Soviet heavy tank Josif Stalin IS-3

Josif Stalin IS-3

IS-3 těžký sovětský tank asistoval dobytí Berlína

Soviet heavy tank Josif Stalin IS-3

5th tank day Lešany – IS-3

IS-2

In late 1944 the IS-2 design was upgraded to the IS-3. This tank had improved armour layout, and a hemispherical cast turret (resembling an overturned “soup bowl”) which was to be the hallmark of post-war Soviet tanks. While this low, hemispherical turret may have made the IS-3 a smaller target, it also imposed severe penalties inside the tank by significantly diminishing the working headroom, especially for the loader (Soviet tanks in general are characterized by uncomfortably small interior space compared to Western tanks).

The low turret also limited the maximum depression of the main gun, since the gun breech had little room inside the turret to pivot on its vertical axis. As a result, the IS-3 was unable to use cover provided by the reverse sides of hills and embankments, and it had to expose itself by driving over the crest to fire at opponents. (Perrett 1987:21) Western tanks were better suited to fighting in the hull-down position. The IS-3s pointed prow earned it the nickname Shchuka (Pike) from its crews. although it weighed slightly less and stood 30 cm lower.

The IS-3 came too late to see action in World War II. Though some older sources claim that the tank saw action at the end of the war in Europe, there are no official reports to confirm this. It is now generally accepted that the tank saw no action against the Germans, although one regiment may have been deployed against the Japanese in Manchuria.

About these ads