The best Soviet self-propelled guns of the Great Patriotic War. SAU USSR History of creation and combat use

Anti-aircraft self-propelled unit created on the basis of the SU-76M self-propelled guns and put into service in 1944. It had an open turret with circular rotation, was equipped with a rangefinder and a radio station. A total of 75 cars were produced. TTX ZSU: length - 4.9 m; width - 2.7 m; height - 2.1 m; clearance - 315 mm; weight - 10.5 - 12.2 tons; booking - 10-45 mm; engine type - two 6-cylinder, carburetor "GAZ-202"; engine power - 140 hp; specific power - 11.7 hp / t; speed of movement on the highway - 42 km / h; power reserve - 330 km; armament - 37-mm gun 61-K mod. 1939; ammunition - 320 shots; crew - 4 people.

The self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was created in 1941 on the basis of the STZ-3 tractor, sheathed with armor plates with cannon and machine gun weapons installed. The gun had limited firing angles - in order to aim it at the target, it was necessary to deploy the entire tractor. In total, about 100 cars were produced. TTX ZSU: length - 4.2 m; width - 1.9 m; height - 2.4 t; weight - 7 tons; booking - 5-25 mm; engine type - four-cylinder, kerosene; engine power - 52 hp; speed of movement on the highway - 20 km; power reserve - 120 km; main armament - 45-mm tank gun 20-K; additional armament - 7.62 mm DP machine gun; crew - 2 - 4 people.

ACS open type was created by installing anti-tank gun"ZIS-2" on the artillery tractor T-20 "Komsomolets" and put into service at the end of 1941. For greater stability when firing, the machine was equipped with folding coulters. On the roof of the cabin, a mounting bracket for the gun was mounted in a stowed position. A total of 101 cars were produced. TTX ACS: length - 3.5 m; width - 1.9 m; height - 2.2 m; weight - 4 tons; booking - 7-10 mm; engine type - 6 cylinder carburetor; power - 50 hp; specific power - 12 hp / t; speed on the highway - 60 km / h; power reserve - 250 km; main armament - 57-mm gun ZiS-2; additional - 7.62 mm DT machine gun; crew - 4 - 5 people.

The pilot plant was developed in 1941 on the chassis of the KV-1 tank with two types of artillery weapons. The self-propelled unit was developed as artillery vehicle escort tanks with a high rate of fire of the main weapon. It belonged to the type of fully enclosed self-propelled guns and was a modification of the KV-1 tank, differing from it mainly in the absence of a rotating turret, installed weapons, ammunition, armor protection, crew size and lower vehicle height. The first version had three guns at once: one 76.2 mm F-34 and two 45 mm 20-K guns. The second version of the installation was equipped with two identical ZiS-5 guns. In total, one copy was released. TTX self-propelled guns: length - 6.7 m; width - 3.2 m; height - 2.5 m; clearance - 440 mm; weight - 47.5 tons; track width - 700 mm; booking - 30-100 mm; engine type - 12 cylinder diesel; power - 600 hp; specific power - 13 hp / t; speed on the highway - 34 km / h; power reserve - 225 km; crew - 6 people. Armament of the first variant: main armament - one 76-mm gun F-34, two 45-mm guns 20-K; ammunition - 93 shots for 76-mm guns and 200 shots for 45-mm guns; rate of fire of built-in guns - 12 rounds per minute; additional armament - two main and one spare 7.62 mm DT machine gun; ammunition - 3,591 cartridges. Armament of the second variant: 2 guns 76.2 mm ZIS-5; rate of fire - 15 shots in one gulp; ammunition - 150 rounds per minute; additional armament - three 7.62 mm DT machine guns; ammunition - 2,646 rounds; 30 F-1 grenades.

Self-propelled guns were produced in 1933-1935. by mounting a 76.2-mm cannon of the 1927 model on a pedestal installation on the chassis of trucks with a 6x4 Morland (SU-12) and GAZ-AAA (SU-12-1) wheel arrangement. Of the 99 vehicles produced, by the beginning of the war, 3 installations were in service. TTX self-propelled guns: length - 5.6 m; width - 1.9 m; height - 2.3 m; weight - 3.7 tons; shield thickness - 4 mm; engine type - carburetor, power - 50 hp; speed on the highway - 60 km / h; power reserve - 370 km; rate of fire - 10 - 12 rounds per minute; ammunition - 36 shots; crew - 4 people.

The self-propelled guns were produced in 1935-1937. based on the chassis of the three-axle truck YAG-10 (6x4) and 76 mm anti-aircraft gun 3-K model 1931. For stability, four "jack-type" coulters were mounted along the sides of the platform. The body was protected by curved armored sides, which folded outward in a combat position. A total of 61 installations were produced. TTX ACS: length - 7 m; width - 2.5 m; height - 2.6 m; clearance - 420 mm; weight - 10.6 tons; speed of movement on the highway - 42 km / h; power reserve - 275 km; engine type - carburetor "Hercules-YXC", power - 94 hp; ammunition - 48 shots; rate of fire - 20 rounds per minute; firing range - 14.3 km; armor penetration - 85 mm; crew - 5 people.

The installation was the most lightweight and simplified version of the SU-76 self-propelled guns. It was developed in 1944. The deckhouse roof is open. A total of 3 cars were produced. TTX ACS: length - 5 m; width - 2.2 m; height - 1.6 m; clearance - 290 mm; weight - 4.2 tons; booking - 6-10 mm; engine type - in-line 4-cylinder liquid-cooled carburetor; engine power - 50 hp; specific power - 11.9 hp / t; speed on the highway - 41 km / h; power reserve - 220 km; armament - 76.2 mm gun ZIS-3; ammunition - 30 shots; crew - 3 people.

The installation was produced in 1943-1945. in two versions: SU-76 (with GAZ-202 engines) and SU-76M (with GAZ-203 engines). The cabin roof is open. A total of 14,292 cars were produced. TTX ACS: length - 5 m; width - 2.7 m; height - 2.2 m; clearance - 300 mm; weight - 11.2 tons; booking - 7 - 35 mm; engine type - two twin in-line 6-cylinder liquid-cooled carburetors; engine power - 140/170 hp; specific power - 12.5 hp / t; speed on the highway - 44 km / h; power reserve - 250 km; armament - 76.2 mm gun ZIS-3; ammunition - 60 shots; firing range - 13 km; crew - 4 people.

The assault gun was built in 1943 on the basis of captured German tanks"Pz Kpfw III"and self-propelled guns" StuG III ". A total of 201 vehicles were produced, of which 20 were command vehicles equipped with a turret with an entrance hatch and a high-powered radio station. TTX ACS: length - 6.3 m; width - 2.9 m; height - 2.4 t; clearance - 350 mm; weight - 22.5 tons; booking - 10-60 mm; engine type - V-shaped 12-cylinder liquid-cooled carburetor; engine power - 265 hp; specific power - 11.8 hp / t; speed of movement on the highway - 50 km / h; power reserve - 180 km; armament - 76.2-mm cannon "S-1"; rate of fire - 5 - 6 rounds per minute; ammunition - 98 shots; crew - 4 people.

The tank destroyer was produced on the T-34 chassis and the cabin of the self-propelled guns SU-122. Adopted in 1943. A modification of the SU-85M installation is known, which in fact was the SU-100 with an 85-mm cannon (315 pieces were produced). The installation was intended mainly for direct fire from short stops. The crew, gun and ammunition were placed in front in the armored cabin, which combined the fighting compartment and the control compartment. A total of 2,652 vehicles were built. TTX self-propelled guns: length - 8.2 m; width - 3 m; height - 2.5 m; clearance - 400 mm; weight - 29.2 tons; booking - 20-60 mm; engine type - diesel; power - 500 hp; speed on the highway - 55 km / h; power reserve - 400 km; armament - 85-mm gun - D-5T; ammunition - 48 shots; rate of fire - 6-7 rounds per minute; armor penetration at a distance of 500 m - 140 mm; crew - 4 people.

The tank destroyer was created on the basis of the T-34-85 tank and was put into service in 1944. The self-propelled guns belonged to the type of closed self-propelled guns. On the roof of the cabin above the commander's seat, a fixed commander's cupola was installed with five viewing slots for all-round visibility. The ventilation of the fighting compartment was carried out with the help of two fans installed in the roof of the cabin. In total, 2320 vehicles were produced during the war. TTX ACS: length - 9.5 m; width - 3 m; height - 2.2 m; clearance - 400 mm; weight - 31.6 tons; booking - 20-110 mm; engine type - V-shaped 12-cylinder diesel engine "V-2-34"; engine power - 520 hp; specific power - 16.4 hp / t; speed of movement on the highway - 50 km / h; power reserve - 310 km; armament - 100-mm cannon "D-10S"; direct fire range - 4.6 km, maximum - 15.4 km; ammunition - 33 shots; armor penetration at a distance of 1000 m - 135 mm; crew - 4 people.

The self-propelled assault gun was produced in 1942-1943. as the most simplified design of the T-34 tank. The gun was mounted on a pedestal attached to the bottom of the vehicle. The fully armored hull was divided into two parts. The installations captured by the Wehrmacht served under the designation "StuG SU-122 (r)". A total of 638 cars were produced. TTX ACS: length - 7 m; width - 3 m; height - 2.2 m; clearance - 400 mm; weight - 29.6 tons; booking - 15-45 mm; engine type - diesel "V-2-34", engine power - 500 hp; specific power - 16.8 hp / t; speed on the highway - 55 km / h; power reserve - 600 km; armament - 122-mm howitzer M-30S; ammunition - 40 shots; armor penetration at a distance of 1000 m - 160 mm; rate of fire - 203 rounds per minute; crew - 5 people.

The self-propelled howitzer was produced in 1939 on the chassis of the T-26 tank by dismantling the turret and openly installing a 122-mm howitzer mod. 1910/30 By the beginning of the war, 28 vehicles were in service. TTX ACS: length - 4.8 m; width - 2.4 m; height - 2.6 m; clearance - 380 mm; weight - 10.5 tons; engine type - carburetor, power - 90 hp; booking - 6 - 15 mm; speed on the highway - 30 km / h; power reserve - 170 km; ammunition - 8 shots; crew - 5 people.

The installation was created on the basis of the IS tank and was put into service in 1944. A modification of the self-propelled guns is known - ISU-122S with a D-25T gun. The self-propelled guns had an armored hull, which was divided into two parts. The crew, gun and ammunition were placed in front in the armored cabin, which combined the fighting compartment and the control compartment. The engine and transmission were installed in the stern of the car. From the end of 1944, an anti-aircraft gun was installed on the self-propelled guns heavy machine gun. A total of 1,735 vehicles were built. TTX self-propelled guns: length - 9.9 m; width - 3.1 m; height - 2.5 m; clearance - 470 mm; weight - 46 tons; booking - 20-100 mm; engine type - 12 cylinder diesel; engine power - 520 hp; specific power - 11.3 hp / t; speed of movement on the highway - 35 km / h; power reserve - 220 km; main armament - 121.9 mm gun A-19C; rate of fire - 2 rounds per minute; rate of fire D-25T - 3-4; fire line height - 1.8 m; ammunition - 30 shots; additional armament - 12.7 mm DShK machine gun; ammunition - 250 rounds; direct fire range - 5 km, maximum range- 14.3 km; crew - 5 people.

The installation was created on the basis of the IS-1/2 tank and was put into service in 1943. From the beginning of 1945, an anti-aircraft heavy-caliber machine gun was installed on the self-propelled guns. The self-propelled gun was used as a heavy assault gun, tank destroyer and as self-propelled howitzer. In total, 1,885 vehicles were produced during the war. TTX ACS: length - 9 m; width - 3.1 m; height - 2.9 m; clearance - 470 mm; weight - 46 tons; booking - 20 - 100 mm; engine type - 4-stroke 12-cylinder diesel V-2-IS; engine power - 520 hp; specific power - 11.3 hp / t; speed of movement on the highway - 40 km / h; power reserve - 350 - 500 km; main armament - 152.4-mm howitzer-gun "ML-20S"; ammunition - 21 shots; armor penetration at a distance of 1000 m -123 mm; direct fire range - 3.8 km; maximum - 13 km; fire line height - 1.8 m; additional armament - 12.7 mm DShK machine gun, ammunition - 250 rounds; crew - 5 people.

The self-propelled assault gun was produced in 1942-1944. based on the KV-1s heavy tank. During repairs, a 12.7-mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun turret could be installed on the self-propelled guns. A total of 671 cars were produced. TTX ACS: length - 9 m; width - 3.3 m; height - 2.5 m; clearance - 440 mm; weight - 45.5 tons; booking - 20-65 mm; engine type - V-shaped 12-cylinder diesel V-2K; power - 600 l. With.; specific power - 13.2 hp / t; speed on the highway - 43 km / h; power reserve - 330 km; armament - 152.4 mm ML-20S gun-howitzer; ammunition - 20 shots; rate of fire - 1 - 2 rounds per minute; direct fire range - 3.8 km; maximum - 13 km; crew - 5 people.

The branch of pumped tank destroyers in the USSR will be subject to serious changes. In particular, a new TOP is introduced into the game: Object 268 4 variant. Consequently, the rest of the technique is shifting down, which leads to changes in some technical parameters. In addition, the weak and unplayable SU-101M1 will completely disappear from the branch. Let's see what awaits us.

Level 9: Object 263 performance characteristics, armament (a 122 mm M62-S2 gun is installed).

Level 8: SU-122-54. The description of the vehicle and weapons are also changed here. In particular, the PT is losing a 100mm D54s gun.

Level 7: SU-101. For the machine, it is also expected to change the performance characteristics and descriptions of equipment in the hangar. In addition, the PT loses two guns at once: a 122-mm D-25S model of 44 years, and a 122-mm M62-S2. Instead of them, more suitable weapons will be added.

Removed from the game, for vehicles below the seventh level, the change is not expected.

What is it for? The main goal of the developers is to optimize this branch of Soviet ATs for the current requirements of the game in order to make the gameplay more balanced and rich. Moreover, the introduction of a new tank into the game should arouse interest among tankers in this unpopular branch of development. Tanks with aft turrets require some skill to play, so many prefer to take the easier route.

Self-propelled artillery began to be massively used by the Red Army relatively late - only at the end of 1942. However, the machines produced by Soviet designers made a great contribution to the overall victory. Without exception, all Soviet self-propelled guns of the war period can be attributed to formidable vehicles that were useful in various ways on the battlefield. From a small, but no less effective SU-76, to such a monster as the ISU-152, which could easily hit a pillbox or destroy a house in which the Nazis settled.

Light self-propelled guns SU-76

This self-propelled gun was developed in 1942 by the design bureaus of plant No. 38 in the city of Kirov, the machine was created on the basis of a well-mastered by industry light tank T-70. In total, from 1942 until the end of the war, more than 14 thousand machines of this type were manufactured. Thanks to this, the SU-76 is the most massive Soviet self-propelled artillery installation during the Great Patriotic War, and the volume of its release was second only to the release of the T-34 tank. The popularity and prevalence of the machine is due to its simplicity and versatility.

A huge role was played by the fact that a very good ZIS-3 divisional gun of 76.2 mm caliber was chosen as a weapon for arming this self-propelled guns. The gun proved to be excellent during the war years and was distinguished by its high versatility of use. The best weapon to support the infantry was hard to come up with. When using sub-caliber shells, the gun also revealed its anti-tank properties, however, tanks such as the Tiger and Panther were still recommended to be destroyed by firing at their sides. Against most samples of German armored vehicles, the armor penetration of the ZIS-3 gun remained adequate until the end of the war, although 100-mm armor remained an insurmountable obstacle for the gun.

The advantage, and in some cases the disadvantage of the machine, was its open felling. On the one hand, she helped the crew of the self-propelled guns to interact more closely with their infantry, especially in street combat, and also provided best review on the battlefield. On the other hand, the SPG crew was vulnerable to enemy fire and could be hit by shrapnel. In general, the self-propelled guns were distinguished by a minimum level of booking, which was bulletproof. However, the SU-76 was still very popular in units. Possessing the mobility of a light tank, the self-propelled gun had a much more serious weapon.

Not the most powerful weapons, thin armor, a fighting compartment open from above - all this, paradoxically, did not make the self-propelled gun unsuccessful. With its immediate task on the battlefield, the SU-76 coped perfectly. It was used for infantry fire support, acting as a light assault gun and anti-tank self-propelled guns. She was able to largely replace the light tanks of direct infantry support. Almost 25 years after the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Marshal Soviet Union K.K. Rokossovsky noted: “Our soldiers especially fell in love with the self-propelled gun SU-76. These mobile, light vehicles had time everywhere to help out and support the infantry units with their fire and caterpillars, and the infantrymen, in turn, did everything to protect these vehicles.

Anti-tank self-propelled guns SU-85 and SU-100

A separate place among all Soviet self-propelled guns was occupied by the SU-85 and SU-100, which were created on the basis of the most massive tank of the war - the T-34 medium tank. As you can easily guess, they differed primarily in the caliber of their guns and, accordingly, in their anti-tank capabilities. It is noteworthy that both self-propelled guns remained in service. various countries after the end of World War II.

The SU-85 was a medium-weight Soviet self-propelled artillery mount belonging to the tank destroyer class. Its main task on the battlefield was to fight enemy armored vehicles. The combat vehicle was developed at the Design Bureau of UZTM (Ural Heavy Engineering Plant, Uralmash) in May-July 1943. serial production new anti-tank self-propelled guns was deployed in July-August 1943. The 85-mm D-5S-85 cannon, which had good anti-tank capabilities, was chosen as the main gun for the new self-propelled gun. In fact, it was the SU-85 that became the first Soviet self-propelled guns that could fight German tanks on equal terms. From a distance of more than a kilometer, the crew of the SU-85 could easily disable any enemy medium tank. The frontal armor of the "Tiger" using armor-piercing shells could be penetrated from a distance of up to 500 meters, the use of sub-caliber ammunition made this task even easier.

Along with good firepower, the SU-85 was able to maintain the speed and maneuverability of its "progenitor" - the medium tank T-34 and these good performance mobility was saved more than once by the crews of this anti-tank self-propelled gun in battle. And under enemy fire, the SU-85 self-propelled guns felt much more confident than the SU-76 with its open cabin. In addition, her frontal armor, located at rational angles of inclination, was no longer bulletproof and could take a hit.

In total, 2329 such machines were produced in 1943-1944. Despite the relatively small number, it was the SU-85 self-propelled guns, from 1943 until the end of hostilities in Europe, that was the basis of Soviet self-propelled artillery units armed with medium-weight vehicles. The SU-100, which replaced it, was able to show up in battles only in January 1945. Therefore, it was the SU-85 self-propelled guns and their crews that carried on their shoulders almost the entire burden of anti-tank and assault work of medium self-propelled artillery during the war.

With the advent of new types of Germans armored vehicles, such as the heavy tank "Royal Tiger" and self-propelled guns "Ferdinand", the question of increasing anti-tank capabilities became acute Soviet self-propelled guns. The designers of Uralmash responded to a new challenge and in the middle of 1944 presented best fighter tanks of the Second World War - self-propelled guns SU-100. The self-propelled gun used the base of the T-34-85 tank and went to mass production in August 1944. In total, for the period from 1944 to 1956, 4976 such self-propelled artillery installations were produced, while in the USSR production was stopped in 1948, but continued under license in Czechoslovakia.

The main difference and the main highlight of the self-propelled guns was its cannon - a 100-mm D-10S gun, which could confidently fight even the heaviest and well-armored German tanks. Not by chance finest hour The SU-100 broke through during the Balaton defensive operation, when the German large-scale tank offensive, codenamed "Winter Awakening", ended in huge losses of armored vehicles and became, in fact, the cemetery of the Panzerwaffe. Also, the self-propelled gun was distinguished by the best booking. The thickness of its sloping frontal armor reached 75 mm. The self-propelled gun felt confident not only in the fight against enemy tanks, but also in urban battles. Often, one shot with a high-explosive projectile from a 100-mm gun was enough to literally "blow off" the detected enemy firing point.

Uniqueness and exceptional combat capabilities SU-100 is confirmed by the fact that it was in service Soviet army for several decades after the war, periodically modernized. In addition, the self-propelled guns were supplied to the allies of the Soviet Union, actively participated in the post-war local conflicts, including in the Arab-Israeli wars. The self-propelled gun remained in service with the armies of some countries until the end of the 20th century, and in some countries, such as Algeria, Morocco and Cuba, they remained in service as of 2012.

Heavy self-propelled guns SU-152 and ISU-152

Heavy Soviet self-propelled artillery mounts SU-152 and ISU-152 also made a significant contribution to the victory. The effectiveness of these machines is best indicated by their nicknames - "Deerslayer" and "Can Opener", which were given to these mighty twins in the army. The SU-152 was created on the basis of the KV-1S heavy tank and armed with a 152 mm ML-20S howitzer gun. The self-propelled gun was developed by the designers of ChKZ (Chelyabinsk Kirov Plant), the construction of the first prototype was completed on January 24, 1943, and with next month mass production of the machine began. It is worth noting that only 670 of these self-propelled guns were assembled, since the KV-1S tank, on the basis of which it was built, was discontinued. In December 1943, this vehicle was replaced on the assembly line with the ISU-152, which was equivalent in terms of armament, but better armored self-propelled guns based on the IS heavy tank.

The SU-152 self-propelled gun made its combat debut in the famous battle on Kursk Bulge, where she was immediately able to show herself as a worthy opponent of the new German tanks. The capabilities of self-propelled guns were enough to deal with the new brood of German "cats". The use of the 152-mm howitzer-gun ML-20S assumed the use of all the shells developed for it. But in reality, the crews of the vehicles managed with only two - high-explosive fragmentation and concrete-piercing shells. A direct hit on an enemy tank by concrete-piercing shells was enough to inflict heavy damage and incapacitate it. In some cases, the shells simply broke through the armor of the tanks, tore off the turret from the shoulder strap, and killed the crew. And sometimes direct hit A 152-mm projectile led to the detonation of ammunition, which turned enemy tanks into burning torches.

High-explosive fragmentation shells were also effective against German armored vehicles. Even without breaking through the armor, they damaged the sights and observation devices, the gun, the undercarriage of the vehicle. Moreover, in order to disable an enemy tank, sometimes it was enough just to close the gap high-explosive projectile. The crew of Major Sankovsky, commander of one of the SU-152 batteries in Battle of Kursk, in one day disabled 10 enemy tanks (according to other sources, this was the success of the entire battery), for which the major was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Of course, in the role of tank destroyers, the SU-152 was not used from a good life, but in this capacity, the self-propelled gun proved to be a wonderful machine. In general, the SU-152 was an excellent example of versatility. It could be used as an assault gun, tank destroyer and self-propelled howitzer. True, the use of the vehicle as a tank destroyer was complicated by the low rate of fire, but the effect of hitting the target could easily cross out this shortcoming. The monstrous power of the 152-mm howitzer-gun was indispensable in suppressing pillboxes and firing points of the Germans. Even if the concrete wall or ceilings withstood the impact of the projectile, the people inside received a serious concussion, their eardrums were torn.

Heavy self-propelled artillery mount The ISU-152 replaced the SU-152; it was created by the design bureau of Pilot Plant No. 100 in June-October 1943 and was put into service on November 6 of the same year. The release of the new self-propelled guns was launched at ChKZ, where it simply replaced the SU-152. The production of self-propelled guns continued until 1946, during which time 3242 vehicles of this type were built. The self-propelled gun was widely used on final stage war and also, like its predecessor SU-152, could be used in all aspects of the use of self-propelled artillery. These vehicles were withdrawn from the armament of the Soviet Army only in the 1970s, which also indicates their great combat potential.

The ISU-152 self-propelled guns became indispensable during urban battles, literally leveling enemy buildings and firing points with the ground. She showed herself very well during the assaults on Budapest, Konigsberg and Berlin. Good armor allowed the self-propelled guns to advance to a direct shot distance and hit German firing points with direct fire. For conventional towed artillery, this was a mortal danger due to the massive machine-gun and aimed sniper fire.

Sources of information:
http://rg.ru/2015/04/24/samohodka-site.html
http://armor.kiev.ua
http://pro-tank.ru
http://www.opoccuu.com

Self-propelled gun "Condenser-2P"

Self-propelled gun "Kondensator-2P", index GRAU 2A3 - a heavy self-propelled unit weighing 64 tons, capable of sending a 570-kilogram projectile to a distance of 25.6 kilometers. Not mass-produced, only 4 guns were made. For the first time, a self-propelled gun was shown at a parade on Red Square in 1957. The shown self-propelled guns made a splash among domestic viewers and foreign journalists. Some foreign experts suggested that the vehicles shown during the parade were sham, designed for the effect of intimidation, but in fact it was a real 406-mm artillery system shot at the firing range.

The creation of a 460-mm self-propelled gun of special power in the USSR began in 1954. This self-propelled gun was intended to destroy large industrial and military facilities of the enemy located at a distance of more than 25 kilometers with conventional and nuclear shells. Just in case, the USSR began to develop 3 nuclear superweapons: guns, mortars and recoilless rifle, calibers significantly exceeding the existing atomic guns. The huge caliber chosen arose as a result of the inability of Soviet nuclear scientists to produce a compact munition. During the development process, in order to ensure secrecy, the artillery system was given the designation "Condenser-2P" (object 271), and later the gun received its real index 2A3. The self-propelled guns were developed in parallel with the 420-mm self-propelled mortar 2B1 "Oka" (object 273), in accordance with the decree of the Council of Ministers of 04/18/1955.

The artillery part of the self-propelled guns (pointing and loading mechanism, swinging part) was designed by TsKB-34 under the control of I.I. Ivanov, here it was assigned the index SM-54. Horizontal aiming of the gun was carried out by turning the entire ACS, while accurate aiming was carried out using a special electric motor through the turning mechanism. The vertical aiming of the gun was carried out using hydraulic lifts, the weight of the projectile was 570 kg., The firing range was 25.6 km.

Due to the fact that there was no suitable chassis for mounting such a large weapon in the USSR, the Design Bureau of the Leningrad Plant named after. Kirov for self-propelled guns 2A3 "Condenser-2P" on the basis of components, parts, technical solutions for the undercarriage of the heavy tank T-10M (object 272), a new eight-roller undercarriage was created, which received the designation "object 271". When developing this chassis, the developers focused on the need to absorb large recoil forces when firing a shot. The chassis they developed had lowering sloths and hydraulic shock absorbers, which were supposed to partially dampen the recoil energy. Motor- power point for this self-propelled gun was borrowed from the heavy tank T-10, practically without undergoing any changes.

In 1955, work was completed at plant No. 221 on the creation of a 406-mm experimental ballistic barrel SM-E124, on which shots for the SM-54 gun were tested. In August of the same year, the first fully equipped artillery part of the SM-54 gun was ready at the plant. Its installation on the chassis of the Kirov Plant was completed on December 26, 1956. Tests of the self-propelled guns "Condenser-2P" took place from 1957 to 1959 at the Central Artillery Range near Leningrad, also known as the "Rzhevsky Range". The tests were carried out in conjunction with a 420-mm self-propelled mortar 2B1 "Oka". Prior to these tests, many experts were skeptical that this self-propelled gun mount would be able to survive a shot without destruction. However, the 406-mm self-propelled guns 2A3 "Kondensator-2P" quite successfully passed the mileage and shooting tests.

At the first stage of testing the ACS was accompanied by numerous breakdowns. So, when fired, the recoil force of the SM-54 gun mounted on the self-propelled guns was such that the caterpillar self-propelled gun rolled back several meters. During the first firing using simulators of nuclear shells, sloths were damaged in the self-propelled guns, which could not withstand the huge recoil forces of this gun. In a number of other cases, cases were noted with the collapse of the equipment of the installation, the failure of the gearbox mounts.

After each shot, the engineers carefully studied the state of the material, identified weak parts and components of the structure, and came up with new ones. technical solutions for their elimination. As a result of such actions, the design of the ACS was continuously improved, and the reliability of the installation increased. The tests also revealed low maneuverability and maneuverability of the self-propelled guns. At the same time, it was not possible to overcome all the detected shortcomings. It was not possible to completely extinguish the recoil of the gun; when fired, the gun drove back several meters. Also, the angle of horizontal guidance was insufficient. Due to their significant weight and size characteristics(weight about 64 tons, length together with a gun - 20 meters) it took a significant amount of time to prepare the positions of the ACS 2A3 "Condenser-2P". The given accuracy of firing the gun required not only accurate aiming, but also careful preparation of the artillery position. Special equipment was used to load the gun, while loading was carried out only in a horizontal position.

In total, 4 copies of the 406-mm self-propelled guns "Kondensator-2P" were made, all of them were shown in 1957 during the parade on Red Square. Despite the skepticism of a number of foreign military and journalists, the installation was combat, although it had a number of significant drawbacks. The mobility of the artillery system left much to be desired, it could not pass through the streets of small towns, under bridges, on country bridges, under power lines. According to these parameters and in terms of its firing range, it could not compete with the Luna divisional tactical missile, therefore, the ACS 2A3 Capacitor-2P never entered service with the troops.

SELF-PROPELLED MORTAR 2B1 OKA

The Cold War prompted the Soviet defense industry to develop unique types of weapons that, even after 50 years, can excite the imagination of the layman. Everyone who would artillery museum in St. Petersburg, they were probably surprised at the size of the 2B1 Oka self-propelled mortar, which is one of the most interesting exhibits. This 420-mm self-propelled mortar, designed in the USSR in the mid-1950s, is the largest mortar in the history of mankind. Moreover, the concept of its use involved the use of nuclear weapons. In total, 4 prototypes of this mortar were made, it was never mass-produced.

Work on the creation of a powerful 420-mm mortar was carried out in parallel with the development of the 406-mm self-propelled guns 2A3 (code "Condenser-2P"). B. I. Shavyrin was the chief designer of the unique self-propelled mortar. The development of the mortar began in 1955 and was carried out by well-known Soviet defense enterprises. The development of its artillery unit was carried out by the Kolomna Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering. For the creation of a caterpillar self-propelled chassis for a mortar (object 273), the design bureau of the Kirov Plant in Leningrad answered. The development of the 420-mm mortar barrel was carried out by the Barrikady plant. The length of the mortar barrel was almost 20 meters. The first prototype mortar 2B1 "Oka" (code "Transformer") was ready in 1957. Work on the development of the Oka self-propelled mortar continued until 1960, after which, according to the decree of the USSR Council of Ministers, they were stopped. The designations "Condenser-2P" and "Transformer" were used, among other things, to misinform a potential enemy about the true purpose of the development.

Chassis The machine, designed by the Design Bureau of the Kirov Plant, according to the classification of the GBTU, received the designation "Object 273". This chassis was maximally unified with the 2A3 self-propelled guns and met the increased requirements for structural strength. On this chassis, a power plant from the Soviet T-10 heavy tank was used. The chassis of the self-propelled mortar "Oka" had 8 dual road wheels and 4 support rollers (on each side of the body), the rear wheel was a guide, the front wheel was a drive wheel. Chassis guide wheels had a hydraulic system for lowering them in combat position to the ground. The chassis suspension was a torsion bar suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers, which were able to absorb a significant part of the recoil energy at the moment the mortar was fired. However, this was not enough. The absence of recoil devices on the mortar also affected. For this reason, when fired, a 420-mm mortar drove back on tracks up to a distance of 5 meters.

During the campaign, only the driver controlled the self-propelled mortar, while the rest of the crew (7 people) were transported separately on an armored personnel carrier or truck. In front of the car body there was an MTO - an engine-transmission compartment, in which a V-12-6B 12-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine was installed, equipped with a turbocharging system and developing a power of 750 hp. There was also a mechanical planetary transmission, which was interlocked with the rotation mechanism.

As the main weapon on the mortar, a 420-mm 2B2 smoothbore mortar with a length of 47.5 calibers was used. Mines were loaded from the breech of the mortar using a crane (mines weight 750 kg), which negatively affected its rate of fire. The rate of fire of the mortar was only 1 shot in 5 minutes. The transportable ammunition of the 2B1 "Oka" mortar included only one mine with nuclear warhead, which guaranteed at least one tactical nuclear strike under any circumstances. The vertical guidance angle of the mortar lay in the range from +50 to +75 degrees. In the vertical plane, the barrel moved thanks to the hydraulic system, at the same time, the horizontal guidance of the mortar was carried out in 2 stages: initially, a rough adjustment of the entire installation, and only after that, aiming at the target using an electric drive.

In total, 4 2B1 Oka self-propelled mortars were assembled at the Kirov Plant in Leningrad. In 1957, they were shown during the traditional military parade, which took place on Red Square. Here, at the parade, foreigners were also able to see the mortar. The demonstration of this truly huge weapon made a splash among foreign journalists, as well as Soviet observers. At the same time, some foreign journalists even suggested that the artillery installation shown at the parade is only a props, which is designed to produce a frightening effect.

It is worth noting that this statement is not so far from the truth. The car was more indicative than combat. During the tests, it was noted that sloths could not withstand firing with conventional mines, the gearbox was torn off its place, the chassis structure was destroyed, and other breakdowns and shortcomings were also noted. The finalization of the self-propelled mortar 2B1 "Oka" went on until 1960, when it was decided to finally stop work on this project and the self-propelled gun 2A3.

The main reason for curtailing work on the project was the emergence of new tactical unguided missiles that could be installed on lighter tracked chassis with better maneuverability, which were cheaper and much easier to operate. An example is tactical missile system 2K6 "Moon". Despite the failure with the Oka mortar, Soviet designers were able to use all the accumulated experience, including negative ones, when designing similar artillery systems in the future. Which, in turn, allowed them to reach a qualitatively new level in the design of various self-propelled artillery installations.

Specifications 2B1 "Oka":
Dimensions: length (with gun) - 27.85 m, width - 3.08 m, height - 5.73 m.
Weight - 55.3 tons.
Booking - bulletproof.
The power plant is a V-12-6B liquid-cooled diesel engine with a power of 552 kW (750 hp).
Specific power - 13.6 hp / t.
The maximum speed on the highway is 30 km / h.
Cruising on the highway - 220 km.
Armament - 420-mm mortar 2B2, barrel length 47.5 calibers (about 20 m).
Rate of fire - 1 shot / 5 min.
Firing range - up to 45 km, using active-reactive ammunition.
Crew - 7 people.

The term "tank" in Ozhegov's dictionary is explained as "armored self-propelled fighting machine with powerful weapons on caterpillar tracks. But such a definition is not a dogma, there is no unified tank standard in the world. Each manufacturing country creates and created tanks taking into account its own needs, the characteristics of the proposed war, the manner of the upcoming battles and its own production possibilities. The USSR was no exception in this regard.

The history of the development of tanks of the USSR and Russia by models

Invention history

The primacy of the use of tanks belongs to the British, their use forced the military leaders of all countries to reconsider the concept of warfare. The use by the French of their light tank "Renault" FT17 determined the classic use of tanks for solving tactical problems, and the tank itself became the embodiment of the canons of tank building.

Although the laurels of the first use did not go to the Russians, the very invention of the tank, in its classical sense, belongs to our compatriots. In 1915 V.D. Mendeleev (the son of a famous scientist) sent a project for an armored self-propelled vehicle on two tracks with artillery weapons to the technical department of the Russian army. But for unknown reasons further design work things didn't work out.

The very idea of ​​putting a steam engine on a caterpillar propeller was not new; it was first implemented in 1878 by the Russian designer Fedor Blinov. The invention was called: "A wagon with endless flights for the transport of goods." This "car" was the first to use a track turning device. The invention of the caterpillar mover, by the way, also belongs to the Russian staff captain D. Zagryazhsky. For which a corresponding patent was issued in 1937.

The world's first tracked combat vehicle is also Russian. In May 1915, an armored vehicle D.I. was tested near Riga. Porokhovshchikov under the name "All-terrain vehicle". She had an armored hull, one wide caterpillar and a machine gun in a rotating turret. The tests were recognized as very successful, but due to the approaching Germans, further tests had to be postponed, and after a while they were completely forgotten about.

In the same year, 1915, a machine designed by the head of the experimental laboratory of the military department, captain Lebedenko, was tested. The 40-ton unit was enlarged to giant size an artillery carriage propelled by two Maybach engines from a downed airship. The front wheels had a diameter of 9 meters. As conceived by the creators, a machine of this design should easily overcome ditches and trenches, but during the tests it got stuck immediately after the start of movement. Where it stood for many years until it was cut into scrap metal.

Russia ended World War I without its tanks. During the Civil War, tanks from other countries were used. During the fighting, part of the tanks passed into the hands of the Red Army, on which the fighters of the workers and peasants entered the battle. In 1918, in the battle with the French-Greek troops near the village of Berezovskaya, several Reno-FT tanks were captured. They were sent to Moscow to participate in the parade. The fiery speech about the need to build our own tanks, which Lenin delivered, laid the foundation for Soviet tank building. We decided to release, or rather completely copy, 15 Reno-FT tanks called Tank M (small). On August 31, 1920, the first copy left the workshops of the Krasnoye Sormovo plant in Nizhny Tagil. This day is considered to be the birthday of Soviet tank building.

The young state understood that tanks were very important for waging war, especially since the enemies approaching the borders were already armed with this type of military equipment. Because of the particularly expensive production price, the M tank was not launched into the series, so another option was needed. According to the idea that existed then in the Red Army, the tank was supposed to support the infantry during the attack, that is, the speed of the tank should not be much higher than the infantry, the weight should allow it to break through the defense line, and the weapons should successfully suppress firing points. Choosing between own developments and proposals to copy already ready samples, chose the option that made it possible to establish the production of tanks in the shortest possible time - copying.

In 1925, a tank was launched into serial production, the Fiat-3000 was its prototype. Even if not entirely successful, the MS-1 became a tank that laid the foundation for Soviet tank building. In its production, the production itself was developed, the coherence of the work of different departments and factories.

Until the beginning of the 30s, several of their models T-19, T-20, T-24 were developed, but due to the lack of special advantages over the T-18, and due to their high cost in production, they did not go into series.

Tanks 30-40 years - a disease of imitation

Participation in the conflict on the KFZhD showed the discrepancy between the first generation tanks for the dynamic development of the battle, the tanks practically did not show themselves in any way, the main work was done by the cavalry. We needed a faster and more reliable car.

To select the next production model, they went the beaten path and purchased samples abroad. The English Vickers Mk - 6 tons was mass-produced with us as the T-26, and the Carden-Loyd Mk VI tankette was the T-27.

T-27, at first so tempting to manufacture with its cheapness, was not produced for a long time. In 1933, on the basis of wedges, they were accepted for the army
floating tank T-37A, with weapons in a rotating turret, and in 1936 - T-38. In 1940, they created a similar floating T-40, the USSR did not produce more floating tanks until the 50s.

Another sample was purchased in the USA. Based on the model of J.W. Christie, a whole series of high-speed tanks (BT) was built, their main difference was the combination of two wheeled and tracked propellers. Wheels were used to move during the march of the BT, and caterpillars were used in the conduct of battles. Such necessary measure was needed because of the weak operational capabilities of the tracks, only 1000 km.

The BT tanks, which developed quite high speeds on the roads, fully suited the changed military concept of the Red Army: a breakthrough in defense and a high-speed deployment of a deep attack through the resulting gap. The three-tower T-28 was developed directly for the breakthrough, the prototype of which was the English Vickers 16-ton. Another breakthrough tank was supposed to be the T-35, similar to the English five-turreted Independent heavy tank.

During the pre-war decade, many interesting tank designs were created that did not go into series. For example, based on the T-26
semi-closed self-propelled gun AT-1 (artillery tank). During the Second World War, they will again remember these machines without a cabin roof.

Tanks of the second world

Participation in civil war in Spain and in the battles at Khalkhin Gol showed how high the explosiveness of a gasoline engine and the insufficiency of anti-bullet armor against the then emerging anti-tank artillery. The introduction of solutions to these problems allowed our designers, who had been ill with imitation disease, to create on the eve of the Second World War a truly good tanks and KV.

In the first days of the war, a disastrously many tanks were lost, it took time to establish the production of unrivaled T-34s and KVs at only evacuated factories, and the front desperately needed tanks. The government decided to fill this niche with cheap and fast-to-produce light tanks T-60 and T-70. Naturally, the vulnerability of such tanks is very high, but they gave time to deploy the production of Victory tanks. The Germans called them "indestructible locusts".

In battle under the railway. Art. For the first time in Prokhorovka, tanks acted as "cementing" defenses, before that they were used exclusively as an attack weapon. In principle, up to the present day, there were no more new ideas in the use of tanks.

Speaking of WWII tanks, it is impossible not to mention the tank destroyers (SU-76, SU-122, etc.) or as they were called "self-propelled guns" in the troops. A relatively small rotating turret did not allow the use of some powerful guns and, most importantly, howitzers on tanks, for this they were installed on the bases of existing tanks without the use of turrets. Actually Soviet tank destroyers during the war, except for weapons, they did not differ in any way from their prototypes, unlike the same German ones.

modern tanks

After the war, they continued to produce light, medium and heavy tanks, but by the end of the 50s, all the main tank manufacturers concentrated on the production of the main tank. Thanks to new technologies in the production of armor, more powerful engines and weapons, the need to divide tanks into types has disappeared by itself. The niche of light tanks was occupied by armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, so the PT-76 eventually became an armored personnel carrier.

The first post-war bulk tank a new model was armed with a 100-mm gun, and its modification for use in radioactive zones. This model has become the most popular among modern tanks, more than 30,000 of these machines were in the service of over 30 countries.

After the appearance of tanks with a 105 mm gun in potential enemies, it was decided to upgrade the T-55 to a 115 mm gun. The world's first tank with a 155mm smoothbore gun was named .

The ancestor of the classic main tanks was the . It fully combined the capabilities of heavy (125mm guns) and medium tanks (high mobility).