Heavy APC based on the T-55 was first shown at the 2nd exhibition VTTV-97 in Omsk Developing a machine tailored to heavy urban fighting of the first Chechen campaign, Omsk KB transport engineering (KBTM) in a fairly short period designed and built a tracked armored personnel carriers, using obsolete chassis of a medium tank T-55 it Should be noted that the work was carried out in initiative order, at its own expense the result was a fighting machine, the level of overall protection is not inferior, and mine protection, in particular, — the superior main battle tanks T-80 and T-90 “bath” case, the engine systems and chassis remained the same Installation on T-55 improved engines with power up to 690 HP upgrade suspension with use of lightweight rollers made of aluminum alloy KBTM KB conducted on other samples, and this product development has not been introduced, not to increase its final cost Significant alteration machined the upper part of the hull fighting compartment increased in height and widened fenders Steel box on shelves continued to stern, inside they placed additional fuel tanks and top mounted smoke grenade launchers “Tucha”.
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