Even though production of the T-55 was already established, Czechoslovak engineers continued to work on a promising tank. The mass-produced T-55 needed to have its armor enhanced, but just increasing the steel thickness did not solve the problem. The main focus in the Vz. 60S Dravec project was thus to increase the armoring and firepower. The vehicle was given spaced screen protection and Oplot-MO active protection. To improve the firepower, the tank was equipped with the Neva KTD-1 laser rangefinder, while the gun barrel had a thermal sleeve. For concealment in combat, the 902 Tucha smoke grenade system was mounted on the turret. Later, several of the project's solutions were used a basis for the T-55AM1 and T-55AM2 modifications of the T-55.