combat capabilities and technical characteristics. Vehicles with these modifications were produced until 1959, however, an updated DT-56TM cannon was installed on the tank in 1956. During the production run 1,896 PT-76B tanks were built. Of these, over 1,200 vehicles had the DT-56T cannon.
 
During the process of serial release various changes were made to the design of the vehicle to enhance its combat capabilities and technical characteristics. Vehicles with these modifications were produced until 1959, however, an updated DT-56TM cannon was installed on the tank in 1956. During the production run 1,896 PT-76B tanks were built. Of these, over 1,200 vehicles had the DT-56T cannon.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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=ussr_pt_76b 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''|8Zol0mmU-9s|'''Why this advanced tank is matched with WW2 Vehicles''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}
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{{Youtube-gallery|RkzTeKDqmnw|'''Long-serving tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 06:17 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|SJoW-2_6J6o|'''Amphibious tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:38 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|8Zol0mmU-9s|'''Why this advanced tank is matched with WW2 Vehicles''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[Type 63-I]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[BMP-3]]
 +
* [[PT-76 (Sweden)]]
 +
* [[PT-76 (China)]]
 +
* [[Object 211]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
−
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/843/|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> PT-76B - with developer's answers]]
+
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/825|[Devblog] PT-76B - with developer's answers]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:PT-76|[Wikipedia] PT-76]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/USSR/soviet_PT-76.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> PT-76 light tank (1952)]
  
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 21:59, 12 November 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the Soviet light tank PT-76B. For other versions, see PT-76 (Family).
PT-76B
ussr_pt_76b.png
GarageImage PT-76B.jpg
ArtImage PT-76B.png
PT-76B
USSR flag.png USSR
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.3 5.3
Class:
Research:40 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:135 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

After World War II, the Soviet Army once again resumed its interest on an amphibious light tank design, as during the war they often found themselves lacking in a suitable mean to transport troops across various water surfaces. Because of this, the Red Army deemed a tank with an ability to cross the water with little preparation essential for a planned reconnaissance unit. Two leading tank designers of the USSR at the time, Nikolay Shashmurin and Joseph Kotin, were assigned to develop a new amphibious light tank. The final result of the project is the PT-76, and the tank would later entered production in 1951. The tank's simplistic design later proved to be a success, which spawned numerous variants and derivatives based on the same chassis. Ranking from an airborne assault gun, a self-propelled anti-air vehicle, and an APC. With the chassis of the tank still being produced by the Russian Army, who has developed a modernization of the vehicle that were still in service to this day.

The PT-76B is an improved variant from the original PT-76, with an addition of two-plane gun stabilizer, an improved fuel capacity, as well as night vision equipment. This variant of PT-76 was produced between 1959 - 1961.

Introduced with Update 1.53 "Fire Storm" (although the amphibious feature was not implemented until Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"). The PT-76B is an amphibious light tank developed during the early part of the Cold War. Because of this, it has many features that were considerably anachronistic compared to the majority of World War II-era design, particularly an access to a powerful HEATFS round that can penetrate almost any tank that it will face, a two-plane stabilizer, as well as a night vision (NVD) device. Its amphibious nature means that the tank can cover terrain and paths not normally travelled by land vehicles, allowing flexibilities on certain maps featuring water bodies. However, this quality is heavily offset by the tank's paper-thin armour that can be easily shredded even by machine guns, along with below-average speed for a light tank. Nevertheless, the PT-76B can still performs nicely in its intended role as the eye for the team and provided fire support when needed.

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.

Pretty much every tank in the game will be able to destroy the PT-76B with relative ease due to the ultra-thin armour of it. Avoid tanks with access to heavy machine guns on their turrets such as most American tanks, the IS-2 (1944), etc.

Also, keep well clear of enemy SPAA. 12.7 mm guns and above will absolutely wreck this tank. In particular, the Wirbelwind is a big 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-76B 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

The PT-76B has decent mobility on land thanks to its rather light weight. It can reach its maximum speed of 49 km/h (AB) / 44 km/h (RB) easily due to its decent acceleration. Controlling it at maximum speed is not hard since its top speed is nothing special for a light tank (the ubiquitous M41A1, for example, has a top speed of 72 km/h). The PT-76B is also decently agile, being able to turn quickly in response to any events up the path. However, the vehicle does not have any type of neutral steering capability, so it will be difficult to turn on the spot. These forward mobility traits of the PT-76B can be interrupted severely by moderate obstacles such as medium trees, wooden fences, concretes plots/barriers or stone walls; these will cause the vehicle to lose considerable amount of speed, or even be brought to a halt, especially in Realistic Battles

The maximum reverse speed is -7 km/h (AB) / -6 km/h (RB), which is too slow to allow overextend tactic (pop from behind cover, shoot, retreat behind cover), or for withdrawing from dangerous situation that the vehicle may have inadvertently driven itself into.

The amphibious feature of the PT-76B makes the vehicle more versatile, broadening the flanking/sneaking potential and options on some maps. But this should only be exploited across smaller bodies of water, since it reaches only 12 km/h (AB) / 9 km/h (RB) in water when moving forward, and the reverse speed in water is only -7 km/h (AB) / -5 km/h (RB). These slow speeds mean that once the PT-76B is on water, it will likely be a sitting duck if spotted. While firing from the water is an option due to the vehicle's stabilizer, the water waves and the recoil from firing may cause the vehicle to wobble, making it hard to get a good shot. On top of that when planning an amphibious trip, it is best to ensure the destination can be reached in a straight line as the vehicle turns poorly and slowly in the water and so any course corrections will take more time, which leaves the PT-76B exposed to being spotted and taken out.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 214 → 1 744 Sl icon.png
RB1 509 → 2 168 Sl icon.png
SB1 821 → 2 616 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 / 170 % 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 ussr.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

Researching the HEATFS first should be your priority! Without it, the PT-76B is basically a sitting duck due to how weak the stock APCR shell is. After this, you can either focus on mobility or gun handling improvement depending on your preference.

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm D-56TS cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition40 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-4° / 30°
Main article: D-56TS (76 mm)
76 mm D-56TS Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 40 -4°/+30° ±180° Two-plane 19.0 26.4 32.0 35.4 37.6 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

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-76B
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
40 39 (+1) 25 (+15) 1 (+39) No

Note:

  • Turret rack and rear ammo rack empty: 25 (+15) shells.

Machine guns

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

Usage in battles

As the PT-76B 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-76B is also helpful in scouting enemy positions for its allies so they could 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.

If short to mid-range confrontation is inevitable, staying mobile makes you harder to hit while the impressive stabiliser will allow you to fire back almost unimpeded (while moving and shooting to the side, shots travel in the direction your vehicle is moving so when aiming at farther targets, remember to aim a little to one side to counteract this motion). While moving and shooting, always look where your vehicle is headed: a rock, cliff, enemy vehicle or similar obstacle could seriously ruin your PT-76B's day.

While the PT-76B has amphibious capabilities, it is not necessary to use them all the time. Keep in mind that the PT-76B can only go about 10 km/h in the water (and your large size makes you an easier target for shore-based snipers), 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-76B 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). The incredible stabiliser also allows the PT-76B 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-76B's location and likely broadcast it to other players, most often resulting in the PT-76B being destroyed.

The HEATFS shell is powerful in terms of penetration, but the post-penetration damage is lacking compared to other Soviet shells. Oftentimes, 2 or more shots will be needed to destroy an enemy vehicle, particularly the more voluminous vehicles like the Tiger I and the 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. Against open-topped and lightly-armoured vehicles, the explosive filler of the BK-354M will cause overpressure damage, resulting in a knock-out.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Low profile makes it easier to hide behind cover
  • Decent acceleration and turning
  • Amphibious capabilities
  • Access to HEATFS shells with excellent penetration
  • Excellent gun handling due to having a two-plane gun stabilizer (the lowest-ranked USSR tank with it!), which works while driving at full speed on land and shooting in water
  • Has night vision devices (NVD)

Cons:

  • While the tank is quite short, it is also very wide; quite easy to spot in the open, especially from the air
  • Very thin armour, even heavy machine guns can go through the front, in addition to being extremely vulnerable to aircraft strafing
  • Abysmal survivability due to having only 3 crew members; efficiency is greatly reduced when a crew member is lost
  • Terrible stock grind due to the stock shell being an awfully unreliable APCR shell
  • Lightweight vehicle means it is heavily affected from collisions
  • Significantly slower than most light tanks, with bad reverse speed both on land and in water
  • Driving in water is very slow, even when going forward
  • Limited gun depression makes it hard to use on hilly terrain

History

Development

The purpose of light tanks fell into disuse in the course of World War II. The light tanks of every nation found themselves to be too lightly armoured and under-gunned to be of any use in the battlefield. Their mobility, which they once held with utility, was overtaken by the advancing mechanics of tanks that allow the heavier tanks to reach speed and mobility that light tanks used to monopolize. The utility of light tanks fell to specialized roles, mostly as a reconnaissance vehicle. The Soviet Union developed a light-weight vehicle for this role, with an additional requirement that the vehicle also is amphibious in operation. The amphibious operation would grant the tank a greater degree of movement over different terrain.

Prototypes of the tank started in the late 1940s, one was Object 740 developed by N. Shashmurin at the VNII-100 research institute of the Chelyabinsk Tank Factory in Leningrad. The vehicle was more successful than the others for using a simple design and good cross-country travel. The amphibious operation, the water-jet propulsion, was considered a breakthrough at the time. A prototype of this vehicle began to be built in 1950 at the Kirov Plant and adopted on August 6, 1951, after trials. This vehicle became designated as the PT-76 and production began at the Stalingrad Tractor Factory. An upgrade was made in 1957 that replaced the initial D-56T gun with a D-56TM with a muzzle brake and fume extractor, as well as new observations and radios for the expense of a taller profile. Another upgrade in 1959 was made that added the D-56TS gun with stabilization and NBC protection capabilities on the PT-76B. Production lasted from 1951 to 1969 for a total of about 12,000 PT-76 built.

Combat usage

The PT-76 saw use in the Soviet Union, who used it as their standard reconnaissance tank and in naval operations. The PT-76 stayed stationed at various bases during the Cold War but did not see much combat with the Soviet Union, staying until it was replaced by the infantry fighting vehicle BMP-1. Despite its replacement, the PT-76 stayed in reconnaissance companies and battalions and in the naval infantry units, as well as having a much better gun than the BMP-1. The PT-76 may still be in Russian service today in reserves as some have been reported to been used during the war in Chechnya. The PT-76 also served in various specialized roles such as an anti-aircraft mount.

The PT-76 was exported in large numbers to up to 25 different countries allied with the Soviet Union. Of these, Vietnam has the best combat record due to the Vietnam War, the PT-76 was a large part of the North Vietnamese Army's armoured force during the conflict. The PT-76 first successful action in Vietnam was in the Battle of Làng Vây in February 1968, where 13 PT-76s of the NVA 202nd Armoured Regiment fought against up to 500 defenders of the camp. The PT-76s were able to overrun the camp despite the defender's use of M40 recoilless rifles and M72 rocket launchers, which accounted for three PT-76 kills. Another combat engagement was in the Battle of Ben Het when the NVA 202nd Armoured Regiment was ordered to attack the base there. The PT-76 detonated a mine on the border of the camp, alerting to their presence. Several M48 Pattons of the 1/69th armour battalion was sent to engage the tanks, but one got hit by a PT-76 round and had two crewmen killed. By dawn after sporadic firefights between the Pattons and NVA tanks, the scene revealed two knocked out PT-76s and a BTR-50 APC. It was in 1972 where the PT-76 served as the testbed of an important American weapons development. Two helicopters on May 9 were scouring the countryside for enemy targets for its new armaments, it was at this time that the NVA attacked a camp at Ben Het. The helicopters responded, firing the experimental XM26 launchers at PT-76s and accounted for three PT-76 destroyed. This was the first combat usage of what would be the TOW anti-tank missile.

Aside from Vietnam, the PT-76 also served in the Indian forces during the Indo-Pakistani Wars, the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War on both sides, the Angolan Civil War in Cuban and MPLA service, in the Iran-Iraq War in Iraqi service, and the Yugoslav wars.


Archive of the in-game description

The first experimental model of the PT-76 light aquatic tank received the factory title of "Object 740" and was assembled at the ChKZ in February, 1950. It immediately began factory testing. Following state-run tests and the elimination of defects discovered during the testing process, "Object 740" was recommended for acceptance into the arsenal of the Soviet Army. Serial production of the tank took place at the STZ from 1952 to 1953.

Tanks from the base batch released in 1952 underwent experimental field use. As a result, further refinements were made to the vehicle's joints and components. Following field testing and experimental use, "Object 740", now called the PT-76, was accepted into the arsenal by a decree of the USSR Council of Ministers: (#3636-1447) on August 6, 1952.

During the process of serial release various changes were made to the design of the vehicle to enhance its combat capabilities and technical characteristics. Vehicles with these modifications were produced until 1959, however, an updated DT-56TM cannon was installed on the tank in 1956. During the production run 1,896 PT-76B tanks were built. Of these, over 1,200 vehicles had the DT-56T cannon.


Media

Skins
Videos
Long-serving tanks discusses the PT-76B at 06:17 - War Thunder Official Channel
Amphibious tanks discusses the PT-76B at 4:38 - War Thunder Official Channel
Why this advanced tank is matched with WW2 Vehicles - HowToPlay1337

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


USSR light tanks
T-26  T-26 · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26-4 · T-26E
BT  BT-5 · RBT-5 · BT-7 · BT-7 TD · BT-7M · BT-7A (F-32)
T-50  T-126 · T-50
T-70  T-70 · T-80
PT-76  PT-76B · PT-76-57 · Object 906
BMP  BMP-1 · BMP-2 · BMP-2M · BMP-3
BMD  BMD-4
2S25  2S25 · 2S25M
Wheeled  BA-11 · BTR-80A
Other  T-60 · Object 685 · 2S38
China  ▂Type 62

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