Difference between revisions of "KV-1S"

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m ("kph" has been updated to "km/h, " a correct abbreviation of speed in the metric system.)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_kv_1s}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Soviet heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = KV-1 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ussr_kv_1s
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_KV-1S.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. A lightened KV-1 made to improve its manoeuvrability, the KV-1S has less overall armour than the original design but keeps its same lethality with improved speed.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{specs|rank}} Soviet heavy tank {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. A lightened [[KV-1 (L-11)|KV-1]] made to improve its maneuverability, the KV-1S has less overall armour than the original design, but keeps its same lethality with improved speed.
 
  
−
Compared to the KV-1 L-11, side and rear armour is decreased to 60 mm, lightening the vehicle and increasing its speed to maximum 43 kph. A new turret was installed, presenting a smaller profile, thicker armour, and better angling all around. The armament is also changed to the ZIS-5, the equivalent of its [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|successor]] and the [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]]'s F-34 guns.
+
Compared to the KV-1 L-11, side and rear armour are decreased to 60 mm, lightening the vehicle and increasing its speed to maximum 43 km/h. A new turret was installed, presenting a smaller profile, thicker armour, and better angling all around. The armament is also changed to the ZIS-5, the equivalent of its [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|successor]] and the [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]]'s F-34 guns.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
The KV-1S is a lighter, more mobile version of the KV-1, meaning it has thinner armour. The KV-1S features thinner hull side armour at 60 mm, thinner lower front plate at 60 mm, and a very weak gun mantlet of only ~50 mm thick. Though against opponents of lower BR the KV-1S can still utilise the angling tactic and stack the effective thickness up to 100 mm, the gun mantlet becomes a very fatal weak spot if the opponent knows it. At 50 mm unangled, even a Pz.III can frontally penetrate it and break the gun breech or knock out a few crews. But apart from the gun mantlet, the turret is overall more sturdy than the original KV-1, at 82 mm all-round. This may bounce off some poorly aimed shells if they impact the edge. Roof armour, at 30-40mm, is very reliable against strafing planes. Post-penetration survivability against common opponents is not great as the crew members are closely packed together. Overall, due to the reduction of armour thickness here and there, the KV-1S no longer grants the player a sturdy protection. Rather they must rely more on the improved mobility to not get hit.
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
Line 21: Line 28:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Hull || 75 mm (30°) ''Front plate'' <br> 50 mm (70°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 25 + 50-60 mm (25-70°) ''Joint plate'' <br> 60 mm (26-50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 60 mm || 60 mm (35-75°) ''Top'' <br> 60 mm (2-69°) ''Bottom'' || 40 mm ''Front'' <br> 30 mm ''Rear''
 
| Hull || 75 mm (30°) ''Front plate'' <br> 50 mm (70°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 25 + 50-60 mm (25-70°) ''Joint plate'' <br> 60 mm (26-50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 60 mm || 60 mm (35-75°) ''Top'' <br> 60 mm (2-69°) ''Bottom'' || 40 mm ''Front'' <br> 30 mm ''Rear''
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| Turret || 82 mm (2-76°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50-75 mm (4-71°) ''Gun mantlet shield'' <br> 90 mm (0-29°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 82 mm (0-25°) || 82 mm (27-56°) <br> 75 mm (1-43°) ''Machine gun port''|| 30 mm
 
| Turret || 82 mm (2-76°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50-75 mm (4-71°) ''Gun mantlet shield'' <br> 90 mm (0-29°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 82 mm (0-25°) || 82 mm (27-56°) <br> 75 mm (1-43°) ''Machine gun port''|| 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 60 mm || 30 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 60 mm || 30 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 35: Line 40:
  
 
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick.
−
* The gun mantlet shield has varying thickness, thickest just a little above and below the center 55 mm area.
+
* The gun mantlet shield has varying thickness, thickest just a little above and below the centre 55 mm area.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 775|rbMinHp= 531}}
−
|-
+
 
−
! Weight (tons)
+
The core of the KV-1S is its enhanced mobility over the heavier KV-1. With a powerful 600 hp engine driving a 42-ton chassis, the KV-1S is quite fast and mobile, and may even resemble the handling of a T-34 sometimes, though the acceleration is of course slower. The top speed of 45 km/h seems average, but due to the increased power-to-weight ratio the KV-1S can reach an average speed of ~35 km/h on most surfaces which is faster than common heavy tanks. It also performs significantly better on soft terrain and hills, when other heavy tanks tend to struggle to move around the KV-1S can pretty much keep up with medium tanks. The KV series tank has an impressive reverse speed topping at 17 km/h, allowing it to quickly reverse away from danger. The hull traverse speed is also good so the player can angle very fast should a flanker appears unexpectedly. Overall the KV-1S can be treated and played as a heavily armoured medium tank.
−
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
+
 
−
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
|-
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
−
| rowspan="2" | 41.4 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 48 (AB)
 
−
|-
 
−
|45 (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|775
 
−
|954
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|531
 
−
|600
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|18.72
 
−
|23.04
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|12.83
 
−
|14.49
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
{{main|ZiS-5 (76 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|ZIS-5 (76 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The KV-1S is armed with a 76 mm ZIS-5 cannon which is quite similar to that of a SU-76M. In general, the gun has inadequate penetration at this BR but comes with a wide range of ammunition. From APHE to APCR and smoke shells, these shells can fit various scenarios. The 76 mm APHE shells have an explosive filler, allowing them to knock out most enemy tanks with a single shot if it is placed correctly. However, their mediocre penetration of ~90 mm becomes below average when facing well-armoured tanks at similar BR like the [[Pz.IV H]], [[StuG III G]] and [[T14]], especially when at a distance or when they are angling. The player have to be familiar with common foes' weak spots or else they will struggle to penetrate in most cases.
 +
 
 +
The gun depression is of a typical Soviet style, at -5 degrees, which is inadequate for mountainous battlefields. The aiming speed can be underwhelming against fast flankers, but overall the turret rotation speed of ~10 degree/s is enough for combat. Lastly, the gunsight magnification is poor at 3.5x. But given the curved trajectory and low projectile velocity of the ZIS-5 cannon, long range battle is not a good role for the KV-1S anyways, thus this level of zoom is generally enough.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[ZiS-5 (76 mm)|76 mm ZiS-5]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="3" | 114 || -5°/+25° || ±180° || N/A
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
−
|-
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' || 7.1 || 9.9 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || 7.1 || 8.4 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
! colspan="5" | [[ZIS-5 (76 mm)|76 mm ZIS-5]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
+
! ''Arcade''
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
| rowspan="2" | 114 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 9.7 || 13.4 || 16.3 || 18.0 || 19.2 || rowspan="2" | 8.97 || rowspan="2" | 7.94 || rowspan="2" | 7.31 || rowspan="2" | 6.90
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 9.00 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 7.1 || 8.4 || 10.2 || 11.3 || 12.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
The available ammunition allows for engaging all types of targets:
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
* '''BR-350A (MD-5 fuze)''': APHEBC; a shell with high explosive mass that will one-shot any tank it penetrates but has an average penetration power.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
* '''BR-354P''': APCR; a composite round with the best penetration but no explosive filler and will only penetrate flat vertical surfaces.
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
* '''BR-350SP''': APBC; a solid shot with an even better penetration but no explosive filler.
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
* '''BR-350B (MD-8 fuze)''': APHEBC; same shell as the BR-350A but with increased penetration at the cost of slightly less explosive filler.
−
|-
+
* '''OF-350M''': HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
−
! 10m
+
* '''Sh-354T''': Shrapnel; useful against vehicles that are resistant to the HE shells but too thinly armoured to trigger the fuzes of AP shells.
−
! 100m
+
* '''D-350A''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.
−
! 500m
+
 
−
! 1000m
+
{{:ZIS-5 (76 mm)/Ammunition|BR-350A (MD-5 fuze), BR-354P, BR-350SP, BR-350B (MD-8 fuze), OF-350M, Sh-354T, D-350A}}
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350A || APHEBC || 80 || 78 || 71 || 63 || 56 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350B || APHEBC || 98 || 95 || 87 || 77 || 68 || 60
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350SP || APBC || 105 || 104 || 85 || 69 || 57 || 46
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-350M || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 37 || 35 || 29 || 25 || 20 || 17
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350P || APCR || 135 || 130 || 92 || 60 || 39 || 26
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350A || APHEBC || 665 || 6.3 || 0.15 || 10.0 || 150 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350B || APHEBC || 680 || 6.3 || 0.9 || 15.0 || 108.8 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350SP || APBC || 680 || 6.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-350M || HE || 680 || 6.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 621 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 680 || 6.2 || 0.5 || 8.0 || 85 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350P || APCR || 950 || 3.0 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_KV-1S.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the KV-1S.]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.13.0.171''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''114''' || 110&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 105&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 100&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 68&nbsp;''(+46)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+78)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+90)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+113)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
+
| '''114''' || 109&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 61&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+101)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+113)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
−
Turret empty: 100&nbsp;''(+14)''
+
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
 +
* Turret empty: 109&nbsp;''(+5)'' shells.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,087 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the DT machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
When playing the '''KV-1S''', remember that you are still a heavy tank. Keep your front armor facing your enemies at all times, and preferably angled (but slightly less than [[KV-1 (L-11)|KV-1 L-11]]). '''KV-1S''' turret is more durable, and can deflect more shots than before, so if possible expose your turret only. Gun has no special penetration value, so try to target weakspots or areas with the least armor. Flanking attacks could end in a fiery demise. Also, this tank is still a KV-1 in it's heart.
+
When playing the {{PAGENAME}}, remember that you are still a heavy tank. Keep your front armour facing your enemies at all times, and preferably angled (but slightly less than [[KV-1 (L-11)]]). The turret is more durable and can deflect more shots than before, so if possible expose your turret only. Gun has no special penetration value, so try to target weak spots or areas with the least armour. Flanking attacks could end in a fiery demise. Also, this tank is still a KV-1 in its heart.
  
 
The best tactics for this tank is: keep a low profile and stay behind the main assault. When your team has advanced to the enemy's base, the KV-1s is best used to round up straggling enemy tanks behind your lines. If these tanks aren't destroyed, they'll attack your team's rear.
 
The best tactics for this tank is: keep a low profile and stay behind the main assault. When your team has advanced to the enemy's base, the KV-1s is best used to round up straggling enemy tanks behind your lines. If these tanks aren't destroyed, they'll attack your team's rear.
  
−
The common enemies are armed with guns that usually can penetrate the driver's hatch. Watch out for enemy T-34 (especially mod. 1941 and 1942, sometimes mods 1943 and the 57 variants), since they can flank you easily. Also watch out for all german [[Pz.IV F2|Pz.IV]]<nowiki/>s & [[StuG III F|StuG]]<nowiki/>s armed with long 7.5 cm gun, as it can penetrate your front armor even if you are angled.
+
The common enemies are armed with guns that usually can penetrate the driver's hatch. Watch out for enemy T-34 (especially mod. 1941 and 1942, sometimes mods 1943 and the 57 variants), since they can flank you easily. Also, watch out for all German [[Pz.IV F2|Pz.IV]] & [[StuG III F|StuG]] armed with long 7.5 cm gun, as it can penetrate your front armour even if you are angled.
  
−
This vehicle (due to its higher BR) can also meet many opponents that your armor has no chance of stopping, avoid direct confrontation with them. (Includes: [[T-34-85]], [[SU-85]], [[Dicker Max]] & [[Nashorn]], [[Sherman Firefly]] & [[Achilles]])
+
This vehicle (due to its higher BR) can also meet many opponents that your armour has no chance of stopping, avoid direct confrontation with them. (Includes: [[T-34-85]], [[SU-85]], [[Dicker Max]] & [[Nashorn]], [[Sherman Firefly]] & [[Achilles]])
  
−
Meeting other KV-1's and [[Churchill Mk VII|Churchill]]<nowiki/>s may become a stalemate as the KV-1S gun may not penetrate against their formidable armour. This leads to the hope that the APCR ammunition works, and the firing of several rounds into the target for a penetration.
+
Meeting other KV-1's and [[Churchill Mk VII|Churchill]] may become a stalemate as the KV-1S gun may not penetrate against their formidable armour. This leads to the hope that the APCR ammunition works, and the firing of several rounds into the target for penetration.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Faster than its [[KV-1 (L-11)|predecessor]] and [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|successor]], yet frontal armor is the same.
+
* Faster than its [[KV-1 (L-11)|predecessor]] and [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|successor]], meaning more flexible tactics
−
* Very hard to knock out in one shot
+
* High reverse speed and acceleration, allowing it to get back into cover quickly after firing
−
* Adequate gun
+
* Adequate gun with nice penetration and great damage against common foes like [[Pz.IV G]], [[Cromwell I|Cromwell]]
 
* Bouncy turret front
 
* Bouncy turret front
 
* Wide tracks make for good cross-country performance
 
* Wide tracks make for good cross-country performance
 
* Resilient. Can remain reasonably effective, even with a lot of damage
 
* Resilient. Can remain reasonably effective, even with a lot of damage
−
* Very effective overall
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Side armor is considerably weaker (75 mm into 60 mm)
+
* Weakened armour is considerably more vulnerable especially against tanks with long-barreled guns (e.g. [[StuG III G]] and [[Pz.IV H]])
−
* Turret is cramped
+
* Cramped turret puts all crew at risk of being taken out in one shot
−
* Very low reverse speed, poor low speed handling
+
* Still a heavy vehicle with poor acceleration. Cannot keep up with medium tanks like [[T-34-57|T-34]]
−
* Vulnerable to the long-barreled 75mm gun of the StuG III and Pz.IV F2,G, H and J
+
* Gun lacks penetration against heavier opponents: the [[Churchill Mk VII]]s are very hard to get through and the APCR shot is unreliable.
−
* First reverse gear presents a slow reverse speed of around -5 kph.
+
* -5° gun depression is not enough for hilly battlefields
−
* Still carries most of the flaws of the KV-1 L-11
+
* Turret rotation is slow, unable to respond to flankers quickly
−
* Still a heavy vehicle, poor acceleration.
 
−
* Still cannot move on pace with T-34s
 
−
* Gun lacks penetration against heavier opponents: The [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|KV-1 ZiS-5]] and both [[Churchill Mk VII|Churchill]]<nowiki/>s are very hard to get through. APCR is unreliable.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The KV-1S was an attempt by the Soviet Union (USSR) to come up with a more mobile variant of the KV-1 heavy tank. The 'S' stood for 'Skorostnoy' which means 'fast' in English.<ref name=":0">https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/soviet_KV-1s.php</ref>
 +
 
 +
'''Development'''
 +
 
 +
After the Soviet Union met Germany on the field of battle in 1941, both nations began attempts to up-armour their tanks. The Soviet efforts resulted in the KV-1 Model 1942 which thickened the armour but did not improve the engine. Soviet tank crews were pleased with the increased protection but did not appreciate the worsened mobility from increased weight. As such, a project began to design a KV-1 with greater mobility. The resulting tank was designated as the KV-1S.
 +
 
 +
Measures taken to increase the mobility included reduction of weight by decreasing armour thickness as well as by fitting a more powerful engine.<ref name=":1">http://tank-photographs.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/russian-soviet-ww2-kv1S-fast-tank.html</ref>
 +
 
 +
'''Design'''
 +
 
 +
The KV-1S had a crew of five, two in the hull and three in the turret. It weighed only 42.5 tonnes compared to 47 tonnes on a KV-1B Model 1942. The KV-1S turret was a completely new, cast (rounded shape) turret that also featured a new commander's cupola with greater field of view. The armament consisted of a 76.2 mm ZiS-5 tank gun as well as three 7.62 mm DT machine guns; one coaxial to the main gun, one in the rear of the turret, and in a ball mount in the hull front.
 +
 
 +
The powerplant used was a 600 brake horsepower V2 engine. The road wheels were made smaller and a new planetary transmission gearbox was fitted. This allowed a top speed of 40 km/h compared to 28 km/h on the KV-1B Model 1942. The armour though was reduced from 20 - 130 mm to only 20 - 82 mm on the KV-1S.<ref name=":1" />
 +
 
 +
'''Production and Service'''
 +
 
 +
Production lasted from August 1942 until late 1943 with a total of 1,370 KV-1S tanks built. The production ended when it did due to thoughts that it was a useless vehicle due to the T-34-76 being able to do everything the KV-1S could. The mobility of the KV-1S met requirements but only with a reduction in armour, which made the mobility a moot point especially since it was also more expensive than a T-34-76.
 +
 
 +
The KV-1S did end up serving on the front line for a while, taking part in the Battle of Kursk in 1943 under the herd Guards Heavy Tank Brigade. It's stated by some sources that the KV-1S had also taken part in the Berlin offensive but that may not be true because by then the KV-1S had been mostly removed from combat units.<ref name=":0" />
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_kv_1s Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|DwbexTKZA-A|'''The Shooting Range #49''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:09 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/868/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> KV-1S: How’s the tank?]
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
  
−
== Sources ==
+
* [[MK-II "Matilda" (USSR)]]
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [[Churchill Mk III]]
 +
* [[ARL-44 (ACL-1)]]
  
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/868/|[Devblog] KV-1S: How's the tank?]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Kliment_Voroshilov_tank|[Wikipedia] Kliment Voroshilov tank]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/soviet_KV-1.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> KV-1]
 +
 
 +
=== References ===
 +
<references />
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Kirov}}
 
{{USSR heavy tanks}}
 
{{USSR heavy tanks}}

Latest revision as of 18:52, 5 June 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the Soviet heavy tank KV-1S. For other versions, see KV-1 (Family).
KV-1S
ussr_kv_1s.png
GarageImage KV-1S.jpg
ArtImage KV-1S.png
KV-1S
USSR flag.png USSR
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 4.0 4.0
Class:
Research:14 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The KV-1S is a rank II Soviet heavy tank with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.57 "Battle March". A lightened KV-1 made to improve its manoeuvrability, the KV-1S has less overall armour than the original design but keeps its same lethality with improved speed.

Compared to the KV-1 L-11, side and rear armour are decreased to 60 mm, lightening the vehicle and increasing its speed to maximum 43 km/h. A new turret was installed, presenting a smaller profile, thicker armour, and better angling all around. The armament is also changed to the ZIS-5, the equivalent of its successor and the T-34's F-34 guns.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull75 / 60 / 60
Turret82 / 82 / 82
Crew5 people
Visibility96 %

The KV-1S is a lighter, more mobile version of the KV-1, meaning it has thinner armour. The KV-1S features thinner hull side armour at 60 mm, thinner lower front plate at 60 mm, and a very weak gun mantlet of only ~50 mm thick. Though against opponents of lower BR the KV-1S can still utilise the angling tactic and stack the effective thickness up to 100 mm, the gun mantlet becomes a very fatal weak spot if the opponent knows it. At 50 mm unangled, even a Pz.III can frontally penetrate it and break the gun breech or knock out a few crews. But apart from the gun mantlet, the turret is overall more sturdy than the original KV-1, at 82 mm all-round. This may bounce off some poorly aimed shells if they impact the edge. Roof armour, at 30-40mm, is very reliable against strafing planes. Post-penetration survivability against common opponents is not great as the crew members are closely packed together. Overall, due to the reduction of armour thickness here and there, the KV-1S no longer grants the player a sturdy protection. Rather they must rely more on the improved mobility to not get hit.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 75 mm (30°) Front plate
50 mm (70°) Front glacis
25 + 50-60 mm (25-70°) Joint plate
60 mm (26-50°) Lower glacis 		60 mm 60 mm (35-75°) Top
60 mm (2-69°) Bottom 		40 mm Front
30 mm Rear
Turret 82 mm (2-76°) Turret front
50-75 mm (4-71°) Gun mantlet shield
90 mm (0-29°) Gun mantlet 		82 mm (0-25°) 82 mm (27-56°)
75 mm (1-43°) Machine gun port		 30 mm
Cupola 60 mm 30 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • The gun mantlet shield has varying thickness, thickest just a little above and below the centre 55 mm area.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB48 / 19 km/h
RB and SB45 / 18 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
3 back
Weight42.5 t
Engine power
AB1 145 hp
RB and SB600 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB26.9 hp/t
RB and SB14.1 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 48 19 42.5 775 1,145 18.24 26.94
Realistic 45 18 531 600 12.49 14.12

The core of the KV-1S is its enhanced mobility over the heavier KV-1. With a powerful 600 hp engine driving a 42-ton chassis, the KV-1S is quite fast and mobile, and may even resemble the handling of a T-34 sometimes, though the acceleration is of course slower. The top speed of 45 km/h seems average, but due to the increased power-to-weight ratio the KV-1S can reach an average speed of ~35 km/h on most surfaces which is faster than common heavy tanks. It also performs significantly better on soft terrain and hills, when other heavy tanks tend to struggle to move around the KV-1S can pretty much keep up with medium tanks. The KV series tank has an impressive reverse speed topping at 17 km/h, allowing it to quickly reverse away from danger. The hull traverse speed is also good so the player can angle very fast should a flanker appears unexpectedly. Overall the KV-1S can be treated and played as a heavily armoured medium tank.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 129 → 1 396 Sl icon.png
RB1 184 → 1 464 Sl icon.png
SB1 551 → 1 918 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications13 840 Rp icon.png
20 250 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost860 Ge icon.png
Crew training9 200 Sl icon.png
Experts32 000 Sl icon.png
Aces270 Ge icon.png
Research Aces250 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 90 / 100 % Sl icon.png
130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_AP_1942_ammo_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_AP_1941_ammo_pack
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_APCR_1943_ammo_pack
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_ussr_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm ZIS-5 cannon
Ammunition114 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.0 → 6.9 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 25°
Main article: ZIS-5 (76 mm)

The KV-1S is armed with a 76 mm ZIS-5 cannon which is quite similar to that of a SU-76M. In general, the gun has inadequate penetration at this BR but comes with a wide range of ammunition. From APHE to APCR and smoke shells, these shells can fit various scenarios. The 76 mm APHE shells have an explosive filler, allowing them to knock out most enemy tanks with a single shot if it is placed correctly. However, their mediocre penetration of ~90 mm becomes below average when facing well-armoured tanks at similar BR like the Pz.IV H, StuG III G and T14, especially when at a distance or when they are angling. The player have to be familiar with common foes' weak spots or else they will struggle to penetrate in most cases.

The gun depression is of a typical Soviet style, at -5 degrees, which is inadequate for mountainous battlefields. The aiming speed can be underwhelming against fast flankers, but overall the turret rotation speed of ~10 degree/s is enough for combat. Lastly, the gunsight magnification is poor at 3.5x. But given the curved trajectory and low projectile velocity of the ZIS-5 cannon, long range battle is not a good role for the KV-1S anyways, thus this level of zoom is generally enough.

76 mm ZIS-5 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 114 -5°/+25° ±180° N/A 9.7 13.4 16.3 18.0 19.2 8.97 7.94 7.31 6.90
Realistic 7.1 8.4 10.2 11.3 12.0

Ammunition

The available ammunition allows for engaging all types of targets:

  • BR-350A (MD-5 fuze): APHEBC; a shell with high explosive mass that will one-shot any tank it penetrates but has an average penetration power.
  • BR-354P: APCR; a composite round with the best penetration but no explosive filler and will only penetrate flat vertical surfaces.
  • BR-350SP: APBC; a solid shot with an even better penetration but no explosive filler.
  • BR-350B (MD-8 fuze): APHEBC; same shell as the BR-350A but with increased penetration at the cost of slightly less explosive filler.
  • OF-350M: HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • Sh-354T: Shrapnel; useful against vehicles that are resistant to the HE shells but too thinly armoured to trigger the fuzes of AP shells.
  • D-350A: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
BR-350A (MD-5 fuse) APHEBC 87 85 77 69 62 55
BR-354P APCR 125 117 87 60 41 28
BR-350SP APBC 99 96 87 76 66 58
BR-350B (MD-8 fuse) APHEBC 96 94 84 74 64 56
OF-350M HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Sh-354T Shrapnel 35 34 30 26 22 19
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
BR-350A (MD-5 fuse) APHEBC 662 6.3 1.2 14 150 48° 63° 71°
BR-354P APCR 950 3.02 - - - 66° 70° 72°
BR-350SP APBC 655 6.5 - - - 48° 63° 71°
BR-350B (MD-8 fuse) APHEBC 655 6.5 0.9 14 100.1 48° 63° 71°
OF-350M HE 680 6.2 0.05 0.1 621 79° 80° 81°
Sh-354T Shrapnel 618 6.44 1.2 14 85 62° 69° 73°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
D-350A 680 6.45 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the KV-1S
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
114 109 (+5) 61 (+53) 13 (+101) 1 (+113) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
  • Turret empty: 109 (+5) shells.

Machine guns

7.62 mm DT machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 087 rounds
Belt capacity63 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: DT (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm DT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,087 (63) 600 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the DT machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

Usage in battles

When playing the KV-1S, remember that you are still a heavy tank. Keep your front armour facing your enemies at all times, and preferably angled (but slightly less than KV-1 (L-11)). The turret is more durable and can deflect more shots than before, so if possible expose your turret only. Gun has no special penetration value, so try to target weak spots or areas with the least armour. Flanking attacks could end in a fiery demise. Also, this tank is still a KV-1 in its heart.

The best tactics for this tank is: keep a low profile and stay behind the main assault. When your team has advanced to the enemy's base, the KV-1s is best used to round up straggling enemy tanks behind your lines. If these tanks aren't destroyed, they'll attack your team's rear.

The common enemies are armed with guns that usually can penetrate the driver's hatch. Watch out for enemy T-34 (especially mod. 1941 and 1942, sometimes mods 1943 and the 57 variants), since they can flank you easily. Also, watch out for all German Pz.IV & StuG armed with long 7.5 cm gun, as it can penetrate your front armour even if you are angled.

This vehicle (due to its higher BR) can also meet many opponents that your armour has no chance of stopping, avoid direct confrontation with them. (Includes: T-34-85, SU-85, Dicker Max & Nashorn, Sherman Firefly & Achilles)

Meeting other KV-1's and Churchill may become a stalemate as the KV-1S gun may not penetrate against their formidable armour. This leads to the hope that the APCR ammunition works, and the firing of several rounds into the target for penetration.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Faster than its predecessor and successor, meaning more flexible tactics
  • High reverse speed and acceleration, allowing it to get back into cover quickly after firing
  • Adequate gun with nice penetration and great damage against common foes like Pz.IV G, Cromwell
  • Bouncy turret front
  • Wide tracks make for good cross-country performance
  • Resilient. Can remain reasonably effective, even with a lot of damage

Cons:

  • Weakened armour is considerably more vulnerable especially against tanks with long-barreled guns (e.g. StuG III G and Pz.IV H)
  • Cramped turret puts all crew at risk of being taken out in one shot
  • Still a heavy vehicle with poor acceleration. Cannot keep up with medium tanks like T-34
  • Gun lacks penetration against heavier opponents: the Churchill Mk VIIs are very hard to get through and the APCR shot is unreliable.
  • -5° gun depression is not enough for hilly battlefields
  • Turret rotation is slow, unable to respond to flankers quickly

History

The KV-1S was an attempt by the Soviet Union (USSR) to come up with a more mobile variant of the KV-1 heavy tank. The 'S' stood for 'Skorostnoy' which means 'fast' in English.[1]

Development

After the Soviet Union met Germany on the field of battle in 1941, both nations began attempts to up-armour their tanks. The Soviet efforts resulted in the KV-1 Model 1942 which thickened the armour but did not improve the engine. Soviet tank crews were pleased with the increased protection but did not appreciate the worsened mobility from increased weight. As such, a project began to design a KV-1 with greater mobility. The resulting tank was designated as the KV-1S.

Measures taken to increase the mobility included reduction of weight by decreasing armour thickness as well as by fitting a more powerful engine.[2]

Design

The KV-1S had a crew of five, two in the hull and three in the turret. It weighed only 42.5 tonnes compared to 47 tonnes on a KV-1B Model 1942. The KV-1S turret was a completely new, cast (rounded shape) turret that also featured a new commander's cupola with greater field of view. The armament consisted of a 76.2 mm ZiS-5 tank gun as well as three 7.62 mm DT machine guns; one coaxial to the main gun, one in the rear of the turret, and in a ball mount in the hull front.

The powerplant used was a 600 brake horsepower V2 engine. The road wheels were made smaller and a new planetary transmission gearbox was fitted. This allowed a top speed of 40 km/h compared to 28 km/h on the KV-1B Model 1942. The armour though was reduced from 20 - 130 mm to only 20 - 82 mm on the KV-1S.[2]

Production and Service

Production lasted from August 1942 until late 1943 with a total of 1,370 KV-1S tanks built. The production ended when it did due to thoughts that it was a useless vehicle due to the T-34-76 being able to do everything the KV-1S could. The mobility of the KV-1S met requirements but only with a reduction in armour, which made the mobility a moot point especially since it was also more expensive than a T-34-76.

The KV-1S did end up serving on the front line for a while, taking part in the Battle of Kursk in 1943 under the herd Guards Heavy Tank Brigade. It's stated by some sources that the KV-1S had also taken part in the Berlin offensive but that may not be true because by then the KV-1S had been mostly removed from combat units.[1]

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #49 - Pages of History section at 03:09 discusses the KV-1S.

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/soviet_KV-1s.php
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://tank-photographs.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/russian-soviet-ww2-kv1S-fast-tank.html


Leningrad Kirov Plant (Ленинградский Кировский Завод)
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T-80  T-80B · T-80U · T-80UK · T-80BVM
Heavy Tanks 
KV-1  KV-1 (L-11) · KV-1 (ZiS-5) · KV-1E · KV-1S
KV-2  KV-2 (1939) · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6)
Other  SMK · KV-220 · IS-7 · Object 279
Captured 
KV  ▀KV-IB · ▀KW I C 756 (r) · ▀KW II 754 (r)
Other  T-28 (Sweden)
Export  T-80U (Sweden)
See Also  Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant

USSR heavy tanks
KV-1  KV-1 (L-11) · KV-1 (ZiS-5) · KV-1E · KV-1S
KV-2  KV-2 (1939) · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6)
Other KVs  KV-85 · KV-122 · KV-220
IS-1/2  IS-1 · IS-2 · IS-2 (1944) · IS-2 No.321 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248
Other IS tanks  IS-3 · IS-4M · IS-6 · IS-7
T-10  T-10A · T-10M
Multi-turreted  T-35 · SMK
Other  Object 279
Lend-Lease  ▂MK-II "Matilda"

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