World War II ended.Died down artillery on the battlefield, the prisoners returned to their homes, Germany paid a contribution, and the Soviet Union had the largest and most technically equipped land army.This superiority was evident to any military expert on the results of the Soviet-Japanese War in 1945
In September 1945 there was a joint military parade in Berlin.Allies showed each other their strength and development.Who has the superiority in tanks, it could be seen with the naked eye.Compared with American M-24 "Chaffee" and British "Comet" heavy tank IS-3 in the amount of 53 units of 71-th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment looked like a steel monster, predatory and ruthless.But the development of the tanks did not stop and did not even slowed.
Background appearance of the "Object 730ยป
After the war, the production of IS-3 continued.Terms of use of tanks changed, now they did not live a few fights, but had to serve for several years.Tanks war years turned out to be unsuitable for such a task.The last hope for the IS-3 collapsed when, during one of the tests in the hull of the tank was 100 mm armor-piercing shell in the front edge of the (well-known "pike nose").Housing bursting at the seams, and the machine is out of order.All issued copies were aimed at addressing the deficiencies, and mass production of IP 3 was discontinued.
Now, in the light of experience and new challenges, Soviet tank designers had to create a perfect fighting machine.On the territory of the Union at the time operated two tank factory - Leningrad Kirov and Chelyabinsk tractor.In Leningrad after the blockade was organized by the branch of the Experimental Tank Factory number 100, he became the director J. Kotin.Here was born the "Object-260" or IS-7.
It was the best tank of his time, exceeding the parameters of foreign counterparts, but who had a number of shortcomings.A number of failures in tests played against a tank.By the time of the too heavy machinery began to refuse.They could not withstand the bridges and railway platforms.
In 1948 he was given the task - to create a new car, a relatively inexpensive, reliable, with a weight up to 50 tons.
second EC-5
The numbering of Soviet tanks there is some confusion.The "Object 730" was wearing the number EC-5.But the EC-5 was already - "Object 248", but in the series has not been launched.In the framework of the project "Object 730" was intended improvement of EC-4.We were prepared to replace a number of components and assemblies to reduce the weight of the machine.
Developments on it began in 1948, and 1950-mu had not yet been completed.Tests revealed many shortcomings.Thus, the number has been given a second life, EC-5 - "Object 730".
work dragged on for several years, and in 1953, the tank was accepted for service under a different name.EC-5 and did not hit in the series, but it had worked out new engines, transmissions, weapons and so on.
Specifications
Welded body with sloping top and curved side plates and "pike nose" were in the final version of the "Object 730".The tank had cast tower streamlined.As armament two machine guns, one paired with a gun 122 mm D-25TA, the second near the hatch loader.The combat weight was 50 tons. The machine is able to climb to 32 degrees to cross ditches and 2.7 m. Capacity 700 liters.from.allows to overcome the wall of 0.8 m and speeds of up to 43.1 km / h.The crew in the usual four-man turret of 250 mm is securely protected them.Cruising was 180-200 km.It had 30 gun shells and machine-gun - 1000 cartridges.
first tests
In April 1949, a wooden model of the tank was brought to Moscow.I have compiled a list of improvements.Project approved in May, and then started to prepare drawings.Preparation of documents was completed only by the end of June.The works were delayed and collect experimental tanks for testing designated in August, did not have time.It was decided to use IP-4 with a hung units of EC-5."Object 730" on the left side of the time.Engine power was limited to 700 liters.from.Some units have been tested and also at EC-7.
Failures and improvements
September was the month of factory tests.EC-5 had to go 2,000 kilometers, but the apparent shortcomings in the transmission.It was decided to develop and apply a drive 8-speed planetary gearbox.100 Research Institute have been developing technical documentation and LB provided three prototypes.Tests have shown the advantage of the new unit.
Among other things, the tank was equipped with an ejection system and a new cooling circuit installation tools.Three other pieces of equipment for the test were released in March 1953 after testing one of them at the site Rzhevskaya began regular state tests.
Now, despite the complexity of the route, 200 km have been completed.Two tanks were up to 200 km per day, and a third more than 280. After a week and a half, the Commission issued a conclusion about the successful completion of the tests."Object 730" satisfy the application requirements and superior foreign analogues.Despite all the improvements and alterations, it was left to the potential for modernization.
Rebirth T-10
summer of 1950 were created 10 prototypes of the tank.They were tested at various sites.Not all has been modified, but still meet the requirements of the machine.It was compiled a new list of works, and the release of a series of re-shelved.The initial draft was subjected to serious changes and has repeatedly changed its name to EC-8, 9 and IS-IS-10.
example, was a special mechanism for chambering a shell.With this rifled 122mm D-25TA gun projectile released a 3-4 / min.The guidance system machine gun, coupled with a gun, was regulated by a single electric TAEN-1.The box was made 8-speed as well as power plant has been used B-12-5 700 liters.from.Caterpillars, borrowed from the IS-4, provided the ground pressure to 0.77 kg / m.
final test machine was completed in December 1952. In March 1953 there was a tragic time for the event - the death of Stalin.But the abbreviation ICs was adopted in honor of him - "Joseph Stalin."And in the order of the Minister of Defence about the production of the tank in a series of car called the T-10.
production to be started slowly, in the same year was released 10 units in the next year - 50, and in a year - 90.
Modifications
Upon reaching the top of a need to move to the next, so did the designers.In the Leningrad Design Bureau has created a system of two-plane stabilization weapons.If previously compensated vertical movements, and it is now horizontal.Designed and installed a new sight T-2C.It launched in 1956, and in 1957 published the T-10B.
After a year there is a new modification.The mass production was replaced by the T-10M.This tank was installed more powerful weapons M-62T2S (2A17).Armor-piercing projectile speeds of up to 950 m / s and punched 225 mm armor at 1000 m. Muzzle Brake gap type absorbs most of the recoil, reducing the time to the next.
All technical improvements have made it a best tank of his time, for nearly forty years, "Object 730" was armed and modified depending on the requirements.This is the most massive tank Russia, and possibly the world.Exports are not created, the only armed conflict, which was attended by - the invasion of the Warsaw Pact in Czechoslovakia.
last heavy tank of the Soviet Union
So, in the fifties was adopted last Soviet heavy tank, then there have been various modifications.It was the best creation of the military industry encompasses all the technical developments of his time.They took it with weapons after the collapse of the Union, in 1993
