Anomaly reports

[Pibwl]

Originally Posted by Richard_H

However, the seating layout is nowhere near what Michal suggests. I await a proper shot of the interior of a PK.

The layout of benches in this model agrees with a drawing in manual (eg. here http://army.lv/ru/btr-50/2054/3827 ). Unfortunately, there is no information how many troops should seat on one bench. I wrote, that side benches were for 4 troops, which is the only information "officially" given, but it was about BTR-50P, and a specific arrangement might differ. Considering different length of benches in BTR-50PK, I'd say, that 3 troops seat on each side bench, 5+5 troops on longer benches on the left, and 4 troops on somewhat shorter bench on the right. In front, apart from driver's seat, should be seats for vehicle's commander and section commander.

Regards,
Michal

[Mobhack]

Originally Posted by Pibwl

The layout of benches in this model agrees with a drawing in manual (eg. here http://army.lv/ru/btr-50/2054/3827 ). Unfortunately, there is no information how many troops should seat on one bench. I wrote, that side benches were for 4 troops, which is the only information "officially" given, but it was about BTR-50P, and a specific arrangement might differ. Considering different length of benches in BTR-50PK, I'd say, that 3 troops seat on each side bench, 5+5 troops on longer benches on the left, and 4 troops on somewhat shorter bench on the right. In front, apart from driver's seat, should be seats for vehicle's commander and section commander.

Regards,
Michal

there are a couple of pics of the open-top early version here
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...tr-50-pics.htm

It's fairly packed, and the guys are in parade dress - so no field packs and stuff etc. But I can only make perhaps 12 (3 rows of 4) or maybe 14 in back on trying to count noses in these lo-res shots.

So, I really doubt 20 in the early open top, myself - unless some were supposed to hide in the engine bay ?

They were used in the early 2-vehicle platoon as half-platoon carriers though, but not for very long apparently. "20" was probably a theoretical number (and 3 rows of seats does not divide easily into 20) - unless they were jam-packed in like sardines with one row of 6 in between 2 of seven?.

So - the BTR 50 carry capacity can remain as we have ATM.

Andy

[Pibwl]

You'll do what you wish. I only say, that the official manual clearly states, that BTR-50P/PK is fit to transport 20 armed soldiers. It's obvious, that in normal service it carried actually less, depending on organization, and for all 20 it sure wouldn't be comfortable. I can't imagine travelling long on benches without backrests even for half of that... 14 + commander travelled normally in the Czechoslovak army. Note, that photos show parade configuration, with standing soldiers (or seating on some higher transversal benches), and they are meant to represent only its section, not full capacity. Five longitudinal benches were a fact - if four soldiers sat on each, it makes 20 (or 3+5+5+4+3).

I can't see a reason, why don't we change a capacity of this APC to real guaranteed one, even, if only 12 or so troops will be normally packed into it. But, as I've said, you do what you wish.

Regards.
Michal