KV-13

KV-13
Type Medium tank
Place of origin  Soviet Union
Service history
Used by  Soviet Union
Wars World War II
Production history
Designer SKB-2
Designed 1941–1942
Manufacturer Chelyabinsk Kirov Plant
Produced 1942–1943
Number built 3
Specifications ([1])
Weight 32 metric tons
Length 6.65
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]

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. MИстория советского танка 1937–1943. Мoscow: 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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