The PTS is an amphibious vehicle of Soviet origin. It was developed in the early 1960's as a replacement for the earlier K-61 amphibious vehicle. The name PTS stands for Plavayushchij Transportyer Sryednyj, which is Russian for medium amphibious vehicle. Although the PTS may also transport cargo on land its performance is much better in the water. In the mid 1980's the more capable PTS-2 was introduced. The PTS-4 is the current production model.

The PTS is based on the chassis of the ATS-59 artillery tractor and has a boat like hull. The crew compartment is located at the front and provides seating for the driver and commander. The rest of the vehicle is the cargo area which is loaded using the ramp at the rear. The engine is located in the middle and powers both the tracks and the two propellers. The PTS-2 is a later development with a similar layout as the original PTS. The PTS-2 is based on the MT-T chassis which has the running gear of the T-64 main battle tank. The PTS-2 is a larger vehicle with a more powerful engine which results in better payload and mobility. The PTS-4 is the latest production model and is based on the T-80 main battle tank chassis and is fitted with a diesel engine. Otherwise it is very similar to the PTS-2.

The PTS may carry 5 t of cargo on land and 10 t in the water. The PTS-2 has a larger cargo area and may transport up to 12 t. Although the carry capacity is lower on land the full capacity may be used for up to 3 km in order to reach the water. The cargo area is large enough to carry a 5 t truck, 70 troops or 12 stretchers. Both vehicles may also use the PKP floating trailer which allows them to transport a prime mover and artillery piece in one ferry. The PTS-4 may carry up to 18 t in the water.

The PTS is fully amphibious and is better suited at traversing water than most amphibious armored vehicles, although it is difficult to steer. The tracked chassis provides a good all terrain performance on land albeit at limited speeds. The V-54 diesel engine produces 350 hp and allows the PTS to travel at 42 km/h on land and at 11 km/h in the water. The PTS-2 has a 720 hp diesel engine derived from the engine used on the T-72 main battle tank. This provides it with a road speed of 60 km/h and 12 km/h in the water. The increased mobility of the PTS-2 makes it more suitable for use in salt water. The PTS-4 has a 840 hp diesel engine that provides a 60 km/h speed on land an 15 km/h in the water

The primary user of the PTS and PTS-2 was the USSR. Nowadays Russia remains the major user. Many vehicles were exported to Warsaw Pact nations and various Soviet allies around the world. Most PTS have been retired or replaced by the newer PTS-2, but some remain in service today. A limited number of PTS-4 is reported to be in Russian service.