BT-7, 1935 model

Type: Light TankCrew: Three Armament: 45 mm 20K main gun, 1934 model, 7.62 mm DT machine-gun.Ammo: 172 shells, 2,394 DT rounds (on tanks without a wireless station), 132 shells and 2,394 DT rounds (on tanks with a wireless station).Armor: front – 20 mm, rear and sides – 13 mm, roof – 10 mm, bottom – 6 mm, tower –15 mm.Max Speed: 53 km/h on track, 73 km/h on wheels.Range: 375 km on track, 500 km on wheels.Engine: M-17T 400 HP (294.5kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 13.8 tons

BT-7 – "high-speed tank", the most popular tank in the thirties. Based on the dual running gear M-1931 (T-3) tank made by American designer W.J. Christie. The tracks could be removed and the tank then moved on supporting road wheels. Changing gear from wheel to track drive took about half an hour; it was possible to change over at any time. This made it possible to reach speeds that were unheard-of for armored vehicles in those times. The BT-7 was designed in conformity with the theory of deep offensive operation for breaking deep into enemy defenses, and for quick offensive operations without infantry support.

After 1935 5,556 BT-7 units of all types were produced.The main modifications of these are:BT-7 - Basic modification. 4,613 units produced. Hull of mainly welded construction, cylindrical turret;BT-7A – Artillery tank. 156 units produced. Supplied with T-26-4 turret from T-26 tank. Armament: KT-26 76 mm main gun and 2 DT machine-guns. Weight 13.5 tons;BT-7M – BT-7, model 1937. 787 units produced. Comes with a B-2 400 HP diesel engine (294.5kW), max speed on track - 62 km/h, 86 km/h on wheels. Weight 14.65 tons.

BT-7 tanks were widely used in battles on all fronts right up to August 1945 when the Japanese Quantun army was crushed.

T-40, 1939 model

Type: Light TankCrew: Two Armor: front – 13 mm, rear and sides – 13 mm, roof – 6 mm, bottom – 4 to 6 mm, turret – 10 mm.Armament: a DShK 12.7 mm main gun, 1938, model, a 7.62 mm DT machine-gun, 1929 model.

Ammo: 500 DShK rounds, 2,016 DT rounds.Max Speed: 50 km/h land speed, 6 km/h in water.Range: 300 km.Engine: GAZ-11-202, 85 HP water-cooled (62.5kW) carburetor.Weight: 5.5 tons

The best Russian amphibian tank of World War II. It was developed in 1939 and was intended to replace the T-37A and T-38 tanks. The hull was made of welded or riveted rolled armor plates. Only the hull shape ensured the tank's stability on water; there were no floats. In the bottom part of the real hull there was an opening to fit a four-bladed ship’s propeller and two rudder surfaces. The turret, in the form of a truncated cone, was placed on a ball bearing and was offset to the left.

From October 1940 to 1941, 709 units were produced. By the middle of 1942, almost all these tanks were lost in military operations.

Main modifications:

T-40 – Basic prototype. Displacing welded hull. The turret was in the form of a truncated cone and was offset to the left side, while the engine was offset to the right. Amphibian. T-40S – Land version. Crew propeller with universal-shaft drive, rudders, hold pump, water-repellent coating, heat exchanger and compass were removed.T-30 – Land version. Straight rear plate without a propeller opening. Armor: front and sides – 15 mm, under-turret frame – 20 mm. Some of the tanks had a 20 mm TNSh-20 (ShVAK) automatic gun and DT machine-gun coupled with it. Ammo: 750 shells and 1,512 rounds.

T-40 served as the basis for building a small number of BM-8-24 rocket launchers, which were used until the end of the war. Some vehicles were used until 1946 for training purposes.

T-60, 1939 model

Type: Light TankCrew: Two Armament: 20 mm 20 caliber TShN-20 gun, 7.62 mm caliber DT machine-gun, 1929 model Ammo: 754 shells, 945 DT rounds.Armor: front – 35 mm, rear and sides – 25 mm, roof – 13 mm, bottom – 10 mm, turret – 35 mm.Max Speed: 44 km/h Range: 455kmEngine: GAZ-202, 76 HP, water-cooled (55.9kW) carburetor. Weight: 6.4 tons

Developed in August 1941 as a land version of the T-40 tank with extensive use of T-40 parts. The T-60's hull was made of riveted armor plates at first; later, welded armor plates were introduced. Front plates were inclined considerably. A cut turret with a commander's hatch in the roof was offset to the left and a TNSh-20 gun (the tank version of the ShVAK aviation cannon) was placed in it. The gun was effective for firing at light and medium armored vehicles.

T-60s were first used in winter 1941 for the defense of Moscow. Their last large operation was the siege of Leningrad, where the breakthrough came in January 1944.5,915 units were produced from 15 September 1941 to 1943.A small number of BM-8-24 rocket launchers were built on the T-60 chassis. Both tanks and rocket launchers were used till the end of the war.

T-70, 1942 model

Type: Light TankCrew: Two Armament: 20K 45 mm caliber gun, model 1934, 7.62 mm caliber DT machine-gun Ammo: 70 shells, 945 DT rounds.Armor: front – 35 to 45 mm, sides –15 mm, rear – 15 to 25 mm, roof and bottom – 6 to 15 mm, turret – 35 mm.Max Speed: 45 km/h Range: 250 kmEngine: GAZ-203, 140 HP (103kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 9.2 tons

The best Soviet light tank, T-70 was developed in autumn 1941 to replace the light T-60 tank. The tank hull was made of welded rolled armor plates. The thickness of the T-70 front armor plates could be compared to that of the T-34 medium tank. The welded turret, accommodating a single person, was offset to the left. For better protection, armor plate junctions were covered by armored squares.

Main modifications:

T-70 – Basic tank model.T-70 – Commander's tank with 9P wireless station. Armament: 45 mm tank gun, 1938 model and DT machine-gun.T-70M – Tank with improved running gear. Production launched in 1942. Armament: 45 mm main gun, 1938 model and DT machine-gun. Equipped with driver's periscope device. Weight: 9.8 tons.

The T-70 and T-70M were adopted by the so-called mixed brigades and regiments jointly with the T-34. These tanks were also used as command vehicles in divisions, regiments and brigades with SU-76 self-propelled mountings. They took part in military operations until the end of the war. 8,226 units were built from March 1942 until autumn 1943.

T-34, 1941 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: Four Armor: front, rear and sides – 45 mm, roof and bottom – 20 mm, turret – 45 mm (rolled welded steel) or 52 mm (cast steel)

Armament: F-34 76 mm caliber tank gun, 1940 model; two 7.62 DT machine-guns Ammo: 77 shells; 3,906 DT rounds.Max Speed: 54 km/h Range: 300-400 kmEngine: V-2, 500 HP (368.1kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Weight: 26.5 tons

The most popular Soviet medium tank in World War II. Developed in 1939. The first T-34 prototype was produced in January 1940. In the course of intensive trials, the tank went through a large number of extensive design revisions. Then serial production began in most Soviet manufacturing plants. It should be noted that each production plant introduced some changes and additions to the tank design in accordance with its technological capacities and tanks produced by different plants could be distinguished from one another by their outward appearance.

Main modifications:The Red Army did not differentiate tanks by series, like the T-34A or the T-34B. Instead, the classification of tanks was based on the year of manufacture. This was not a perfect system, since often many modifications were made during the same year. T-34, 1940 model – the first serial version. Weight 26.2 tons, L-11 76 mm turret. Two crewmen: driver and gunner, who had to act as driver, spotter, commander, aimer, gunner and loader.T-34, 1941 model – modified turret for the F-34 gun, cast gun mount, modified driver hatches and turrets. Weight 26.5 tons. T-34, 1942 model – large turret. Modified driver hatch. Increased armor protection of hull and turret. Weight 28.5 tons. T-34, 1943 model – increased armor protection of hull and turret. The tanks from this series had simplified hexagonal turrets equipped with a small turret for the tank commander. Weight: 30.9 tons.TO-34 – flame-throwing version. Machine-gun replaced by ATO-41/ATO-42 flame-thrower.

35,312 units of all modifications were produced from 1940 to 1944, 1,170 of which were flame-throwing models. The T-34 was used as the basis for producing self-propelled artillery mountings, commander's tanks, bridge layers, mine sweeping tanks, flame-throwing tanks, recovery vehicles and other special purpose vehicles.

T-34-85, 1944 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: Four Armament: 85 mm caliber ZIS-S-53 gun, 2 DT machine-guns of 7.62 caliber Ammo: 60 shells; 1,920 DT rounds.Armor: front – 47 mm, sides – 60 mm, rear – 47 mm, roof – 20 mm, bottom – 21 mm, turret – 75 to 90 mm.Max Speed: 55 km/h Range: 360 kmEngine: V-2-34, 400 HP (294.5kW), diesel, liquid cooled.

Weight: 32 tons

Based on the 1942 model T-34. It was equipped with a new cast turret with a more powerful 85 mm main gun. There was a small commander turret on the turret roof and its two-fold lid rotated on a ball bearing. Power plant, transmission and running gear were left practically unchanged. Due to the addition of a larger gun and a new crew member (an additional gunner in the turret), the tank had a much larger interior space. This made it more vulnerable, especially in the lower turret area. Production of the T-34 armed with 85 mm gun started in autumn 1943; the T-34-85 started appearing in Red Army military units from March 1944 and quickly squeezed out earlier T-34 versions.

From 1944 till the end of the war, 21,048 units of the following two main modifications were produced:

T-34-85 (D-5T) – the first serial version with 85 mm D-5T-85 gun, gun length 48.8 calibers.T-34-85 (ZIS-S-53) – new 85 mm ZIS-S-53 gun (model 1944), gun length 54.6 calibers.

The T-34-85 tanks took part in the final World War II operations, including the Quantun army rout. These tanks formed the backbone of the Soviet Army tank fleet in the first post-war years. It is known that the tank is still used by some countries to this very day.

KV-1, 1940 model

Type: Heavy TankCrew: Five Armament: L-11 76 mm gun (1939 model), four DT machine-guns of 7.62 mm caliber Ammo: 135 shells; 2,772 DT rounds.Armor: front, sides – 75-105 mm, rear – 40 to 75 mm, roof and bottom – 30 to 40 mm, turret – 82 mm.Max Speed: 43 km/h Range: 200 km.Engine: V-2K, 500 HP (368kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Weight: 47.5 tons

KV-1 ("Klim Voroshilov", named after a Red Army commander) was developed in 1939 as a one-turret version of the prototype two-turret SMK tank ("Sergei Mironovich Kirov", a Soviet leader assassinated in 1934). The hull of the tank was made of welded rolled armor plates. The turret was produced in welded and cast versions. There were also two types of welded turrets – one with a right-angled and another one with a rounded rear. Serial production of the KV-1 started in February 1940 together with KV-2 production. The latter had a larger turret with a 152 mm howitzer installed.

4,775 units of the following main modifications were produced from February 1940 till October 1943:

KV-1 – The first serial version. From autumn 1941, front armor was increased from 75 to 105 mm. There was a 76 mm F-32 gun, but from autumn 1941 a 76 mm ZIS-5 was used. The lack of diesel engines at the beginning of the war resulted in equipping some of the tanks with 400 HP M-17 carburetor engines (294.5kW).

KV-2 – New turret with 152 mm M-10 howitzer, 6-man crew. Weight: 52 tons.KV-1c – New streamlined cast turret and a small commander turret. Overall tank weight reduced due to optimized armor. Weight: 42.5 tons.KV-85 – New turret with 85 mm D-5T gun placed on KV-1c chassis. Weight: 46 tons.KV-8 – Flame-throwing tank. Created on the basis of the KV-1 and KV-1C. 76 mm gun replaced with 45 mm gun (1934 model) with masking jacket repeating the exterior shape of the 76 mm gun. ATO-41 flamethrower was installed near the machine-gun, shooting in the same direction as a gun.

The fate of the KV-1 was full of contradictions. When the war with the Soviet Union broke out, the tank was in fact unnecessary because at that time it had no adequate opponents. In comparison with the medium T-34 tank, it did not feature any obvious fighting advantages except thicker armor. The "Tiger" – a German tank of the same class as the KV - became available only at the end of 1942, but the KV could not fight it because of its insufficient firepower. Nevertheless, heavy KV tanks took part in military operations in the Second World War until its final stages.

IS-2 (1943 model)

Type: Heavy TankCrew: FourArmament: D-25T 122 mm gun (1943 model), 3 DT 7.62 mm guns, 12.7 mm DShK gun (not on all tanks). Ammo: 28 shells; 2,331 DT rounds; 300 DShK rounds.Armor: front –120 mm, sides – 90 mm, rear – 60 mm, roof and bottom – 20 to 30 mm, turret – 90 to 160 mm.Max Speed: 37 km/h Range: 240 kmEngine: V-2-IS, 520 HP (382.5kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Weight: 46 tons

The most powerful Soviet tank to take part in military operations during the Second World War. The IS-2 ("Iosif Stalin") was developed in su mmer 1943 in parallel with the heavy IS-1, armed with an 85 mm gun. The IS-1 and IS-2 were based on the prototype KV-13 tank. Owing to thick armor and high firepower, the IS-2 became a formidable opponent for heavy German tanks. However, the IS-2 had some essential drawbacks that confined its anti-tank abilities: insufficient ammo and separate gun loading, which reduced rate of fire.

3,483 units of the two main modifications were manufactured from December 1943 till June 1945:

IS-1 – Basic model. 67 units with 85 mm D-5T gun.IS-2 – Main modification: a 122 mm gun. From mid-1944, the tanks of the series were produced with new inclined front armor.

In reality, the most powerful and complete serial heavy Soviet tank of the Second World War was the IS-3, which was used in battles against Japan in 1945 but was left out of operations against Nazi Germany. The first time the IS-3 was officially demonstrated to the Allies was on September 7 1945 at an Allied troop parade in Berlin. The tank was adopted in the USSR and other countries until the seventies.

M4A2 "Sherman" (Sherman III)

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: 75 mm M3 gun with barrel 37.5 calibers long, 2 M2HB Browning machine-guns of 12.7 mm caliber.Ammo: 97 shells; 4,750 7.62 mm rounds; 300 12.7 mm rounds.Armor: front – 108 to 51 mm, sides – 38 mm, rear – 38 mm, roof – 19 mm, bottom – 25.4 to 12.7 mm, turret – 51 to 89 mm. Max Speed: 48 km/h Range: 241 kmEngine: General Motors 6046, 375 HP (276.15kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Weight: 31.87 tons

1,990 M4A2 units were delivered to the USSR under the lend-lease program. The "Sherman" and its modifications were the most numerous mass-produced American tanks of the Second World War and, in terms of popularity, they confidently share first place with the Soviet T-34 tank. In terms of the number of units produced, however, they take second place, after the T-34. 49,234 "Sherman" units of all modifications were produced from February 1942 to July 1945, compared to well over 50,000 T-34’s. "Shermans" took part in the liberation of the Ukraine and White Russia, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Austria, as well as in the battle of Berlin. 10,968 M4A2 units of all versions were produced, among them 8,053 with 75 mm gun.

M4A2 (76) W "Sherman" (Sherman IIIA)

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: 76 mm M1A1 gun (tanks of late series were equipped with M1A1C or M1A2 guns), two Browning M1919A4 machine-guns of 7.62 mm caliber, Browning M2HB machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber. Ammo: 71 shells; 6,250 7.62 mm rounds; 600 12.7 mm rounds.Armor: front – 108 to 51 mm, sides – 38 mm, rear – 38 mm, roof – 19 mm, bottom – 25.4 to 12.7 mm, turret - 63.5 to 89 mm. Max Speed: 48 km/h Range: 161 kmEngine: General Motors 6046, 375 HP (276.15kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Weight: 33.32 tons

Main modifications:

M4A2(76)W VVSS – Basic model. Vehicles of the series were equipped with vertical suspension.

M4A2(76)W HVSS – Modified running gear in comparison with the basic model. Vehicles of the series had level suspension.

2,073 units of the M4A2 (76) W were delivered to the USSR under a lend-lease operation.The medium Sherman tank performed well in military operations of the Second World War and was very popular, both with the Allied troops and the Red Army. It is worth pointing out that all Shermans, without exception, had a gyroscopic gun stabilizer for vertical gun pointing, which considerably enhanced effectiveness of firing while moving.The overall number of M4A2(76)W tanks with the 76 mm gun produced was 2,915 units.

Mk III "Valentine II" (Valentine II)

Type: Light TankCrew: ThreeArmament: 2-pound OQF gun of 40 mm caliber, BESA gun of 7.62 mm caliber.Ammo: 62 shells; 3,150 rounds.Armor: 8 to 65 mm.Engine: AEC, 131 HP (96.05kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Max Speed: 25 km/h Range: 144 kmWeight: 16.5 tons

An English light tank, developed in 1939 on the initiative of the Wickers-Armamenttrong firm in England. The first vehicles were adopted in May 1940. Serial production of infantry Valentine tanks ended in early 1944. About 8,275 units were produced, 1,420 of which were assembled in Canada. The USSR received 3,782 Valentines of all modifications except Valentine I under the lend-lease program (1,388 of these were made in Canada). The Valentine was highly popular with the Soviet tank units and its battle durability was proved directly in military operations. The English tanks first took part in military operations on the Soviet-German front during the battle for Moscow. In 1942-1943, they formed part of the separate tank brigades and battalions, together with domestically produced tanks, the T-70 and T-60 for the most part. When the war entered its final stages, only the Valentine tanks armed with 57 mm guns remained.

SU-76M (1942 model)

Type: Self-Propelled ArtilleryCrew: Four

Armament: ZIS-3 76 mm gun Ammo: 60 rounds.Armor: front and crew compartment – 25 to 35 mm, side – 10 to 15 mm, rear – 10 mm, roof and bottom – 10 mm.Max Speed: 45 km/h Range: 250 kmEngine: GAZ-203, 140 HP (103kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 10.5 tons

Light self-propelled artillery mount (SPA) for infantry escort, based on the T-70 and T-80. Developed in 1942.

Main modifications:

SU-76 (SU-12) – A non-rotating armored crew compartment, closed from above, was placed over the rear part of the tank hull. It was longer than the basic model. The ZIS-3 gun was mounted in a movable gun mount in the front hull plate. The same power plant and transmission as in the basic model. Weight: 11.2 tons. Number produced: 360 units.SU-76M (SU-15) – Armored crew compartment, open from above and partially on the rear. The same power plant and transmission as in the basic model. Configuration and running gear were left without modifications. Number produced: 13,932 units.

The most numerous mass-produced Soviet SPA of the Second World War. 14,292 units of all modifications were produced from December 1942 to July 1945.

SU-85 (1943 model)

Type: Self-Propelled ArtilleryCrew: FourArmament: D-5-C85 or D-5-C85A gun (1943 model) of 85 mm caliber. Ammo: 48 shells.Armor: front, sides and rear – 45 mm, roof and bottom – 20 mm.Max Speed: 55 km/h Range: 300 kmEngine: V-2-34, 400 HP (294.5kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Weight: 29.6 tons

The first fully-fledged Soviet anti-tank self-propelled artillery gun (SPA), based on the T-34. SU-85 was meant for fighting new heavy German tanks and was used for escorting T-34 tanks.

Main modifications:

SU-85 (SU-85-II) – identical to the SU-122 in construction, configuration and armor. Its main distinguishing feature lies in its armament – instead of a 122 mm howitzer there was a 85 mm gun with the ballistics of a 52K anti-aircraft gun (1939 model). The construction and position of the commander turret were modified. Number produced: 2,329 units.SU-85M – SU-85 with SU – 100 hull. Number produced: 315 units.

2,050 units produced from August 1943 until December 1944.

SU-100 (1944 model)

Type: Self-Propelled ArtilleryCrew: FourArmament: D-10S gun (1944 model) of 100 mm caliber.Ammo: 34 shells.Armor: front – 75 mm, sides and rear – 45 mm, roof and bottom – 20 mm.Max Speed: 48.3 km/h Range: 310 kmEngine: V-2-34M, 520 HP (382.9kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Weight: 31.6 tons

The most heavily armed medium anti-tank self-propelled gun (SPA), based on the T-34-85 and SPA SU-85. In general, it was identical to the SU-85 in construction and configuration. A 100 mm gun with the ballistics of a naval B-34 gun. There was a new commander turret, thickened front armor, improved ventilation of the battle compartment and strengthened suspension of the front wheels.

The SU-100 was used by the Red Army in the battles of the 1944 autumn-winter campaign and in the final stages of the war in 1945. The SU-100 was used on a fairly large scale while repelling the German counter-offensive at Lake Balaton (Hungary) in March 1945. In other sectors of the front, the SU-100 was rather scarce.

From July 3 1944 to June 1945, 2,495 units were produced.This successful SPA was produced in the USSR till 1947; later on it was produced under license in many other countries. The SU-100 was adopted by dozens of countries till the eighties.

ISU-152 (1943 model)

Type: Self-Propelled ArtilleryCrew: FiveArmament: 152 mm ML-20S howitzer gun. Some of the vehicles came with a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine-gun.Ammo: 20 shells.Armor: front, sides - 90 mm, rear – 60 mm, roof and bottom – 20 to 30 mm.Max Speed: 35 km/h Range: 220 kmEngine: V-2-IS, 520 HP (382.5kW), diesel, liquid cooled.Weight: 46 tons

The heavy anti-tank self-propelled ISU-152 gun was based on the IS tank and was intended primarily for destroying enemy fortification works and reinforced positions. However, like the SU-152 (the production of which was stopped abruptly because production of the basic KV-1C tank was interrupted), the ISU

performed well as a tank-destroyer. This self-propelled gun was known to the troops as the “Zveroboy” ("Animal Hunter"). A shell fragment fired from its 152 mm gun was enough to tear off the turret of a heavy Tiger tank.

From November 1943 till July 1945 about 4,700 units were produced with the following modifications:ISU –152 – The chassis of the basic tank was left with virtually no modifications. An armored crew compartment was situated in the front of the vehicle, the front plate of which was taken up by an ML-20S howitzer gun.ISU-122 – Identical to the ISU-152 in construction. Armed with 122 mm A-19 corps gun (1931/37 model) with piston lock.ISU-122S – Armed with D-25S 122 mm gun (1943 model). Increased hull size.

ZSU-37 (1944 Model)

Type: Anti-Aircraft ArtilleryCrew: SixArmament: one automatic anti-aircraft gun (1939 model) of 37 mm caliber.Ammo: 320 rounds.Armor: hull and crew compartment front – 25 to 35 mm, sides – 15 mm, rear – 10 to 15 mm, roof and bottom – 6 to 10 mm. Engine: GAZ-203, 140 HP (103kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Max Speed: 43 km/h Range: 330 kmWeight: 11.5 tons

The ZSU-37 was developed in 1943 and based on the SU-76M self-propelled gun. The case, power plant and running gear were borrowed from the SU-76M. The 37 mm automatic anti-aircraft gun was placed in the stationary armored turret, open from above, and located in the rear part of the hull. Serial production started in 1944. By the end of the Second World War, 75 units had been produced.

ARMORED CARS

BA-10 (1938 model)

Type: Medium Armored CarCrew: FourArmament: 45 mm 20K gun, 2 DT 7.62 mm machine-guns Ammo: 49 shells; 2,079 rounds.Armor: front and sides – 10 mm, rear – 6 to 10 mm, roof – 6 mm, bottom – 4 mm, turret – 10 mm.

Max Speed: 53 km/h Range: 300 km.Engine: GAZ-M1, 40 HP (29.4kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 5.12 tons

The best and the most common mass-produced Soviet medium armored car. From 1938 till August 1941, 3,311 units were produced.

Main modifications:

BA-10 – GAZ-AAA chassis, shortened 600 mm. Cylindrical turret. Strengthened front axle with hydraulic shocks, central brake in transmission, enhanced ventilation and engine compartment cooling systems. Some of the vehicles were equipped with a wireless station with a flagpole antenna.BA-10M – Strengthened armor protection for the front machine-gun mounting, petrol tanks located outside. Fighting weight: 5.36 tons.BA-10 – BA-10 adapted for movement along rail track.

The BA-10 was used on all fronts till 1944. BA-10 armored automobiles were used for reconnaissance and battle infantry protection. On some occasions, the BA-10 was successfully employed against enemy tanks.

BA-64 (1942 model)

Type: Light Armored CarCrew: TwoArmament: DT 7.62 mm machine-gun Ammo: 1,260 roundsArmor: front – 9 to 15 mm, sides – 7 to 9 mm, rear – 7 to 11 mm, roof – 6 mm, bottom – 4 mm, turret – 10 mm.Max Speed: 80 km/h Range: 540 km.Engine: GAZ-MM, 50 HP (36.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 2.36 tons

The most common mass-produced and single serial all-wheel drive (4x4) Soviet light armored car of the Second World War. From April 1942 to April 1945, the GAZ factory produced 8,174 units.

Main modifications:

BA-64 – Chassis of GAZ-64 car. Welded hull with large angles of armored plates. Welded turret of cut form, open from above. BA-64B – Chassis of GAZ-67 car. Track widened to 1,446 mm, two shock absorbers added to the front suspension. No other modifications introduced.

The BA-64 was mainly used as a reconnaissance and communication vehicle, as well as for guarding headquarters. These reliable automobiles were in use on all fronts until the war was over. The last time they were employed in battle was in Korea. Armored automobiles were adopted till the end of the fifties.

Panzer II F, Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.F (Sd.Kfz.121), 1939 model

Type: Light TankCrew: ThreeArmament: KwK 30 automatic gun (on some KwK 38 tanks) of 20 mm caliber, 7.92 mm MG 34 machine gun.Ammo: 180 shells; 2,500 rounds.Armor: front – 30 mm, sides – 20 mm, rear – 15 mm, roof – 15 mm, bottom – 5 mm, turret – 15 to 30 mm.Max Speed: 50 km/h.Range: 200 km.Engine: Maybach HL 62TRM 140 HP (103kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 9.5 tons

The Pz.Kpfw.II tank (PanzerKampfWagen - armored military vehicle)was developed by Krupp, Henschel and MAN in 1935. Like its predecessor, the Pz.I, the Pz.II was primarily intended for personnel training and the creation of battle groups for tank divisions. The Pz.II was a more fully-fledged military car than the Pz.I and, because of the lack of Pz.Kpfw.III and IV vehicles in Wehrmacht tank divisions, it was delivered to Panzerwaffen military units and took part in all campaigns during the initial period of the Second World War.From 1935 to 1941 1,542 Pz.II units of all types were manufactured.

Main modifications: Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. A1, A2, A3, b, and c – First serial tanks. There was a slight difference between them. Maybach HL 57TР engine, 130 HP (95.6kW). Weight: 7.6 tons. Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. B – New Maybach HL 62TRM engine, 140 HP (103kW). Weight: 9.5 tons.Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. A – Modifications of tank transmission. New type of driver's observation device.Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. B – Technology modifications to simplify serial production.Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. C – Tanks of this modification came with a better system for engine cooling and 50 mm armored glass in observation devices (cf. with 12 mm in A and B). Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. D, E – New hull and running gear. Weight: 10 tons. Max Speed – 58 km/h.Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. F – New hull construction. Strengthened armor protection. New 20 mm KwK 38 tank gun. Weight: 9.5 tons.Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. G (VK 901) – New hull and running gear with five bearing rollers placed in chess-like order. Armor: 14.5 – 30 mm. Engine: Maybach HL 45p 150 HP (110.4kW). Max Speed: 50 km/h. Weight: 9.2 tons.Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. J – Developed like Pz.II n.A. ("neue Art": new model). New case, turret and running gear. Powerful armor: 50-80 mm. Speed: 31km/h. Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. L "Luchs" ("Lynx") – Improved and modernized variant of the VK 901 model. Light reconnaissance tank. Increased fighting ability. Four-man crew. Engine: Maybach HL 66p 200 HP (147.2kW). Max. speed: 60 km/h. Weight: 11.8 tons.

The Pz.II tanks received their baptism of fire during the civil war in Spain. On June 22 1941, the Panzerwaffe had 746 such tanks suitable for military operations against the USSR. 424 tanks had already been lost in bitter conflicts by the end of 1941. The Pz.II were used till 1943. 70 Pz.II tanks took part in the Citadel operation. In March 1945, the troops had 145 units of this type of tank at their disposal. The Pz.II served as the basis for producing self-propelled artillery guns, field engineering, bridge and flame throwing vehicles.

Panzer III G, Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.G (Sd.Kfz.141), 1940 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 38 L/42 gun of 50 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-guns. Ammo: 99 shells; 3,750 rounds.Armor: front –50 mm, sides – 30 mm, rear – 30 mm, roof – 17 mm, bottom – 16 mm, turret 30 to 50 mm.Max Speed: 40 km/h.Range: 145 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 20.3 tons.

The Pz.III was developed by Daimler-Benz in 1936. The medium Pz.III tank was the first proper battle tank the Wehrmacht had at its disposal. It was developed as a vehicle for platoon commanders; however, from 1940 till 1943 it was the main medium tank used by the Germans.Pz.III production was stopped in 1943 after about 6,000 vehicles had been produced. Later on, they were used merely as a basis for production of self-propelled artillery.

Main modifications:

Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. A – Pre-serial version. Chassis consists of 5 driving wheels of large diameter and two supporting wheels of smaller size. Armament: 37 mm KwK L/46,5 gun and three MG34 machine-guns. Engine: Maybach HL 108TR 250 HP (183.9kW). Max Speed: 32 km/h. Weight: 15.4 tons.Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. B – New running gear with eight bearing wheels of smaller diameter and suspension on laminated springs. Commander turret unified with Pz.IV Ausf.A.Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. C – Differs slightly from the previous model. Some modifications introduced in suspension.Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. D – Front and side armor thickened to 30 mm. Some modifications introduced in suspension.Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. E – Completely new running gear with six bearing wheels, torsion suspension. Two-fold side hatches in the turret, new placement of coaxial machine-gun. Modified hull rear. Armament remained. Engine: Maybach HL 120TR 300 HP (220.8kW). Max. speed: 40 km/h. Weight: 19.5 tons.Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. F – Slightly modernized version of the Pz.IIIE. Later on all Pz.IIIE and Pz.IIIF tanks were re-equipped with a 50 mm KwK 38 gun. The number of machine-guns was reduced to two.Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. G – Slight modifications of the hull details. New commander turret with five observation appliances. Armament: 50 mm KwK 38 gun and two MG 34 machine-guns. Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW). Weight: 20.3 tons.

Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. G (trop) - Pz.IIIG for use in the torrid zone. It had a better cooling system and air filters.

The Pz.Kpfw.III was used in all theaters of military operations – from the Eastern front to the African deserts – and was much loved by the German tank men, far and wide. The working conditions created for the tank crew could be considered a model for imitation. They were superior to anything that Soviet, English or American tanks could offer at that time. Perfect observation and aiming appliances enabled the Pz.III to fight successfully against the more powerful T-34, KV and Mathildas in situations where the latter failed to discover them in time. Captured Pz.III tanks were the favorite command vehicles in the Red Army due to the features specified above. However, like other German tanks, Soviet tank men also used them efficiently in battle, the purpose for which they had been intended. The Pz.III served as the basis for various self-propelled artillery guns, five types of command tanks, flame throwing tanks, vehicles of front artillery observers and recovery vehicles.

Panzer III J, Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J (Sd.Kfz.141), 1941 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 38 L/42 gun of 50 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-guns Ammo: 84 shells, 2,700 rounds.Armor: front – 50 mm, sides – 30 mm, rear – 50 mm, roof – 17 mm, bottom – 16 mm, turret – 30 to 50 mm.Max Speed: 40 km/h.Range: 145 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 21.6 tons

This modification was produced from March 1941 to July 1942. The front and rear of the vehicle were protected with 50 mm armor. Side and turret armor was 30 mm thick. Armor protection of the gun mount increased by 20 mm. Among other slight improvements, the most essential was the new type of MG 34 machine-gun that was installed. Initially, Pz.IIIJ tanks were armed with 50 mm KwK 38 L/42 tank guns, but from December 1941 they received new 50 mm KwK 39 main guns with barrels 60 calibers long. In all, 1,549 vehicles with KwK 38 L/42 guns were produced, and 1,067 vehicles with KwK 39 L/60 guns.

Main modifications:

Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. J – Frontal armor 50 mm thick. New type of coaxial machine-gun mounting. From December 1941 it came with a 50 mm KwK 39 L/60 gun.Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf. L – Increased thickness of gun mount armor and additional 20 mm armor in the fore-part of the case. A number of other slight improvements. Engine and armament as on Pz.IIIJ of the latest issues. Weight: 22.7 tons.

Panzer III M, Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M (Sd.Kfz.141/1), 1942 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 38 L/42 gun of 50 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gunsAmmo: 98 shells; 2,700 rounds.Armor: front –50 mm, sides – 30 mm, rear – 50 mm, roof – 17 mm, bottom – 16 mm, turret – 30 to 50 mm.Max Speed: 40 km/h.Range: 145 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 22 tons

Tanks of this modification represented a further development of the Pz.IIIL and were constructed from October 1942 to February 1943. The Pz.IIIM tanks differed slightly from the L version. NbKWg 90 mm smoke grenade launchers were placed on two sides of the turret, and a counterweight KwK 39 L/60 gun was mounted. Escape hatches in hull sides were eliminated. All this made it possible to enlarge ammo capacity from 84 to 98 rounds. The tank’s exhaust system allowed it to cross 1.3m deep-water obstacles without preparation. Other improvements involved the form of the tow hooks, moving lights, the mounting of an anti-aircraft machine-gun and fastening holders for additional armor screens. The initial order was for 1,000 new machines, but in view of the advantage the Soviet tanks had over the Pz.III with its 50 mm gun, this number was reduced to 250 vehicles. Some other tanks were rebuilt into StuG III self-propelled guns and Pz.III (Fl) flame-throwing tanks, while others were redesigned into the N version with 75 mm guns.

Panzer III N, Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.N (Sd.Kfz.141/2), 1942 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 37 L/24 gun of 75 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gunsAmmo: 64 shells; 2,700 rounds.Armor: front –50 mm, sides – 30 mm, rear – 50 mm, roof – 17 mm, bottom – 16 mm, turret – 30 to 50 mm.Max Speed: 40 km/h.Range: 145 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 23 tons

Tanks of the last serial N modification had the same hull and turret as the L and M vehicles. Their production required a 47 and 213 chassis and turrets for both versions. The main distinguishing feature of the Pz.IIIN was its 75 mm KwK 37 L/24 gun, with which the A-F1 versions of the Pz.Kpfw.IV tank were armored. Ammo was up to 64 rounds. The Pz.IIIN had a modified gun mount and a one-piece hatch for the commander turret, which had 100 mm of armor. The observation slot to the right of the gun was eliminated. Apart from that, there were a number of other inessential features distinguishing the vehicle from earlier models. Production of N modification tanks started in June 1942 and continued till August 1943. Total number produced: 663 vehicles, and another 37 tanks were re-equipped while repairing vehicles of other versions to meet Ausf.N V standards.

Panzer III E, Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.E (Sd.Kfz.161), 1940 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 37 L/24 gun of 75 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-guns Ammo: 80 shells; 2,700 rounds.Armor: front – 60 mm, sides – 20 mm, rear – 20 mm, roof – 10 mm, bottom – 10 mm, turret – 30 to 50 mm.Max Speed: 40 km/h.Range: 200 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 21 tons

The Pz.IV was developed by Krupp in 1937 as a breakthrough tank. It was adopted as a vehicle by the BW tank battalion commanders (Batailonsfuhrerwagen). It was the most co mmon mass-produced tank the Wehrmacht had at its disposal and the only German tank for which serial production continued through the Second World War. Produced by Krupp, Vomag and Niebelungenwerke. From 1937 to 1945, 8,500 tanks were made.

Main modifications:

Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. A – "Zero series". Armament: 75 mm KwK 37 gun with barrel 24 caliber long and two MG 34 machine-guns. Armor 10 to 30 mm thick. Engine: Maybach HL 108TR 250 HP (184kW). Weight: 17.3 tons.Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. B – This modification had a straight front hull plate. The coaxial machine-gun was not installed. New commander’s turret. Engine: Maybach HL 120TR 300 HP (220.8kW).Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. C – Differs slightly from the previous modification. A special change was made under the main gun barrel, which turned the wireless station antenna at the turn of the turret. Some of the vehicles had the Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW) engine.Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. D – Front part of the hull as in Pz.IVA, including coaxial machine-gun. Modified gun mount. In 1940-1941, front armor was strengthened with a 20 mm armor plate.

Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. E – Front armor of the hull 30 mm thick plus an additional 30 mm armor plate. Front armor of the turret – 30m, gun mount – 35 – 37 mm. New commander turret and ball mounting of machine-gun. Weight: 21 tons.

The Pz.IV took part in all military operations, beginning with the seizure of the Sudet region and ending with the battle for Berlin in 1945. On the eve of the incursion into Poland, the army had 211 Pz.IV tanks, and just before beginning military operations in the West they had 290. These tanks were, for the most part, concentrated in divisions operating in the main directional thrust of attacks. By the beginning of operation Barbarossa, the Wehrmacht had 439 Pz.IV tanks. Armed with short-barreled guns, they could hardly oppose Soviet light and heavy tanks. The situation evened up only when a long-barreled modification appeared. By the middle of 1943, the Pz.IV became the main German tank on the Eastern front. It made up 40 percent of the tanks taking part in the Citadel operation battles. In North Africa, right up until the capitulation of the German forces, the Pz.IV successfully resisted all types of Allied tanks. The Pz.IV was used as the basis for making self-propelled artillery guns, command tanks, vehicles of front artillery observers, evacuation tractors and bridge tanks. After the war, the Pz.IV were adopted in Finland (till 1962) and Syria (till 1967).

Panzer IV F, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F (Sd.Kfz.161), 1941 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 37 L/24 gun of 75 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-guns Ammo: 80-87 shells; 2,700 rounds.Armor: front –50 mm, sides – 30 mm, rear – 20 mm, roof – 10 mm, bottom – 10 mm, turret – 30 to 50 mm.Max Speed: 42 km/h.Range: 200 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 22.3 tons

This modification became the last in the line of early Pz.IV tanks armed with a short-barreled KwK 37 L/24 gun of 75 mm caliber. Tanks of the F series were constructed not only in Krupp factories, but also in Vomag factories. In contrast to the vehicles of A, D and E modifications, the Pz.IVF had a whole front plate 50 mm thick. The MG 34 machine-gun was placed in a ball mounting. The armor of the hull sides and turret was now 30 mm thick. Front turret armor was 50 mm thick, while the rear was 20 mm. Additional ventilation apertures appeared on the lid of the power compartment as well as on hatches enabling access to the gearbox and brake drums at the front of the tank. Side turret doors consisted of two parts. There was an observation slot on the doors made of armored glass and a small shooting hatch used for turret ventilation. On the left of the rear there was an armored jacket for a smoke releasing device. The barrel of the gun, front dashboards and front towing hook were also slightly modified. Some changes were introduced into the construction of the front armored turret plate and an anti-rain protection shield appeared above the doors of the turret. The gun mount armor was strengthened to 50 mm. Air inflow channels on the engine were equipped with standard bolts.

When the Pz.IV armed with a long-barreled gun was adopted, the vehicles bearing KwK 37 L/24 guns of 75 mm caliber were marked Ausf.F1. New tanks were marked Ausf.F2. The total number produced from April 1941 to March 1942 came to 462 units of the Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F tank.

Panzer IV F2, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F2 (Sd.Kfz.161), 1942 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 40 L/43 gun of 75 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-guns Ammo: 87 shells; 2,700 rounds.Armor: front –50 mm, sides – 30 mm, rear – 20 mm, roof – 10 mm, bottom – 10 mm, turret – 30 to 50 mm.Max Speed: 42 km/h.Range: 200 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 23.67 tons

The Pz.IVF2 modification was the result of the development of a new long-barreled tank KwK 40 L/43 gun of 75 mm caliber by Krupp in 1942. This tank gun was designed for mounting in the next Pz.IV modifications because a short-barreled gun with low initial shell velocity did not ensure good armor piercing at long distances. The first serial Pz.IVF2 tanks with long-barreled guns rolled out of the workshop in March-July 1942. Tank ammo was 87 rounds. The vehicles were equipped with an improved TZF 5f sight, modified gun mount and a new design of turret hatches. Fighting weight was 23.67 tons. Some of the tanks belonging to a later series had a turret from the G version tanks.

Main modifications:

Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. F2 – 75 mm KwK 40 gun with barrel 43 calibers long. Weight: 23.67 tons.Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. G – Tanks produced later were armed with a 75 mm KwK 40 gun with barrel 48 calibers long and had an additional 30 mm armored plate in the front of the hull.Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. H – 75 mm KwK 40 gun with barrel 48 calibers long. Wireless station antenna moved from the side to the rear. 5 mm anti-cumulative screens were installed. Commander turret of new type with anti-aircraft mounting of the MG 34 machine-gun.

Panzer IV J, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.J (Sd.Kfz.161/2), 1944 model

Type: Medium TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 40 L/48 gun of 75 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-guns Ammo: 122 shells; 2,700 rounds.Armor: front –50 mm, sides – 30 mm, rear – 20 mm, roof – 10 mm, bottom – 10 mm, turret – 30 to 50 mm.Max Speed: 42 km/h.

Range: 320 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 24 tons

The last Pz.IV version was the Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.J tank. From June 1944 till March 1945, Nibelungen produced 2,892 vehicles of this type. In comparison to the previous H version, Pz.IVJ tanks were technologically simplified. They had no additional engine to power the turret drive and, as a result, the turret of the J version tank was rotated with a hand crank. Turret hatch construction was simplified and there were no more side visors for the driver on the tank front – after installation of additional armored plates, they were no longer necessary. All-metal supporting rollers and guide wheels of a new type were now used for the running gear. Fuel tank capacity increased to 189 cc which increased range to 320 km. J version tanks produced in late 1944-early 1945 were equipped with armored screens made of wire mesh which protected the hull and running gear from cumulative shells. Vehicles of the same modification had slight differences of detail in peripherals, the arrangement of instrument boxes and spare parts.

Panzer V “Panther”, Pz.Kpfw.V (Sd.Kfz.171)

Type: Medium Heavy TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 42 L/70 gun of 75 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 (or MG 42) machine-guns. Ammo: 79 shells; 4,800 rounds.Armor: front – 85 mm, sides and rear – 40 mm, roof and bottom – 17 mm, turret – 17 to 100 mm.Max Speed: 50 km/h.Range: 200 km. Engine: Maybach HL 230 P30 600 HP (441kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 44.8 tons

Without a doubt, the Panther is the most famous German tank of the Second World War and the best in its class. Before the war with the USSR, the Pz.IV was the heaviest and most powerful tank. However, when the T-34 and KV tanks appeared on the Eastern front, the Germans had to speed up their efforts to create a tank that would be comparable to them in fighting power. On November 25 1941, Daimler-Benz and MAN were ordered to design such a tank. The MAN project won acceptance. By September 1942, MAN was ready with the first prototype, and in January 1943 the first serial tanks rolled out of the factory workshops. These were Pz.V Ausf.D vehicles – they differed slightly from the prototype. In August-September 1943, production of the new Pz.V Ausf.A modification was launched. The most significant changes were the introduction of a coaxial machine-gun ball mounting, a new design of commander turret, the removal of a small hatch on the left side of the turret and pistol loopholes. In March 1944, serial production of the Ausf.G modification was launched. The driver's cork-hatch was removed from the front plate of the hull. The sides were given an inclination of 61 degrees instead of 50 degrees for the D and A versions. Tanks of all modifications were provided with bulwarks. Development of the new AusfF version Panther started in the second half of 1944. The most essential Ausf.F. novelty was a new type of turret – the Schmalturm ("narrow turret"). This turret was a bit smaller than the standard one and had different armor. There was a gun mount of the "snout" type. The front armor of this turret was 120 to 125 mm thick, and the sides and rear were 60 mm thick. The changes affected the hull as well: the thickness of armor on its roof was 35 mm; new hatches for the driver and coaxial machine-gunner to board were introduced. Work on designing the Panther II tank was based on the idea of unifying the designs of the Tiger II and the Panther. The same Schmalturm was to be mounted on it, but with an 88 mm KwK 43 L/71 gun.

In all, by May 1945 over 6.000 Panther tanks of all modifications were produced.

Main modifications:

Pz.Kpfw.V Ausf.D — The first version weighing 43 tons. Armament: 75 mm KwK 42 gun with a barrel 70 calibers long. Maybach HL 230РЗO engine, with 700 HP (514.5kW) power. Armor: 16 to 100 mm thick. Vehicles produced later had a new type of commander turret.

Pz.Kpfw.V Ausf.A — Ball mounting of coaxial machine-gun. The new designed did away with the hatch for dumping cartridge-cases and loopholes for shooting personal firearms in the sides of the turret. The binocular sight was swapped for a monocular one. The elevation angle of the gun was reduced.

Pz.Kpfw.V Ausf.G — Changed inclination of side armored plates, abolished cork-hatch in the front plate of the case. Changes introduced to the engine system. Some of the vehicles were produced with bearing rollers without rubber tires.

Pz.Kpfw.V Ausf.F — New Schmalturm turret. Enlarged hull armor. Armament left without changes.

Panther II —Schmalturm turret with 88 mm KwK 43 L/71 gun.

Panthers took active part in military operations on all fronts of the Second World War. It was the second most co mmon mass-produced German tank and became the main and the most serious opponent of Allied tanks in the closing stages of the war. Panther tanks served as the basis for creating self-propelled artillery, recovery vehicles, command tanks and vehicles for front artillery observers.

Pz.Kpfw.VI "Tiger" Ausf.E (Sd.Kfz.181)

Type: Heavy TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 36 L/56 gun of 88 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 (or MG 42) machine-guns. Ammo: 92 shells; 5,000 rounds.Armor: front – 100 mm, sides and rear – 82 mm, roof and bottom – 28 mm, turret – 28 to 100 mm.Max Speed: 45 km/h.Range: 140 km. Engine: Maybach HL 210 P30 650 HP (478kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 56.8 tons

Already in 1938-1940, the Germans were working on the construction of a heavy tank of around 30 tons. However the first two prototypes of the Tiger proper – the VK 3601(H) – were produced by Henschel in March 1942. Its weight was 40 tons. However, Adolf Hitler wanted the armor protection to be enhanced and two prototypes – the VK 4501(H), made by Henschel, and the VK 4501(P), made by Porsche – were ready by his birthday on April 20 1942. The only similar feature they had was the Krupp-made turret. The

Henschel vehicle was acknowledged to be better. The tank was marked Pz.Kpfw. VI "Tiger" Ausf.H1, and, after the adoption of the Tiger II in 1944, it was called Tiger Ausf. E, or Tiger I. In August 1942, Henschel started serial production of heavy Tiger tanks. The first serial vehicles were almost identical to the VK 4501(H) prototype: only the turret went through slight modifications (it now had a toolbox attached and an additional gunner hatch on the rear). The tanks produced from the middle of 1943 were covered with zi mmerith. In the course of serial production, the Tiger underwent some changes, such as the installation of automatic fire-prevention equipment. In all, 1,355 Tiger tanks were produced from September 1942 to August 1944 by the Henschel and Wegman factories.

Tigers were used in offensive actions on all fronts till the end of the war. It was the first heavy tank at the Wehrmacht's disposal and naturally they produced it in ample quantities. The tank was second to none in armament power and armor protection until the Soviet IS-2 appeared. The Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E was sent to heavy tank battalions. It was used for the first time in autumn 1942 on the Leningrad front as part of the 502nd heavy tank battalion. Two months later, Tigers from the 501st heavy tank battalion rolled into battle in North Africa. 181 Pz.Kpfw.VIAusf.E Tiger tanks took part in the Citadel operation in su mmer 1943. In July, Soviet troops wiped out 34 Tigers. The Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E was used as the basis for constructing self-propelled artillery, command tanks and evacuation tractors.

 

Pz.Kpfw.VI "Tiger II" Ausf.B (Sd.Kfz.182)

Type: Heavy TankCrew: FiveArmament: KwK 43 L/71 gun of 88 mm caliber, two 7.92 mm MG 34 (or MG 42) machine-guns Ammo: 72 shells; 5,890 rounds.Armor: front – 150 mm, sides and rear – 80 mm, roof and bottom – 40 mm, turret – 40 to 180 mm.Max Speed: 41.5 km/h.Range: 170 km. Engine: Maybach HL 230 P45 700 HP (514.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 69.8 tons

As the Red Army and its allies were coming up with new tank types capable of combating the Tiger, Germany sped up the work (begun as far back as September 1942) of creating an even more powerful tank armed with an 88 mm gun with a barrel 71 calibers long. The order for heavy tank development was submitted to Porsche and Henschel. Both delivered projects to the German tank department, and the Henschel design was chosen. That project was to a large extent based on technical solutions used before in the construction of the Pz.Kpfw. VI "Tiger" Ausf. H1. However, the first 50 tanks were equipped with cast turrets of Porsche design, which had already been in production by that time. Subsequent vehicles had cast turrets of simpler construction (developed by Henschel). The Tiger II or King Tiger was the most powerful German tank to take part in World War II. It was distinguished by its optimal thickness correlation of front armor and turret armor. Direct fire from its 88 mm gun penetrated armor on all types of tanks. The Tiger represented a massive and formidable battle vehicle. Developed specifically to win superiority on the battlefield, it could be very effective if the crew knew how to put its fighting ability to good use. Of all the tanks constructed during World War II, it was

the heaviest and the best-protected and armed vehicle. Even these days, its armor and gun would be the pride of any main battle tank. Henschel and Wegman produced 487 Tiger II tanks from October 1943 to March 1945.

The Tiger II was supplied to heavy tank battalions instead of the Pz.VIE. In some military units both tanks were adopted. On the Eastern front, the Tiger II was first used on August 13 1944 during an attack on Stashuv (in Poland, the Sandomirsky bridgehead area). Aviation was the main means of combating King Tigers on the Western front because the latter were high-powered and effective in combat. The Pz.VIB was used as the basis for constructing self-propelled artillery guns and command tanks.

Sturmgeschutz III Ausf.G (Sd.Kfz.142) - StuG IIIG

Type: Assault Gun/Tank DestroyerCrew: FourArmament: Stuk 40 L/48 gun of 75 mm caliber, 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gun. Ammo: 54 shells, 600 rounds.Armor: hull and crew compartment front – 80 mm, sides and rear – 30 mm, roof – 17-18, bottom – 19 mm.Max Speed: 40 km/h.Range: 155 km.Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.6kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 23.4 tons

The German army’s most co mmon mass-produced armored assault gun during World War II. It was designed as an assault gun for infantry support. The base was the chassis of the Pz.III tank. As a rule, the StuG III was a fairly successful assault weapon and was used in this capacity and as a tank-destroyer, an offensive and defensive weapon on all fronts. All versions of Stug III had a low profile (a major requirement for the vehicle was that it would not exceed the height of an average person). This made them a difficult target and a dangerous opponent. Their crews were considered to be the elite of the German armored forces and had their own gray-khaki uniform (a variant on the standard tank uniform). The Stug III destroyed a large number of enemy tanks. After they were armed with a long-barreled gun in 1942, they became the main anti-tank instrument of the Wehrmacht.

From February 1940 to April 1945, Alkett and MIAG factories produced over 10,500 StuG III assault weapons of all modifications.

Main modifications:

StuG III Ausf.A — The first version of the Pz.IIIE/F chassis. A short-barreled 75 mm Stuk 37 L/24 gun was mounted in a low-profile armored fighting compartment at the front of the hull. The front armor of the hull and crew compartment was 50 mm thick. Crew: Four. All members of the crew, including the mechanical engineer, were positioned in the crew compartment. In contrast to the basic tank, there are no hatches in the sides of the case. Engine, transmission and running gear were left unchanged. Weight: 19.6 tons. 30 units produced.

The open crew compartment was considered a huge advantage in 1939, as the crew were not confined to using visor slots to spot the enemy. Instead, they could look over the side and see clearly around the vehicle. They were also able to hear enemy tanks and vehicles.

StuG III Ausf.B —Pz.IIIH tank taken for a base. The engine, transmission and running gear were left without modifications. Hatches on hull sides remained. The form of the armored crew compartment and armament remained as in the StuG IIIA. Weight: 22 tons. 320 units produced.

StuG III Ausf.C — A modified form of the front crew compartment fore-part and boarding hatches for gun layer and driver the acco mmodate the introduction of a new periscope sight made by Krupp. 100 units produced.

StuG III Ausf.D — No structural differences with the previous variant. This mark was used for vehicles of the fifth production series. 150 units produced.

StuG III Ausf.E — Modifications pertained to the construction of the armored crew compartment for the most part. Ammo increased from 44 to 50 artillery rounds. Communication pipes were abandoned in favor of an intercom device. 284 units produced.

StuG III Ausf.F (Sd.Kfz.142/1) — 75 mm Stuk 40 L/43 gun. Ammo increased to 54 artillery rounds. Electric fan installed on crew compartment roof. 182 units of late issue featured increased front armor of crew compartment and hull (80 mm) at the expense of fastening additional armored plates with bolts. Weight: 23.2 tons. 364 units produced.

StuG 40 Ausf.F/8 (Sd.Kfz.142/1) — Fundamental changes in hull construction, identical to those introduced on the Pz. III J and L tank cases. Gun: Stuk 40 L/48. Rear armor increased from 30 to 50 mm. 334 units produced.

StuG 40 Ausf.G (Sd.Kfz.142/1) — Some modifications in construction of the crew compartment roof. Commander turret and rigid mounting of defensive MG 34 machine-gun covered with a protective shield on some of the cars. New "Saukopfblende" ("Snout") cast gun mount introduced on self-propelled artillery of later output. 8,071 units produced.

StuH 42 (Sd.Kfz.142/2) — Identical construction to vehicles of the F, F8 and G variants. Armed with 105 mm StuH 42 1728 assault howitzer based on the design of the light leFH18 L/28field howitzer. Ammo: 36 artillery rounds. Crew: Four. Weight: 23.9 tons. 1,299 units produced.

 

StuG III assault weapons received their baptism of fire in the course of the French campaign.

During World War II, the StuG III was adopted by assault weapons battalions of motorized divisions and assault weapons companies (divisions) of infantry divisions. They were also adopted by anti-tank divisions and assault weapons brigades.

On the eve of war with the USSR, German troops had 377 assault weapons, 250 of which were concentrated on the Soviet Union’s western border.

455 StuG III and 68 StuH 42 tanks took part in the Citadel operation, accounting for 44% of all assault weapons on the Eastern front. They were also employed in North Africa, to the west and in Italy.

The StuG III served as a basis for a small number of ammo transporting and flame-throwing vehicles.

In the fifties StuG III tanks were adopted in Romania, Spain, Egypt and Syria.

Sturmgeschutz IV (Sd.Kfz.163) - StuG IV

Type: Assault Gun/Tank DestroyerCrew: FourArmament: Stuk 40 L/48 gun of 75 mm caliber, 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gun Ammo: 63 shells, 600 rounds.Armor: front of the hull and crew compartment – 80 mm, rear and sides – 30 mm, roof – 17-18 mm, bottom – 19 mm.Max Speed: 38 km/h.Range: 210 km. Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.6kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 23 tons

StuG IV production was launched in December 1943. It was the result of successfully combining the StuG III armored crew compartment and the Pz.IV chassis. StuG IV assault weapons had standard armor for self-propelled StuG 40. Only the crew positioning was changed: the driver sat outside the main crew compartment on a special superstructure with periscope observation appliances and a boarding hatch located in the left part of the front case. February 1944 saw the first output of vehicles with the "snout" gun mount. Later on, an MG 34 machine-gun with distance-control was placed on the gun charger's hatch and a grenade cup discharge for shooting fission fragments was put on the case. From December 1943 to March 1945, Nibelungen and Krupp produced 1,139 such vehicles. StuG IV assault weapons were adopted by assault artillery military units and anti-tank units where they were used together with the self-propelled StuG III. All variants of the StuG series demonstrated high battle efficiency and were very successfully employed on all fronts.

8.8cm Jagdpanzer V “ JAGDPANTHER”

Type: Tank DestroyerCrew: FiveArmament: Pak 43/3 L/71 gun of 88 mm caliber, 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gun. Ammo: 57 shells; 1,200 rounds.Armor: front – 80 mm, sides – 50 mm, rear – 40 mm, roof – 25 mm, bottom – 16 mm.Max Speed: 55 km/h.Range: 210 km. Engine: Maybach HL 230 P30 600 HP (441kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 45.5 tons

One of the most powerful and undoubtedly the most successful German anti-tank self-propelled artillery gun of World War II. Developed by MIAG and based on the Panther tank. The first model was demonstrated to Adolf Hitler on October 20 1943 and was i mmediately approved by him. A crew compartment with good ballistic profile was placed on the chassis of the tank. A large gun crossed the battle compartment, dividing it in two. The Panther control system made it easy to turn the hull to ensure precision aiming, and the gun’s armor-piercing shells could pierce 193 mm armor at a distance of 1,000m. To the left of the gun there was an MG 34 machine-gun in a ball mounting. If we take into consideration the fact that the Jagdpanther always had to face the opponent with powerful front armor, it was clearly a terrifying weapon. In 1944-1945, MIAG and MNH factories produced 392 vehicles. The first vehicle shipments to the troops started in February 1944. They were adopted only by heavy destroyer-anti-tank units and were under the command of the largest formations: as a rule these were armies fighting in the battles on the most important fronts.Jagdpanther production was limited and military units did not receive many of them. This was just as well for the Allied forces, because it was one of the most powerful and unquestionably the most successful German anti-tank self-propelled artillery guns and a very effective means of fighting Soviet and Allied tanks. The Jagdpanther tank-destroyer was employed on all fronts till the end of the war. On March 1 1945, 202 vehicles were still operating.

2cm Flak auf Pz.IV "Wirbelwind" - "Whirlwind"

Type: Anti-Aircraft TankCrew: FiveArmament: 4 Flak 38 L/65 guns of 20 mm caliber, 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gun. Ammo: 3,200 shells; 1,350 rounds.Armor: front –50 mm, sides – 30 mm, rear – 20 mm, roof – 10 mm, bottom – 10 mm, turret – 16-25 mm.Max Speed: 38 km/h.Range: 200 km. Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM 300 HP (220.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 22 tons

The prototype for the Wirbelwind anti-aircraft self-propelled gun was created in May 1944 and became the first true anti-aircraft tank. The prototype was constructed on the chassis of a battle-damaged PzIV that had been brought back for major repairs. The idea for the Wirbelwind came from Karl Wilhelm Krause, an officer in the 12th SS Hitler Jugend tank division. In the su mmer of 1944, he suggested that a 4-barrel 20 mm Flak 38 L/65 gun be mounted on the Panzer IV chassis. Wirbelwind was equipped with specially developed nine-facet turrets, open on top. The turret was placed in the standard turret position on the Panzer IV. The Wirbelwind was armed with a 4-barrel 20 mm Flak 38 L/65 gun which could be used successfully against ground targets as well. A limited number of these anti-aircraft self-propelled guns were produced by the Ostbau Works in Sagan, Silesia. However, there was a lack of materials and Deutsche Eisenwerke had to be moved to Teplitz and Duisburg, to prevent them from being seized by the Red Army. All in all, 106 Wirbelwind anti-aircraft self-propelled guns were produced, starting from 1944. This variant on anti-aircraft self-propelled guns was sent to the tank divisions. There was always a

lack of them and not all tank subdivisions on the fronts (who badly needed mobile air defense subdivisions) could be provided with them. These anti-aircraft tanks were extremely effective against low-flying air targets. 90 units of Wirbelwind anti-aircraft self-propelled guns were sent to the Eastern front, and 16 to the Western front. The Wehrmacht military command was planning to increase the Wirbelwind’s firepower. It was planned to re-equip available Wirbelwind SPAs at the end of 1944 with four 30 mm MK103/28 or MK103/38 guns capable of firing 1,600 rounds a minute. In December 1944, Ostbau produced only one prototype, named the Zerstorer 45 (Destroyer 45) - 3cm Flakvierling MK103/108 on Sfl PzKpfw IV. In 1945 it was decided to use the chassis of the outdated Panzer III with a Wirbelwind turret mounted on it (marked as 2cm Flakvierling 38 on Slf Pz.Kpfw.III). The project was called Flakpanzer III. 90 tanks were ordered, but the end of the war brought the project to an end.

8.8cm Jagdpanzer Tiger(p) "Ferdinadt"/"Elefant" (Sd.Kfz.184)

Type: Heavy Assault Gun/Tank DestroyerCrew: SixArmament: Pak 43/2 L/71 gun of 88 mm caliber, 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gun.Ammo: 50 shells, 600 rounds.Armor: front –200 mm, sides – 80 mm, rear – 80 mm, roof – 45 mm, bottom – 45 mm.Max Speed: 30 km/h.Range: 150 km.Engine: 2 Maybach HL 120TRM engines of 600 HP (441.6kW) aggregate capacity, carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 65 tons

Ferdinand was a heavy assault tank developed by Porsche and constructed by Nibelungenwerke. It was specially designed for the Eastern front. The Ferdinand design was based on the Tiger-VK4501(P) prototype, which had failed to pass muster because of technical problems with the electro-mechanic transmission, yielding to Henschel’s Tiger-VK4501(H) prototype. On September 22, it was decided to transform 90 ready-made chassis into heavy assault tanks armed with 88 mm PaK 43/2 L/71 guns and, on November 30 1942, the first prototype was ready. On March 19 1943, the first complete Ferdinand was demonstrated to Adolf Hitler on the Ruegenwalde testing area. Hitler was very pleased with the new tank and ordered its production to be speeded up, using all possible means, before the impending su mmer offensives on the fronts. From April to May 1943, 90 chassis of the VK4501(P) prototype were used to produce the Ferdinand tank at the Nibelungenwerke factory in St. Valentin, Austria. Re-equipment included a number of modifications: two original Porsche Typ 101/1 engines were replaced with Maybach HL 120TRM. New engines were installed in the central part of the hull so that the Alkett-produced superstructure could be placed behind. Additional armored plates were fastened to the hull with bolts. Ferdinand (named after Dr. Ferdinand Porsche) was armed with a powerful 88 mm PaK 43/2 L/71 gun and had very thick armor, from 80 mm on the sides to 200 mm on the front. A 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gun was placed inside the hull for use by the crew. On May 8 1943, all 90 Ferdinands left the factory and were sent to the Eastern front. In October 1943, the Ferdinands that had managed to escape destruction in military operations were sent back to the factory for major repairs and scheduled modification. Modernization included installing a 7.92 mm MG 34 machine-gun within the case, improving armor protection, putting on wider caterpillars and a commander turret (from Pz.III tanks) for better visibility. Most Ferdinands were partially covered with zi mmerit. Modified Ferdinands were rechristened "Elefant" ("Elephant").

The Ferdinands received their baptism of fire on the Kursk Salient, as part of the 653rd and 654th tank destroyer divisions. Each of these had 45 units. After modernization, all vehicles became part of 653rd tank destroyer division and fought in Italy. In the winter of 1945, the Elephants took part in the German counterattack in the Ardennes. At the end of March, 28 battle vehicles of this type were reckoned to be still in operation.

7.5cm Panzerjager 38(t) "Hetzer" - "Hunter"

Type: Tank DestroyerCrew: FourArmament: Pak 39 L/48 75 mm gun, 7.92 mm MG 34 (or MG 42) machine-gun.Ammo: 41 shells; 1,200 rounds.Armor: front – 60 mm, sides – 20 mm, rear – 20 mm, roof – 20 mm, bottom – 10 mm.Max Speed: 42 km/h.Range: 260 km.Engine: Praga AC/2800 160 HP (117kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 16 tons

After the Germans occupied Czechoslovakia, they got their hands on a large number of excellent Czech TNHP (LT-38) tanks, which were adopted by the Wehrmacht under the marking Pz.38(t). But, in 1943, the Pz.38(t) was beginning to become outdated, although its chassis was still a wonderful achievement of engineering design. This was the reason why the Germans used the Pz.38(t) chassis as the basis for developing new types of light armored vehicles. In December 1943, the prototype of a light well-armored tank destroyer based on the Pz.38(t) was ready. After the tests were over (the results surpassed all expectations) the new vehicle was adopted under the name of "Hetzer" ("Hunter"). In 1944 and 1945, B MM and Skoda produced 2,849 vehicles of this type.Hetzer turned out to be the best light anti-tank self-propelled vehicle of the Second World War. The vehicle had a completely new low frame characterized by the considerable inclination of the front, side and rear armored plates. Because of the weight increase, in comparison with the basic Pz.38(t) tank, the running gear was strengthened and widened. In fact, only the transmission and running gear set were borrowed from the basic tank. An MG 34 remote control machine-gun appeared on the roof of the frame. The 75 mm gun was covered with a "snout" type mask. The Hetzer received its baptism of fire in July 1944. The vehicle was used on all fronts till the last days of the war. The Hetzer self-propelled vehicle served as the basis for producing 20 flame-throwing tanks, 30 self-propelled vehicles with 150 mm infantry gun sIG 33 and 170 recovery vehicles. When the Second World War was over, the Hetzer was adopted by the Czechoslovakian army right up to the early fifties and by the Swiss army till the seventies.

15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 auf Sf (Sd.Kfz.4/1)

Type: Mobile Rocket Launcher

Crew: FourArmament: 1x10 150 mm Nebelwerfer launcher of 41 caliber, 7.92 mm MG 34 (or MG 42) machine-gun.Ammo: 20 shots; 2,000 rounds.Armor: front, sides and rear – 8 mm, roof and bottom – 6 mm, launcher armored cap –10 mm.Max Speed: 40 km/h.Range: 130 km.Engine: Opel 75 HP (55.2kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 7.1 tons

This was developed in 1942 and based on the half-track Maulter truck made by Opel. From April 1943 to March 1944, serial production continued of versions of a launcher and ammo transporting vehicle – the Munitinskraftwagen. Opel factories produced 296 self-propelled guns and 251 ammo-transporting vehicles. The self-propelled gun represented a fully-armored half-track vehicle. A 10-barrel Nebelwerfer 41 missile launcher was placed in its rear part on a rotary armor dome ensuring a 360-degree horizontal pointing angle and a +45-degree vertical pointing angle. The firing range for a fission-fragment demolition mine weighing 34 to 36 kg was 7 km. The self-propelled vehicle was created for increasing mobility and rate of fire, using a "six-barrel mortar" – the 150 mm Nebelwerfer 41. Some vehicles were armed with 80 mm (with 24 directing) R-Vielfachwerfer rocket salvo mountings used by the Waffen SS. The vehicle for ammo transporting differed from the battle vehicle by the absence of a launcher.

Mittlerer Shutzenpanzerwagen Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.C "Hanomag"

Type: Armored Personnel CarrierCrew: Two + 10 troopers, most often panzergrenadiersArmament: two 7.92 MG 34 (or MG 42) machine-guns.Ammo: 2,100 rounds.Armor: front – 10-15 mm, side and rear – 8 mm, MTO roof – 6 mm.Max Speed: 53 km/h.Range: 300 km.Engine: Maybach HL 42TUKRM, power 100 HP (73.6kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Weight: 8 tons

A medium half-track armored personnel carrier intended for transporting motorized infantry squads. It was created on the basis of the half-track Sd.Kfz. 11 artillery tractor by Hanomag (chassis) and Bussing-NAG (armored frame).Serial production was carried out by Hanomag, Borgward, Hansa-Lloyd-Goliath, Weserhutte, Wumag, Schichau, MNH, Stoewer, Deutsche Werke and Evans+Pistor in four basic modifications - A, V, C and D, which differed from each other mostly in frame construction. From June 1939 to March 1945, 15,252 vehicles were produced. The "Hanomag" was produced in 23 specialized variants that differed from each other in armament and equipment. The versions were marked with figures, e.g. Sd.Kfz.251/3 or Sd.Kfz.251/16. It is worth mentioning that a specialized version of the armored troop carrier could belong to any of the four modifications: the Sd.Kfz.251/3, for example, was produced on the basis of the Ausf.A or Ausf.D.

Sd.Kfz.251 armored troop-carriers were used by the Wehrmacht, SS troops and the Luftwaffe on all fronts till the end of the war. On March 1 1945, the troops had 6,540 units at their disposal. A small number of these cars were given to German allies – Romania, Hungary and Finland. The Trophy Sd.Kfz.251 (often rearmed) was used both by the Allies and the Red Army.

After World War II, the modernized armored troop-carrier Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.D was produced in the Czech Soviet Socialist Republic for some time and was adopted by the Czech People’s Army right into the eighties under the name OT-810.

AUTOMOBILES

GAZ-M1 "EMKA" Passenger car Max Speed: 100 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 60 l.Empty Weight: 1,370kg.Engine: GAZ-M, 50 HP (36.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1936

The GAZ M-1 Passenger Car was based on a 1933 Ford model, the Ford-V8-40. On the outside, the "Emka" could be distinguished by its coating and wheels, but inside the V8 Ford engine was replaced by a GAZ-M, a copy of the Ford-BB motor. The letter M appears in the model index because the factory was named after Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR; the figure 1 stands for the model number. The first three prototypes were assembled in January 1934. They looked like a Ford as far as coating and spoke wheels were concerned, and had small hatches instead of side cuts in the hood. Serial production started on March 17 1936. M-1 production was for the most part reduced in 1941, but assembling from a reserve of spare parts continued for some time. By June 20 1941, the Red Army had 10,500 Emkas. The total number of automobiles produced came to 62,888. The Emka was the main command automobile in 1941-1942. Later on, this function was fulfilled by the Ford GP and GPW, Willys MA and MB.

Army car GAZ-67

Max Speed: 90 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 70 lEmpty Weight: 1,320kgEngine: GAZ-M, 50 HP (36.8kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1941

This automobile was created in record time. Its first version, the GAZ-64, had simplified front wheels and notches enabling access to rear wheels, as in the Willis. The GAZ-67 differs from the GAZ-64 because it has a wider track. Since this car looked like the Willis, Soviet soldiers called them “Ivan-

Willis.” The GAZ-67 also had modified versions: one with a rough upper part (the GAZ-67-420, only in 1944) and an amphibian version, the GAZ-011 (1945). Total number of GAZ-67 automobiles produced: 4,851.

ZIS-5 truck

Max Speed: 60 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 70l.Carrying Capacity: 3 tonsEmpty Weight: 3,100kgEngine: ZIS, 73 HP (53.7kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1933

The ZiS-5 is the descendent of an American "Autocar" truck. In 1931, the AMO (Avtomobilnoye Moskovskoye Obschestvo: Moscow Automobile Society) factory was rebuilt and started assembling the new AMO-2 truck (which looked like the ZiS-5 on the outside). Some sets and units were supplied from abroad. Soon the AMO-2 was modernized and the AMO-3 and AMO-4 appeared. In 1933, the AMO factory underwent another major modernization and was renamed the “ZiS” (Zavod imeni Stalina: named after Stalin). Prototypes appeared in the su mmer of 1933 and, from October 1, serial production of the famous ZiS-5 started. Together with the GAZ-AA, the ZiS-5 became the main truck used by the USSR till the fifties. The construction of the "three-ton truck", as it was called by the people, was classic for that time. It had a bearing frame, a leading back axle, spring suspension without shock absorbers, mechanical brake drive and wooden crew compartment upholstered with tin plates. The total number of ZiS-5 cars produced was 83,000.

Remote radio control ZIS-5

Max Speed: 60 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 70 lWeight: 3,700kgEngine: ZIS, 73 HP (53.7kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1940

This was a special automobile based on the ZIS-5 truck. It was employed in Red Army military units as a mobile radio communication car and used till the end of World War II.

Anti-aircraft machine gun on ZIS-5 chassis

Max Speed: 60 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 70 lWeight: 3,600kgEngine: ZIS, 73 HP (53.7kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1941

In World War II, the 25 mm automatic anti-aircraft gun was widely used by the military units of the Red Army for fighting aircraft at distances of up to 2,400m and at altitudes of up to 2,000m. If need be, one could fire from it at light tanks and armored cars. High anti-aircraft gun mobility was ensured by the stationary mounting of the gun on the ZIS-5 truck chassis. Due to the ZIS-5’s good carrying capacity (3 tons), it successfully fulfilled the role of a mobile base for anti-aircraft mounting. The 25 mm anti-aircraft automatic gun on the ZIS-5 truck chassis was used till the end of World War II. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Medical ambulance station on ZIS-5 chassis

Max Speed: 60 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 70 lWeight: 4,330 kgEngine: ZIS, 73 HP (53.7kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1940

This was a special automobile based on the ZIS-5 truck. It was employed in military units of the Red Army as a medical car for transporting the sick and wounded, and was used till the end of the Second World War.

Fuel Supply car on ZIS-6 chassis

Max Speed: 55 km/h.Internal Fuel Capacity: 70 lCarrying Capacity: 3,200 lWeight: 4,230 kgEngine: ZIS, 73 HP (53.7kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1937

Serial production of the triaxial ZIS-6 truck was launched in 1937 at the Moscow factory named after Stalin, right after it had mastered production of the ZIS-5 truck. From the structural point of view, the ZIS-6 was a triaxial version of the ZIS-5 truck and was to a large extent unified with it. Three bridges gave the ZIS-6 good passability on wet, dirty roads, swampy soil, snow and sand. The ZIS-6 chassis served as the basis for a Fuel Capacity car, which was produced from 1935 to 1941. It could simultaneously supply several vehicles with filtered fuel or transport fuel, and was used as a device for preparing fuel mixture using different types of fuel.

From 1941, a simplified modification was produced, featuring an uncoated tank of larger size, square welded wings and a wood (not metal) upholstered crew compartment.

BM-13 "Katiusha" Mobile Rocket Launcher

Max Speed: 50 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 70 lWeight without shells: 7,200kgArmament: 16 M-13 missiles of 132 mm caliber.Engine: ZIS, 73 HP (53.7kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1940

After aviation adopted 82 mm RS-82 air-to-air missiles (1937) and 132 mm RS-132 air-to-surface missiles (1938), the main artillery department set the Reactive Scientific Research Institute the following challenge: a missile field salvo system was to be created based on the RS-132 missiles. The tactical/technical task was set in June 1938. By the su mmer of 1939, the Institute came up with a new 132 mm high-explosive fission-fragment shell marked M-13. In comparison with the aviation RS-132, the shell had larger flight range (8,470m) and a much more powerful battle unit (4.9kg). A self-propelled multiple-charge launcher was developed for the shell. Its first version was created on the model of the ZIS-5 truck and marked MU-1 (mechanized unit, first sample). It had 24 rocket rails mounted on a special frame. Trials conducted on proving grounds from December 1938 to February 1939 showed that the mounting did not fully meet requirements. The trial results were taken into consideration and a new MU-2 launcher was developed. The mounting was based on the ZIS-6 truck. It had 16 guides placed along the axis of the car with 16 missiles on them. All 16 missiles could be fired in 7 to 10 seconds. Based on the results of trials conducted on testing grounds, it was decided to adopt the mounting under the name BM-13. During the war, the first "Katushas" (battle cars for field missile artillery BM-13) were continuously undergoing various improvements based on front-line experience. In particular, launchers were mounted on more vehicles that were more powerful than ZIS-6 automobiles and had increased passability. The BM-13 was successfully used on all fronts throughout World War II.

Army car Willys MB

Max Speed: 104 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 15 gallonWeight: 1,020kg.Engine: ZIS, 73 HP (53.7kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1940

A light cross-country army vehicle, the Willys MB was created in 1940 in a very short time by three companies simultaneously: Willys, Ford and Bantam. Production started in 1941, but in July 1941 the American military department decided to combine these automobiles into one. The Willys MA was taken as the basic model, but it was also improved following maintenance experience. The new model was given the “MB” index. Ford started producing almost the same car under the name “Ford GPW” (the difference lay quite literally in the inscriptions on the bolts). The letter G stands for "Government issue" (state order), P for "Passenger" (the marking was used for tractors with a wheel base of 80 inches and carrying capacity of 1/4 tons) and W for “Willys” (produced to designs drawn up by the Willys company). The letters GP were for "jeep".

From 1942, Willys vehicles were shipped to the USSR under the lend-lease program. 50,501 automobiles of this type were delivered to the USSR. The cars were used until the end of the Second World War.

US-6 "Studebecker" army truck

Max Speed: 70 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 150 l.Weight: 4,850 kg.Engine: Hercules JXD, 95 HP (69.9kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Carrying capacity: 2.5 tonsProduction year: 1941

The "Studebecker" was a vehicle with improved passability. The US-6 Studebecker was developed by the Studebecker company in 1941 when the government program for equipping land forces was implemented. The overall number of automobiles produced during World War II came to 197,000. The USSR received Studebeckers under the lend-lease program. Shipments amounted to about 100,000 automobiles. Studebeckers (or "Studers" as they were called) proved their worth as reliable and durable cars in battle conditions. These were cars with improved passability ensured by a powerful engine, three leading axes (wheel formula 6x6) and the high placement of all water-sensitive parts and mechanisms. Although their indicated carrying capacity was 2.5 tons, they successfully transported up to 5 tons on properly surfaced roads. However, unlike Soviet trucks, Studebeckers required fuel and lubrication of better quality.

BM-13N Mobile Rocket Launcher using the "Studebecker" chassis as its basis

Max Speed: 50 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 70 l.Weight without shells: 7,100kg.Armament: 16 missiles M-13 (or M-20, M-30, M-13-UK) of 132 mm caliber.Engine: ZIS, 73 HP (53.7kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1943

BM-13 launchers were produced by several companies with varying production potential. This might explain why its construction went through more or less material modifications depending on the production methods adopted by the factory in question. This was the reason why a unified (standardized) BM-13N launcher was adopted in April 1943. While creating the mounting, the designers carried out a critical analysis of all units and details in an attempt to increase technological effectiveness and reduce costs. Like the BM-13, this battle car could fire M-13 missiles or the new improved M-20, M-30 and M-13-UK missiles (improved grouping). An essential factor, which increased the tactical mobility of BM-13N-armed missile artillery units, was the use of a powerful American Studebecker US-6 truck shipped to the USSR under the lend-lease program as a launcher base. The creation of this launcher led to the final completion of work on the "Katusha" BM-13 serial battle car, which took part in battles in this form till the end of the war.

Medium truck Opel Blitz 3,6-36S

Max Speed: 85 km/hFuel Capacity: 92lWeight: 3,000kgCarrying Capacity: 3.1 tonsEngine: Opel, 75 HP (55.1kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1937

The Opel Blitz 3,6-36S (the "S" index stands for standard rear-geared chassis) was a medium-sized three-ton truck. Serial production of the Opel Blitz 3,6-3700A continued from 1937 to 1944. The total number of units produced was 70,000. Three-ton Opel Blitz 3,6-36S trucks were used till the end of the Second World War.

Fuel-supplier Opel Blitz 3,6-3700A

Max Speed: 85 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 9 l.Carrying Capacity: 3,200l.Weight: 4,000kg Engine: Opel, 75 HP (55.1kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1940

This fuel-supplier was based on a medium three-ton full-driving Opel Blitz 3,6-6700A truck chassis. It was in serial production from 1937. It could serve several users with fuel simultaneously, transport fuel and transfer fuel from one fuel tank to another.

The Opel Blitz 3.6-36S fuel-supplier was used in the course of the Second World War by both Wehrmacht land units and Luftwaffe forces.

Remote radio communication automobile Opel Blitz 3,6-36S

Max Speed: 85 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 92l.Weight: 3,100Engine: Opel, 75 HP (55.1kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1937

This special automobile was based on a medium three-ton rear-driving Opel Blitz 3,6-36S truck. It was used by Wehrmacht units as a mobile radio communication car till the end of World War II.

Medium truck Opel Blitz 3,6-3700A

Max Speed: 85 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 92l.

Weight: 3,350kgCarrying capacity: 3.1 tonsEngine: Opel, 75 HP (55.1kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1940

The Opel Blitz 3,6-3700A (the "A" index stands for Allrad (full-driving – 4x4)) was a medium-sized three-ton truck. Serial production of the Opel Blitz 3,6-3700A continued from 1940 to 1944 at the Brandenburg/Havel factory. The total number of units produced was 25,000. The three-ton Opel Blitz 4x2 and 4x4 trucks were the most successful mass-produced Wehrmacht trucks and were employed till the end of the Second World War.

Medical ambulance on Opel Blitz 3,6-3700A chassis

Max Speed: 85 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 92 l.Weight: 3,500Engine: Opel, 75 HP (55.1kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1940

A special automobile based on the medium-sized Opel Blitz 3,6-3700A truck. It was adopted by Wehrmacht units as a medical car for transporting the sick and wounded and was employed till the end of the Second World War.

Half-track truck Sd.Kfz.3a – m.Gleisk 2t Maultier (Opel)

Max Speed: 40 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 92 l.Weight: 3,950Carrying capacity: 2 tonsEngine: Opel, 75 HP (55.1kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1942

The half-track Maultier ("Mule") truck was developed in 1942 in the context of the truck modernization program which aimed at increasing passability in Eastern front conditions. The half-track chassis was developed specially for the Eastern front where increased demands were made regarding passability – demands which were not always met, even by full-driving automobiles. Instead of a back axle, a track trolley of the Carden-Loyd type was installed which was like the one used on the Pz.Kpfw.I tank. The leading axis was moved forward and the standard cardan shaft was replaced with a shorter one. In addition to the track trolley, brake levers were installed which acted on the rear axis brake drums. Thanks to this innovation, the Maultier could maneuver like a tank with the help of caterpillars. Maultier serial production was carried out by Ford, Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz, Opel and Daimler-Benz with 4 main modifications. From 1942 to 1944 about 21,960 units were produced.

Main modifications:

Sd.Kfz.3a - m.Gleisk. LKW 2t Maultier (Opel) – half-track Opel 3,6 - 36S/SSM truck. Created by exchanging the back leading axle of the three-ton Opel Blitz 3,6 - 36S truck for a caterpillar mover of the Carden-Lloyd type. Equipped weight: 3.95 tons. Carrying capacity: 2 tons. Range: 160 km.

Sd.Kfz.3b - m. Gleisk. LKW2t Maultier (Ford) - half-track Ford V3000S/SSM truck. Based on the three-ton Ford G398TS/V3000S truck, using a Carden-Lloyd mover.

Sd.Kfz.3c - m. Gleisk. LKW2t Maultier (Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz) - half-track KHD S3000/ SSM truck. A three-ton truck with a Carden-Lloyd caterpillar mover instead of the back axle. Based on the KHD S3000 automobile. Equipped weight: 4.65 tons. Carrying capacity: 2 tons. Max. speed: 38 km/h. Range: 170 km.

Sd.Kfz.4 - s. Gleisk. LKW 4 1/2t Maultier (Daimler-Benz) - heavy half-track Mercedes-Benz L4500P truck. Created by exchanging the back leading axle of the 4.5-ton Mercedes-Benz L4500S truck for a caterpillar mover from the light Pz.II tank. Equipped weight: 7.75 tons. Carrying capacity: 4.5 tons. Max. speed: 36 km/h. Range: 200 km.

Mule trucks underwent practically no modifications. In some military units, soldiers installed 20 and 37 mm guns on a small number of Ford and Mercedes-Benz trucks respectively.

Sd.Kfz.3a with 2cm Flak 3820 mm anti-aircraft Flak 38 gun on the chassis of the half-track Sd.Kfz.3a – m.Gleisk 2t Maultier truck

Max Speed: 40 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 92 l.Weight: 4,500 kgArmament: anti-aircraft automatic Flak 38 gun of 20 mm caliber.Engine: Opel, 75 HP (55.1kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1942.

The 20m automatic anti-aircraft Flak 38 gun was a means of air defense that was fairly widely used by the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe and SS military units. However, its effectiveness was compromised by its limited maneuverability. In response to this problem, anti-aircraft guns were mounted on half-track Mule trucks in some military units. As a rule, these were 20 and 37 mm automatic Flak 30/38 and Flak 36 guns. These self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were a fairly effective means of fighting aircraft flying at low and medium altitude with a speed of up to 540-600 km/h, and light armored targets.

VW type 82 "Kuebelwagen"

Max Speed: 83 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 30 l.Weight: 1,175kg

Carrying capacity: 450 kgEngine: VW Boxer 1.131L, 25 HP (18.4kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1939

A prototype army passenger car, the "Kubelwagen" - VW Type 62 was developed in 1938 by Volkswagen. The next and most co mmon mass-produced modification was the VW Type 82 model. This was a complete modification of the VW Type 62. It featured the following improvements on the prototype: increased ground clearance, changed transmission gear ratio and additional back-axle gearbox. The Kubelwagen body was assembled from thin tin plates strengthened lengthwise. The body had four doors, a folding front glass and a tarpaulin flap roof. 52,000 type 82 Kubelwagens were produced. They were used in all Wehrmacht forces till the end of the Second World War for transporting ammo, fuel and personnel, evacuation of the wounded and as mobile workshops.

Opel Kadett

Max Speed: 98 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 27+5 l.Weight: 757 kgEngine: Opel, 23 HP (16.9kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1936

This automobile was in serial production from 1936 to 1943 in three modifications: the Opel-Kadett (model 11234), the K38 and the KJ38. The Opel-Kadett replaced the obsolete Opel-P4 and was soon squeezed out itself by the new Opel-Kadett K38 version at the end of 1937. The K38 differs from the 11234 in its radiator coating, side slots for hood ventilation and wheel disks (with holes for 11234 and without holes for K38). At the same time, Opel produced the KJ38 model (Kadett-Junior, model 3300), which was more traditional from a technical point of view, but could be distinguished on the outside only through the absence of a back buffer. In construction, the KJ38 differs from the K38 by its spar frame availability, normal front suspension with lengthwise semi-elliptical springs and dependent front suspension, simplified equipment and the absence of a back buffer. Wehrmacht military units used the Opel Kadett passenger car exclusively as a commander's car throughout the Second World War.

Raupenschlepper Ost (RSO) – Artillery carrier “East”

Max Speed: 20 km/h.Range: 250 km.Weight: 3,800 kg.Tractive force: 3 tonsEngine: Steyr V8, 85 HP (62.6kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1942

This carrier was developed in 1942 on the initiative of the Steyr company and based on sets and units of the Steyr 1500 truck. It was designed to increase the mobility of Wehrmacht provision sub-units on the Eastern front (Ost = East). Serial production was carried out by the following companies: Steyr, Klockner-Deutz-Magirus, Ulm Graf und Stift and Wanderer. Over 28,000 units were produced from 1942 to 1945.

Main modifications:

RSO (Steyr) – Light caterpillar truck – tractor with all-metal two-seater heated crew compartment and wooden load platform with tarpaulin top. Steyr V8 engine.

RSO (KHD/Magirus) – Steel crew compartment of simplified form with tarpaulin top. Deutz F4L514 engine, carburetor, liquid cooled, 65 HP (47.8kW).

7.5cm Pak 40/4 auf Raupenschlepper Ost (Sf) – 75 mm anti-tank Pak 40/4 gun on Ost tractor chassis. Low-profile armored crew compartment (armor thickness: 5 mm). Gun behind staff shield placed in the middle of open body with folding wooden rims. Crew: Four. Fighting weight: 5.2 tons.

RSO mit 2 cm Flak 38 – 20 mm automatic anti-aircraft Flak 38 gun placed in the body of linear tractor.

Light RSO caterpillar tractors were used mostly for transporting goods in military provision units on the Eastern front, in Italy and Western Europe. They were frequently employed for towing anti-tank guns of up to 75 mm caliber, light field howitzers and all sorts of trailers. This vehicle was very popular with the troops due to its durability and reliability.

BMW motorcycle with side-car

Max Speed: 100 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 12 l.Weight: 165 kgEngine: BMW M69 one-cylinder, 12 HP (8.8kW), carburetor.Production year: 1932

BMW motorcycles (Baierische Motoren Werke AG) were at the Wehrmacht military units' disposal from the beginning to end of the Second World War. These were modifications of one-cylinder motorcycles:BMW-Р35, 1937-1940, 342 cc, about 15,386 units produced;BMW-Р4, 1932-1937, 398 cc, about 15,295 units produced;BMW-Р2, 1931-1936, 198 cc, about 15,207 units produced;BMW-Р23, 1938-1940, 247 cc, about 9,021 units produced;BMW-Р20, 1936-1938, 192 cc, about 5,000 units produced;BMW-Р3, 1936, 305 cc, about 740 units produced;BMW-R39, 1925-1926, 247 cc, about 855 units produced.

Half-track motorcycle NSU HK-101 -Kettenkrad (Sd.Kfz.2)

Max Speed: 70 km/h.Fuel Capacity: 42 l.Weight: 1,280 kgCarrying capacity: 325 kg

Tractive force: 450 kgEngine: Opel Olimpia, 36 HP (26.5kW), carburetor, liquid cooled.Production year: 1940

The half-track motorcycle is the most famous German multipurpose tractor of the Second World War. It was developed in 1940 by NSU in the town of Nekkarsulm on the orders of the Heereswaffenamt, the department responsible for the technical provision of land forces. In all, about 8,345 units were produced by NSU and Stoewer between 1940 and 1944.

Main modifications:

Sd.Kfz.2 – bearing welded frame. Stamped front wheel with motorcycle type bracket. Motorcycle driver's seat in the fore-part of the frame. Automobile engine in the middle, a seat for two in the rear part.

Sd.Kfz.2/1 - Sd.Kfz.2 with equipment for transporting field cable.

Sd.Kfz.2/2 - Sd.Kfz.2 with equipment for transporting heavy field cable.

Developed as a light tractor for rifle troops in the mountains, the NSU half-track motorcycle quickly made itself useful in all types of German armed forces where it was used for towing light mountain and anti-aircraft guns, mortars, reels with telephone cable and all sorts of trailers. Due to its good cross-country passability and ability to move on the notoriously bad Russian roads, this half-track motorcycle became very popular with the soldiers on the Eastern front.

In the post-war years, the car was used for a long time in agriculture, forestry and the postal service in mountainous areas.

GUNS

76 mm divisional gun ZIS-3, 1942 model

Caliber: 76.2 mmInitial shell speed: 680 m/sec.Rate of fire: up to 25 rounds/min.Max. shooting range: 13,290mDirect shot range: 820mWeight: 1,200 kg.Production year: 1942

The new ZIS-3 gun project was started in late 1940 after successful trials of the 57 mm anti-tank ZIS-2 gun. It had the following configuration: a ZIS-2 gun carriage and modified F-22USV gun barrel with good ballistic characteristics, equipped with a dual brake for reducing gun-carriage load. In early 1941, the new gun – marked ZIS-3 – went through factory tests but was only adopted by the Red Army in 1942. The Red Army had three ZIS-3 varieties at its disposal:

- Gun with lock from 57 mm anti-tank gun with button sear.

- Gun with simplified lock and lever sear, with 27 deg. elevation angle.- Gun with simplified lock, but with 37 deg. maximum elevation angle.

The 76.2 mm divisional gun, model 1942 (ZIS-3), was successfully used by the Red Army forces during the Second World War. The gun was rightly recognized by experts – including German experts – as one of the most brilliant constructions in the history of barrel artillery.

152 mm ML-20 gun-howitzer, 1937 model

Caliber: 152 mm.Initial shell speed: 655 m/sec.Rate of fire: 3-4 rounds./min.Max. shooting range: 17,230m.Weight: 7,270 kg.Production year: 1936

The ML-20 gun-howitzer was created in 1936. At the end of 1936, after the conclusion of state trials, the ML-20 was adopted by the Red Army. Thanks to its construction, the ML-20 represented a gun with unique firing maneuverability. It had howitzer-typical curved fire trajectories and a high initial shell speed, peculiar to guns. The construction of the under-spring gun-carriage with rubber-tired doubled wheels made it possible to transport the gun with a medium artillery caterpillar tractor at relatively high speeds of up to 25 km/h. The ML-20 gun-howitzer was produced throughout the war and was adopted by the army artillery of the Supreme Command reserve.

25 mm automatic anti-aircraft gun 72-K, 1940 model

Caliber: 25 mm.Initial shell speed: 900 m/sec.Rate of fire: 240 rounds./min.Max. shooting range: 6,000 m.Weight: 1,170 kg.Production year: 1940

The 72-K anti-aircraft gun was developed in 1940 by a design office run by M.N. Loginov. It consists of a submachine gun with automatic anti-aircraft sight, mounting with laying mechanisms, balancing mechanism, shield protection and cart. Firing could be uninterrupted (automatic) or single. The barrel of the gun was equipped with an easily replaceable pipe, which had to be replaced if it became overheated from uninterrupted fire or in case of damage. A flame extinguisher was placed on the barrel to prevent gun layers from being blinded at shooting and to muffle the noise of the gun. Following the experience of using guns to shoot at ground targets (from 1943 on), the gun was equipped with a shield to protect gunner and gun from bullets and shell splinters. The 25 mm automatic 72-K anti-aircraft gun was widely used by the Red Army for combating aircraft at distances of up to 2,400m and at altitudes of up to 2,000m. If need be, one could fire it at light tanks and armored cars. The total number of 25 mm anti-aircraft guns (1942 model) supplied by the industry to the Red Army in the war years was 4,560 units.

85 mm anti-aircraft gun, 1939 model

Caliber: 85 mm.Initial shell speed: 800-880 m/sec.Rate of fire: 20 rounds./min.Max. shooting range: 15,650m.Weight: 4,500 kg.Production year: 1939

Following a sharp increase in the speeds and ceilings of fighter aircraft in the prewar years, a powerful new 85 mm anti-aircraft gun was developed in 1939 by the design office of a factory named after M.I. Kalinin. There was very little time available to develop the new system, and this led to the placement of an 85 mm barrel on the platform of a 76 mm anti-aircraft gun (1938 model) and the use of its lock and automatic machinery. After undergoing test trials in 1939, the gun was perfected and adopted by the Red Army. Its construction peculiarities and the wide range of ammo developed and produced for it made this a suitable gun for shooting at air targets and enemy soldiers and destroying weapon emplacements and mobile armed targets. The 85 mm anti-aircraft gun (1939 model) was extremely widely used in Red Army military units. Sub-divisions of these guns ensured protection of front-line units from the air and air-defense of administrative centers and industrial plants. They were adopted by anti-aircraft artillery divisions till the end of World War II.

50 mm anti-tank Pak-38 gun

Caliber: 50 mm.Initial shell speed: 549-1,180 m/sec.Rate of fire: 12-14 rounds./min.Max. shooting range: 9,400 m.Weight: 1,000 kg.Production year: 1938

The Pak-38 guns were developed to replace an earlier 37 mm Pak-35/36 gun that had low armor piercing. It was adopted while preparing the attack on the Soviet Union. Wehrmacht headquarters supposed that the Red Army had a large number of lightly armored tanks, but the appearance of the T-34 and KV tanks featuring anti-shell armor on the battlefield was an unpleasant surprise. The armor-piercing power of the Pak-38 gun turned out to be insufficient for fighting these tanks from long distances; it was thus replaced by a more powerful 75 mm gun. From the second half of 1944, the Pak-38 gun was mainly used only in training and occupation units.

150 mm heavy field howitzer, 1918 model

Caliber: 150 mmInitial shell speed: 520 m/sec.Rate of fire: 4-6 rounds./min.Max. shooting range: 13,325m.Weight: 5,512 kg.Production year: 1918

Heavy field howitzers (1918 model) were produced by Reinmetal and Krupp and were used to equip one of the four artillery regiment divisions of each infantry division (three four-gun batteries). The same howitzer was adopted by some heavy artillery divisions and used in main-thrust military operations. 150 mm howitzers with a shooting range of 13,325m were widely used for combating artillery and destroying enemy tanks and soldiers on initial positions, destroying long-term weapon emplacements and shelling rear objects. The 150 mm heavy field howitzer (1918 model) was used by Wehrmacht military units throughout World War II and, according to expert opinion, excelled itself. To increase howitzer mobility, a self-propelled "Hu mmel" ("Bumblebee") gun was developed on the basis of the 1918 model. It was sent to the artillery regiments of tank divisions and SS troops. Apart from the 150 mm heavy field howitzer (model 1918), the Wehrmacht used a vast and varied array of artillery guns from start to finish of the war.

20 mm automatic anti-aircraft Flak 29 "Oerlikon" gun

Caliber: 20 mm.Initial shell speed: 831 m/sec.Rate of fire: 450 rounds./min.Max. shooting range: 3,000m.Weight: 450 kg.

The 20m automatic anti-aircraft "Erlikon" gun was adopted by Germany and used by land forces and the Navy. Thanks to its high rate of fire and accuracy at high altitudes, it was employed with great success for hitting low-flying air targets.

88 mm anti-aircraft Flak 18 gun

Caliber: 88 mm.Initial shell speed: 795-820 m/sec.Rate of fire: 15-20 rounds./min.Max. shooting range: 12,000m.Weight: 5,000 kg.Production year: 1928

This might well be the most famous gun of the Second World War. It was developed by Krupp in the town of Essen in cooperation with the Swedish company Bofors. Shipments to Wehrmacht anti-aircraft military units started in 1933. The 88 mm Flak 18 gun was first used in battle conditions during the civil war in Spain. Several batteries of these guns were given to the German Condor legion and were used successfully, not only for fighting aircraft, but also against ground targets – primarily tanks. Learning from battle experience in Spain, armor-piercing and cumulative shells were developed for the 88 mm guns and these guns were designed for interaction with field troops and were equipped with a shield to protect gunners from gunfire as well as shell and bomb splinters. To increase the mobility of anti-aircraft guns used in anti-tank defense, they were placed on a tank chassis; thus these powerful 88 mm anti-tank self-propelled guns were created. The 88 mm Flak 18 gun was constantly going through modifications and a whole family was produced during World War II – the Flak 18, Flak 36, Flak 37 and Flak 41. They are rightly judged to be formidable Wermacht weapons and were equally effective against aircraft, armored weapons and equipment and long-term weapon emplacements.

SHIPS

Destroyer type 7, "Razumniy" Type 7 Flotilla Leader

Apart from a few Dreadnoughts, the destroyer of the "Razumniy" ("reasonable") type was one of the largest ships in the Soviet Navy at the time of the Second World War. It was armed with four 130 mm B-13 guns, two 12.7 mm Colt machine-guns (later replaced by DShK machine-guns), two 76 mm 34K guns, four 37 mm K-37 machine guns and two 12.7 mm DShK machine-guns (different production series had different machine-gun equipment). The ship was also equipped with torpedo-tubes and devices for dropping anti-submarines bombs.

BBK-1 Patrol Boat/Gun Boat with rocket turret M-13-M1

Speed: 21 knotsCitadel and crew compartment armor: 5-8 mm.Armament: 76 mm gun in the turret of T-28 tank, M-13-M1 mounting for launching 16 missiles of 132 mm caliber, two 12.7 machine-guns. Displacement: 47.3 tonsPower of two petrol engines: 1,700 HP

The job of creating armored launches equipped with missile mountings started in January 1942. The Navy command ordered the industry to create launcher mountings from land battle vehicles BM-8 and EM-13. It turned out, however, that the ships needed mountings with a large horizontal turning angle. Land Katushas were pointed in an approximate fashion at the target with a turn of the vehicle, but one could not rely on this method when an armored launch was moving along a narrow waterway. This prompted the development of superstructure mounting M-13-M1, which was intended for launching 16 missiles of 132 mm caliber. Missiles were fired by the commander from the crew compartment and salvo from eight flange beams took 5 to 8 seconds. The M-13-M1 was only installed on large armored launches.

BBK-1 Patrol Boat/Gun Boat, project series 1124

Speed: 21 knots.Citadel and crew compartment armor: 5-8 mm.Armament: two 76 mm guns in the turret of T-34 tank, two 12.7 machine-guns.Displacement: 47.3 tons.Power of two petrol engines: 1,700 HP

The need for launches armed with 76 mm guns and anti-bullet armor became apparent as early as 1929 during an armed conflict on the Chinese-Eastern railway. But the first such design was only co mmissioned at the end of 1934. The naval forces wanted to have a two-turret artillery launch with anti-bullet armor. It was initially planned to arm armored launches with 45 mm guns in the turrets of T-26 tank. Later on, they were replaced by short-barreled mountain 76 mm guns in the turrets of T-28 and T-35 tanks which were at that time adopted by the Red Army. Such solutions made it possible to provide launches with ammo direct from army warehouses. Tank turrets had a gun elevation angle of a mere 26 degrees, which excluded the possibility of firing at aircraft; machine-guns were mounted for combating

enemy aviation. After the successful completion of test trials, the armored launch was put into serial production. In the course of production it went through a number of modifications, the most essential of which was the replacement of turrets from T-28 and T-35 tanks with those from T-34 with 76 mm guns. By the beginning of the Second World War, the Soviet Navy had 85 launches of both types and another 68 were under construction.

Torpedo boat G-5

Speed: 50 knotsArmament: two torpedoes of 533 mm caliber, two machine-guns, four mines.Displacement: 14.5 tonsPower of two petrol engines: 1,700 HPProduced till 1944 in different modifications.Total number produced: over 200 units.

The order to design the first speed-boat for river flotillas in the USSR was received in 1920. And, as early as the following su mmer, the Moscow river saw test trials of the GANT-1 – a planing boat with 1 ton displacement and a 160 HP engine capable of traveling at up to 75 km/h. The first model was followed by new modernized modifications. On June 29 1928, it was decided to develop a new and better launch with two domestically-produced engines and two torpedo-tubes marked G-5 (planing boat #5). A year later, on June 13 1929, construction of the GANT-5 prototype started. Completed GANT-5 launches were sent to Sebastopol on February 15 1933 and the trials dragged on into the last days of December. The trials proved the G-5 to be the best adopted torpedo boat, and serial production was launched. About 200 G-5 torpedo boats were produced.

Minesweeper

Speed: 21 knots. Armament: 100 mm caliber gun, 45 mm caliber gun, 37 mm caliber gun, 40 mines.Displacement: 450 tonsDiesel engine power: 3,000 HP

The first surface ship completely designed and constructed by the Soviet shipbuilding industry was a trawl-class minesweeper which entered service in 1934. This construction and maintenance experience served as a basis for developing more powerful and fully-equipped trawlers which started shipping to the Navy from 1942 on. Trawl-class minesweepers were created "right from the draft", as designers put it – the trials of leading and serial ships brought no unpleasant surprises and revealed no drawbacks or blunders. As a result, construction was quick to get under way in small shipbuilding plants. During the Second World War, the range of this type of ship in battle was significantly extended. Apart from their main task of clearing mines from waterways, Soviet minesweepers were also used to lay mine barriers, conduct anti-submarine operations, escort troops and civilians, land troops in the enemy rear and support them with artillery fire.

U-boat, type II B

Series II submarines had a displacement of only 250 tons and dimensions that justified the "submarines for coastal operation" classification. They were the first submarines launched in the Kriegsmarine. From the very beginning, there was no place for submarines of the II series in Navy command’s strategic plans. However, the situation at the onset of war required the quick deployment of small submarines as well. It soon turned out that series II was as good as useless in the struggle for the Atlantic and this was the reason why submarines were used as mine barriers in 1940 and the beginning of 1941. In June 1941 all submarines of series II were called back from the Atlantic and moved to the Baltic sea where they were used for training purposes and sporadically against the Soviet Baltic fleet. Nevertheless, a battle theatre was soon found for series II as well. In the late su mmer of 1941, six submarines of this type were transported by rail to Konstanza (Romania) to fight against the Soviet fleet on the Black Sea and to effect a blockade of the main naval stronghold – Sebastopol. Six of these submarines were used with relative success till 1944, when they were lost in the major defeat on the Black Sea. Three submarines were sunk on August 20 1944 by aviation of the Black Sea Fleet in Konstanza harbor. On September 9, after Bulgaria dropped out of the war and German submarines lost their last bases on the Black Sea, the three remaining submarines were sunk off the Turkish coast. Due to their training status, other series II submarines survived the war and either surrendered or were sunk in 1945.

S-80 Torpeado boat (Schnellboote 1939/1940 klasse)Speed: 41 knots.Armament: 2 torpedo tubes with 6 torpedoes (4 reloads) , 2-6 37 mm Flak guns and 2 single 20 mm guns Displacement: ~100 tonsEngines: 3 Daimler-Benz 20-cyl diesel engines giving up to 7.500 hp

The 1939/1940 class S-boot was the largest class of fast attack boat built in Germany during the war. Built between 1940 and 1945, these boats were modified in the light of operational experience. In particular, the light flak armament was tripled in later boats. Powered by the 20-cylinder Daimler Benz diesel, they were able to record speeds of over 40 knots. From S100 on, the boats were equipped with an armoured control platform to protect the crew. Most of the more than 100 boats built were lost during the war, either through mine hits or during battles and air attacks. The surviving boats were given to various countries after the war. The Soviet Union used several of them until the 1950s.

MAS-501 Torpedo boat

In contrast to most other countries that were victorious in the First World War, Italy was the only one which did not neglect its successful experience of using torpedo launches in battle, and it continued developing this type of warship. The MAS-501 torpedo launch was constructed by Pochiotti in 1936. Its displacement was 20.7 tons, the power of its two Izotta-Fraskini petrol engines was 2,000 HP, its speed was 42 knots, length 17m, width 4.7m and average draught 1.3m. The frame was made of wood. Armaments consisted of two 13.2 mm machine-guns and two torpedoes of 450 mm caliber. The MAS 501 launch became the prototype for the whole series of torpedo launches (76 units) that was built between 1937 and 1941 by different Italian companies. Displacement: from 21 tons (MAS 502) to 28 tons (MAS 555). Length: from 17 to 18.7m. Width: from 4.4 to 4.7m. Draught: from 1.3 to 1.5m.

The last launches, beginning with the MAS 552, had steel frames. Power plant was the same as on the MAS 501, but several launches were equipped with two additional Alfa-Romeo 70-HP power engine of economic motion (economic slow movement). All launches of the series had the same armament: 13.2 machine-gun, two 450 mm torpedoes and 6 deep-sea bombs. Crew: from 9 to 13 men.

"Amiral Murgesku"

Produced in 1941 in Romania. Displacement: 812 tons. The diesel mounting, made by Krupp, had a power of 2,100 HP. Speed: 16 knots. Length: 77m. Width: 9.1m. Average draught: 2.5m. Armament: two 105 mm anti-aircraft guns, two 37 mm and four 20 mm cannon, 135 mines. Construction of the "Chetea Alba" ship, belonging to the same type, began at the same time , but only the "Amiral Murgesku" was completed. In August 1944, it joined the forces of the USSR Navy under the name of "Don".