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The BTR-60P, introduced in 1961, was the standard armored personnel carrier for Soviet motorized rifle troops. It had eight wheels and had an open fighting compartment, and boasted good cross-country mobility and excellent speed on roads. The later BTR-60PA was introduced in 1964, and in this and subsequent versions the fighting compartment was closed with an armored roof.
The BTR-60PB, introduced in 1965, added a small turret with 14.5mm and 7.62mm machine guns; this was the same turret as used by the BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle. When a slightly modified version of the BTR-60PB was introduced into service with the former East German Army, it was designated SPW-70, and was - as with the Soviet Army - the standard vehicle for motorized rifle formations. It mounted a searchlight, as well as infrared night vision equipment; it was also fitted with an NBC protection system. The SPW-70/BTR-60PB had eight wheels, access doors in the lower hull on both sides, two hatches in front of the turret, and two behind; and firing ports on both sides of the troop compartment. The engine compartment was at the rear, and held two 6-cylinder 90hp engines. The vehicle was fully amphibious, with a single water jet to propel it through water and a trim vane on the front of the hull. The vehicle on display is a cutaway model of the SPW-70 showing the interior features and equipment of the vehicle.
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