SU-152 Self Propelled Guns

Soviet SU-152 Self Propelled Gun

Image: SU-152 (17K)

Prototypes were built at the Uralmash factory in Chelyabinsk and initially designated the KV-14. Used KV-1 chassis. The cartridge and shell were loaded separately, thus making the rate of fire 2-3 per minute. Used a KT-5 or ST-10 telescopic sight.

" Zvierboy" (animal killer). First 12 saw action at Kursk and was quite successful at destroying German Tigers and Panthers. Was used as an assault tank and tank destroyer. Used by the heavy self-propelled gun regiments of the armored and mechanized corps.

Samokhodnaya Ustanovka (self propelled mounting)SU-152
Crew 51,2
Physical Characteristics 
Weight 101,920 lb
45.5 tons1,2,3, 50.1 tons1
45,500 kg1
Length w/gun 29' 10", 29' 4"1
8.95 m1,2,3
Length w/o gun 6.75 m2
Height 8' 2", 8'1
2.45 m1,2,3
Width 10' 10", 10' 8"1
3.25 m1,2,3
Ground clearance 0.44 m2
Ground contact length 
Ground pressure 0.85 kp/(cm2)2
Turret ring diameter 
Armament 
Main 152 mm howitzer M-1937
152.4 mm 1937/43 (ML-20 S)2
152 mm ML-20S1
152 mm1
152 mm ML-203
Secondary 
MG 12.7 mm DShK (later models)3
Side arms 
Quantity 
Main 202,3
Secondary 
MG 
Side arms 
Armor Thickness (mm) Front: 603
Side: 603
Hull Front, Upper 60-752
601
Hull Front, Lower 50-602
Hull Sides, Upper 502, 601
Hull Sides, Lower 602
Hull Rear 55-60, 601,2
Hull Top 20-30, 301,2
Hull Bottom 301,2
Turret Front 
Turret Sides 
Turret Rear 
Turret Top 
Engine (Make / Model) W-2-K, V-21,2
Cylinders  
Net HP 6003
Transmission  
Fuel type  
Octane  
Capacity 600-615 liters2, 975 liters1
214 gallons1
Performance 
Traverse12° each way3
Max Speed 27 mph1
43 kph1,2,3
Cross Country 
Road radius 206 miles, 205 miles1, 150 miles1
120-330 km1,2, 240 km1
Cross Country: 120 km1 , 75 miles1
Turning Radius 
Elevation Limits-5° to +18°3
Fording depth 1.6 m2
Trench crossing 2.7 m2
Vertical Obstacle 1.2 m2
Suspension (Type) 
Wheels each side 
Return rollers each side 
Track length 
Tires 
Track width 
Track centers/tread 
Production 1943: 7041,2

Sources:

  1. Russian Tanks of World War II Stalin's Armored Might, by Tim Bean & Will Fowler, 2002
  2. Russian Tanks and Armored Vehicles 1917-1945, by Wolfgang Fleischer, 1999
  3. Jane's World War II Tanks and Fighting Vehicles The Complete Guide, Leland Ness, 2002
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