SBX62: IS-2 Guards Heavy Tank Company

The development of the IS series of tanks only really gained momentum in 1943 as a response to the performance of the German Panther and Tiger tanks at the battle of Kursk. The KV series of Soviet heavy tanks was criticized by their crews for their poor mobility, and lack of any heavier armament than the T-34 medium tank.

The design team continued to look into alternative armament heavier than the 85mm gun. Two weapons were considered, the A-19 122mm gun and the BS-3 100mm gun.

The 100mm gun (later used to arm the SU-100) had better armour penetration (185mm compared to 160mm), but a less powerful high-explosive round than the 122mm gun. The 100mm gun was a new weapon and in short supply, while the 122mm gun was in abundant supply.

Further testing confirmed that the 122mm A-19 could penetrate the front armour of a German Panther tank. The IS-122 prototype replaced the IS-1, and began mass production as the IS-2 obr 1943. The main disadvantage of the gun was its huge, two-part ammunition, which was difficult and slow to load, and only allowed 28 rounds to be carried.

The IS-2 proved slightly lighter and faster than the heaviest KV model 1942 tank, with thicker front armour and an improved turret design.

It first saw combat in February 1944 during fighting around the Korsun-Chevchenkovski pocket. IS-2 heavy tanks were assigned to separate heavy tank regiments, normally of 21 tanks each. These regiments were used to reinforce the most important attack sectors during major offensive operations. Tactically it was mainly a breakthrough tank, firing a heavy high-explosive shell that was useful against entrenchments and bunkers, and supporting infantry.

They were also capable of taking on any German panzer they came against. Once a breakthrough was achieved the mobile T-34 medium tanks would take over the exploitation.

THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS:

• 5x IS-2 (122mm) or IS-85 (85mm) Tanks
• 1x Decal Sheet

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These miniatures are supplied unassembled and unpainted