PMM-2

The PMM-2 (Paromno-Mostovaya Mashina-2), known in the West at first as the Amphibious Bridging System (Tracked), replaced the older GSP heavy amphibious ferry. It was developed for the Russian Army but designed and built in Ukraine.

Design

The chassis uses T-64 tank track and road-wheel parts. It is related to the PTS-2 amphibious carrier, the MDK-3 trench digger and probably the MT-T heavy tracked transporter. The engine is most likely the V-64-4 diesel, and the main engine is quoted at 710 hp. Unlike the GSP, its float sections fold out hydraulically as it enters the water. The top float unfolds to the right and a slightly shorter second section, behind the cab, to the left. Two-part loading ramps fold out on each side. Afloat it is driven by two propellers, lowered at the rear in cowls that also carry small rudders.

Use

A single PMM-2 can ferry about 42.5 tonnes, though it cannot carry that load on land, and one unit can form a bridge of 17-20 m. Up to ten units have been reported latched together into a bridge, without bridging boats. It can work in currents of up to 2 m/s. An updated PMM-2M exists. Production is believed complete, and a successor (industrial designation Izdeliye 561P) may be the Western 'M-2007 Ferry'. A wheeled counterpart on the ZIL-135 8x8 chassis, the ABS(W), seems to use the same pontoons.