The number of samples of Soviet military equipment of the Great Patriotic War, is a place for released in a relatively small number (670 copies) "Deerslayer," as called self-propelled gun SU-152 in the troops.There were two types of self-propelled guns that could be confused, especially because their names are very similar.The instruments installed in the wheelhouse of both cars are the same - it's a great gun ML-20.But the chassis at the ISU-152 is much more powerful, it is inherited from the heavy tank IS-2.
name of self-propelled SU-152 stuck to both machines, but since the difference between them is still there, should pay attention to the one with the chassis of the KV, consider the history and the reasons for its appearance on the front.
howitzer on the chassis of a heavy tank
on the chassis of the KV had put the howitzer, though, it was done differently.During the war with Finland have found the combat use of siege weapons with a rotating turret of the KV-2.These samples had a number of shortcomings, in particular, very high profile, who unmask the technique and facilitates getting into the enemy's weapons.In order to reduce the weight and height of the ACS and simplify the technology of its production, in 1943, engineers from Chelyabinsk tank builders decided to install a tool in a fixed wheelhouse.In December of the same year, development work has been completed, and CHKZ started mass production.
There is nothing surprising in the way called the installation.SU-152 and stands for: self-propelled unit with a gun caliber 152 mm.
tank destroyer
fact any counter battle tank units, according to the classical tactical science, is the result of an error command.Competent officer or general should take care of their secretive concentration of armored vehicles on the site of the enemy defense, which will ensure that no serious opposition.However, World War II broke stereotypes and tanks are often at war with each other.By 1943, the Germans were "Tigers", capable of inflicting significant damage of the Soviet armored vehicles from remote positions, so there was a need for it in a special class - tank destroyers."Deerslayer," as called self-propelled gun SU-152 almost immediately, was supposed to be just such a machine, although howitzer ML-20 was designed for a different task - breaking fortified positions echelon well entrenched enemy.
Advantages SU-152
known as called self-propelled SU-152 German tank crews, but the trouble it brought a lot of them.Soviet self-propelled gun could fire from hidden positions hinged trajectory, however, this were necessary guidance or adjustment.
The main advantage of the new technology was the caliber of heavy duty and long-range precision fire.Projectile weight ranged from 40 to 49 kilograms, and is guaranteed to hit destroy any armored target.The real range, can reasonably hope for such a result, it was a distance of 1,800 meters.Chassis and mechanics had design flaws, but they were no more than the main enemy - the tank "Tiger" T-VI.
At first glance this is a very impressive performance, but there were problems, allowing doubt that the nickname self-propelled SU-152 is justified.
Chief "beast»
order to objectively assess the chances of our self-propelled artillery duel with the "Tiger", is necessary to make a comparison of the capabilities of these machines in such a situation.
So the first thing you should pay attention to - the range aimed fire.It is these two samples is about the same, but it should be noted that the optical quality of German firm "Carl Zeiss" higher than ours, although Soviet scopes can not be called foul.
second important factor - the rate.Our gunners could do for the moment only two shots, it prevented a large shell weight (60 kg) and the tightness in the wheelhouse.Germans during the same time might shoot six times.
subject of the third comparison - caliber.This is precisely what led to the informal name of self-propelled SU-152.There no doubt the superiority of our ACS over the enemy "beasts".Where there is 88 millimeters against our 152-x!The trouble was that the German fire was enough to pierce the armor of the Soviet shestisantimetrovuyu self-propelled guns.And shells in the ammunition from the Germans was much more - 90 against our twenty.And yet, the "Tiger" Tower rotating electric motor, and ML-20 had a delta angle of 12 degrees to each side.
Vanquish people
Considering all the features it can be concluded that our self-propelled gun when confronted with "Tiger" was virtually doomed, but it is not.Each time the outcome of the duel influenced by many factors, among them the training of crews, and the presence of combat experience and knowledge of the terrain, and simple courage.It was also important to take a better position, and as early as possible to find the enemy, and the first shot, and most importantly, get there.And often all our tank crews, artillerymen managed better than the Germans.And then they might praise his car, "Deerslayer!" (As called self-propelled gun SU-152 soldiers of the Red Army).
