The PP-64 Wstęga is a Polish military pontoon bridge produced since 1966.[1] The design, based on the Soviet PMP model, commenced in 1964. The prototype was tested in 1965.[1] Unlike PMP, rated for 60,000 kilogram load, PP-64 was rated for 40,000 kilograms, still sufficient to carry T-54/55 and T-62 main battle tanks of its period.[1] Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics staff supposed that PP-64 may also be capable of supporting T-64 and T-72 tanks.[1]
PP-64 set consists of 48 truck-mounted pontoons, 12 ramps, six motor boats[1] (carried on twin-axle truck trailers)[2] and other equipment.[1] KH-200 bridging boats used with PP-64 were actually put in production later, in 1971; each is capable of carrying 15 troops.[2] The human complement in the field reaches 126 soldiers (including 60 Star 266 truck drivers) and 10 NCOs.[1]
Depending on the river flow and desired configuration, the PP-64 can be used to construct up to six different types of bridges of three possible roadway combinations,[1] as well as numerous ferry configurations.[3]
| Type | Max length, m | Max width, m | Capacity, kg (gross/axle) |
Max. river flow, m/s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single lane | 100 | < 0.5 | ||
| Mixed, type A | 0.5-0.8 | |||
| Mixed, type B | 186 | 4.35 | 40,000 / 12,000 | 0.8-1.2 |
| Mixed, type C | 1.2-1.6 | |||
| Mixed, type D | 145 | 4.35 | 40,000 / 12,000 | 1.6-2.0 |
| Double lane | 97 | 8.7 | 80,000 | >2.0 |
As of July, 2009, PP-64 remains in inventory of the Polish Armed Forces.[4]
References
Sources
- "PP-64 heavy folding pontoon bridge (Poland), Tactical floating bridges and ferries". Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics. Jane's Information Group. April 28, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
- "KH-200 bridging boat (Poland), Bridging boats". Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics. Jane's Information Group. May 5, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
- Zbigniew Bursztynowski (1986). Mosty pływające typu wstęgi [Lane-type pontoon floating bridges] (in Polish). Warsaw: Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna. p. 190.