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Soviet Union's IS-31 heavy tank
IS-3 heavy tank: |
IS-3 heavy tank: |
| 1/72 Diecast Models of JS-3 |
|---|
| Easy Models |
36247: |
Design
A group lead by N. Dukhov redesigned IS-2 with a lower silhouette and pointed hull.
Armor
The front armor on the IS-3 was made from two plates that were welded together at an angle.1 This was called a Pike nose by the IS-3's designers.1 It was hoped that this design would help it shed enemy rounds better than the IS-2.1
Turret
N. L. Dukhov developed the rounded shaped turret which deflected rounds fired at it better.1 The internal layout was better for the crew and improved fighting efficiency.1
Prototype
Marshal G. K. Zhukov and Marshal A. M. Vasilevsky were show the prototype of the IS-3 in October 1944.1 They highly recommended that production be started on the IS-3.1
Production
- IS-3: 2,3111
- Production: early 1945 - mid 19461
Usage
Most reports say it didn't make it to the front by VE-Day. It did appear publicly at the Berlin Victory Parade in September 1945. Delivered in very small numbers to heavy guard tank regiments in January 1945.
| IS-31 | IS-3 1945 | |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 41,3,4 | 42 |
| Physical Characteristics | ||
| Weight | 100,972 lb 45.8 tons3,4, 51.2 tons1 46,250 kg3, 46,500 kg1 |
45.8 tons2 |
| Length w/gun | 32.75'4, 35' 3"1 10.74 m1 |
10 m2 |
| Length w/o gun | 22' 4"3, 6.81 m3 |
6.67 m2 |
| Height | 8.9'4, 8' 11"3, 9' 6"1 2.93 m3, 2.92 m1 |
2.44 m2 |
| Width | 10.5'4, 11', 11' 3"1 , 10' 6"3 3.07 m, 3.44 m1,3 |
3.2 m2 |
| Ground clearance | 0.43 m | |
| Ground contact length | ||
| Ground pressure | 0.79 kp/cm2 2 | |
| Turret ring diameter | ||
| Armament | ||
| Main |
122 mm D-253 122 mm M1943 D-25 T L/43 122 mm1,4 |
122 mm 1944 D-25 T2 |
| Secondary | ||
| MG |
1 or 2: 7.62 mm DT MG 1 or 2: 7.62 mm MG1 2: 7.62 mm DT MG3 2: MG4 |
7.62 mm DT MG2 |
| MG - anti aircraft | 12.7 mm AA1 12.7 mm DShK AA MG3 |
12.7 mm DSchK 38/44 AA MG2 |
| Side arms | ||
| Quantity | ||
| Main | 28 | |
| Secondary | ||
| MG | 7.62: 1,000 | |
| Side arms | ||
| Armor Thickness (mm) | 24 - 1204 2303 |
|
| Hull Front, Upper | 90-1202 | |
| Hull Front, Lower | ||
| Hull Sides, Upper | 902 | |
| Hull Sides, Lower | ||
| Hull Rear | ||
| Hull Top | ||
| Hull Bottom | ||
| Turret Front | 200-2302 | |
| Turret Sides | 75-1152 | |
| Turret Rear | 75-1152 | |
| Turret Top | 302 | |
| Engine (Make / Model) | ( V-2K) | V-2-IS3, W-2-IS2 |
| Bore / stroke | 4 stroke2 | |
| Cylinders | V-122 | |
| Net HP | 5194 | 600@2,000 rpm2 |
| Transmission | ||
| Fuel type | Diesel4 | Diesel2 |
| Octane | ||
| Capacity | 780 liters2 | |
| Performance | ||
| Traverse | 360° | |
| Max Speed | 23 mph1,3,4 37 kph1,3 |
40 kph2 |
| Cross Country | 15 mph | |
| Road radius | 130 miles3, 192.3 miles1 209 km3, 208 km1 |
190 km2 |
| Turning Radius | ||
| Elevation Limits | ||
| Fording depth | 1.3 m2 | |
| Trench crossing | 2.7 m2 | |
| Vertical Obstacle | 1 m2 | |
| Climbing ability | 30 - 36°2 | |
| Suspension (Type) | ||
| Wheels each side | ||
| Return rollers each side | ||
| Track length | ||
| Tires | ||
| Track width | ||
| Track centers/tread |
Sources:
- Russian Tanks of World War II Stalin's Armored Might, by Tim Bean & Will Fowler, 2002
- Russian Tanks and Armored Vehicles 1917-1945, by Wolfgang Fleischer, 1999
- The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - The Comprehensive Guide to Over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles From 1915 to the Present Day, General Editor: Christopher F. Foss, 2002
- Tanks of the World, 1915-1945, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, 1972
