KV-13

KV-13 (KB-13 in Russian)
Type Medium tank
Place of origin  Soviet Union
Service history
Used by  Soviet Union
Wars none
Production history
Designer SKB-2
Designed 1941–1942
Manufacturer Chelyabinsk Kirov Plant
Produced 1942
No. built 3
Specifications ([1])
Weight 32 metric tons
Length 6.65 m (21.8 ft) (with gun forward)
Width 2.8 m (9.2 ft)
Height 2.5 m (8.2 ft)
Crew 3
Armor 120 mm maximum
Main
armament
 76 mm ZIS-5 tank gun
Secondary
armament
 1 × 7,62-mm DT-29 MG
Engine V12, liquid-cooled diesel engine
600 hp (441 kW)
Transmission mechanical
Suspension Torsion bar suspension
Ground clearance 450 mm
Operational
range
 320 km (200 miles)
Speed 65 km/h (40 mph)

The KV-13 was an experimental Soviet medium tank created during World War II.[1][2] It was developed on the KV-1 chassis in the SKB-2 design bureau of the Chelyabinsk Kirov Plant in late 1941 – early 1942, as a "universal" tank, intended to replace the production of T-34 medium tanks and KV-1 heavy tanks at the same time.[3]

Development

The first prototype of the KV-13 was made in the spring of 1942, but in the fall of that year tests showed a lack of mechanical reliability and demonstrated the need to strengthen the vehicle's armour and to equip it with the new three-seat turret.[1][2] While production of two modified prototypes incorporating these modifications began in December 1942, work on the KV-13 as a medium tank was discontinued in favour of continuing the production of the T-34. The further development of the project using two modified KV-13 prototypes led to the creation in 1943 of the IS-1 heavy tank.[3][4] This tank was never used in combat.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 Solyankin, p. 79.
  2. 1 2 Svirin, p. 97.
  3. 1 2 Zaloga (2011), p. 4.
  4. ↑ Zaloga (2013), p. 43.

Bibliography

  • А. Г. Солянкин; М. В. Павлов; И. В. Павлов; И. Г. Желтов (2005). Отечественные бронированные машины. XX век. 1941–1945. Москва: Эксприн. ISBN 5-94038-074-3.
  • Свирин, М. Н.; Броневой щит Сталина. МИстория советского танка 1937–1943. Moscow: Яуза, Эксмо. ISBN 5-699-16243-7.
  • Zaloga, Steven J. (2011). IS-2 Heavy Tank 1944–1973. New Vanguard. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85532-396-4.
  • Zaloga, Steven J. (2013). KV-1 & 2 Heavy Tanks 1939–1945. New Vanguard. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4728-0321-4.
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