Difference between revisions of "SU-152"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_su_152
 
|code=ussr_su_152
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--''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.''-->
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. This vehicle was created on KV heavy tank chassis. It carries the powerful 152 mm ML-20S howitzer.
+
The '''SU-152''' is a Soviet self-propelled heavy howitzer used during World War II. Operation Uranus, the counteroffensive against Stalingrad, revealed how desperately the Soviet Army needed mobile heavy firepower to destroy German fortifications. The Soviet front-line ground forces lacked the firepower to destroy pillboxes and other fortifications. During this period, most Soviet howitzers and heavy guns were towed rather than self-propelled. Since towed guns were frequently pulled by horses or their crews, they were susceptible to counterattacks while travelling. The development of the SU-152 began when Soviet engineers installed a 152 mm ML-20S howitzer on a [[KV-1S]] heavy tank chassis. It was dubbed Zveroboy, which translates to "beast slayer", due to its impromptu role as a heavy tank destroyer that could take out heavy German armoured vehicles.
 +
 
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Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the SU-152 is a tank destroyer that can serve many different purposes. Since most of the enemy at this point is heavily armoured, armour-piercing shells are the recommended ammunition of choice for engagement. However, in combat, high-explosive shells remain a viable option, particularly when targeting lightly armoured vehicles. However, as this vehicle takes a very long time to reload, players must make sure every shot counts.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{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?''
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<!-- ''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 SU-152 has decent protection for a tank destroyer, but still is inadequately-protected against any enemy projectiles. The vehicle is armoured mainly with 60 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA), covering the sides, back and glacis. The only thicker armour section covers the gun mantlet and corresponding front plate, armoured with 65 mm of cast homogeneous armour and 75 mm of RHA, respectively. The top of the vehicle is armoured with 20 mm of RHA, meaning that most cannon-calibre aircraft projectiles will penetrate it with ease.
 +
 
 +
In terms of survivability, the SU-152's five crew members are relatively spaced out, meaning that the chances of an instant crew-knock are smaller. However, the main weakness in the SU-152's protection are it's ammo racks. The vehicle has two large ammo racks (shells on the left side, charges on the right side) that sit directly underneath the side 60 mm RHA belts. This means that any shot that penetrates the side of the hull will likely cause an ammo rack detonation. The engine is located at the very rear of the vehicle, covered by fuel tanks.
  
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''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 852|rbMinHp= 531}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=852|rbMinHp=531}}
 +
 
 +
The SU-152's mobility isn't particularly impressive. It can reach a top forward speed of 43 km/h, while a lower top speed can be expected in practice, especially when crossing rough terrain. Note that the engine upgrades will dramatically increase the engine horsepower, from 531 to 600 hp for RB and from 852 to 1,150 hp in AB. This means that a fully upgraded SU-152 will perform much better in terms of power, acceleration and off-road capacity. The tank also has relatively good reverse speeds (~17 km/h), much more than Soviet tanks such as the T-34 series. The power-to-weight ratio is also competitive, but should not be relied on.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|ML-20S (152 mm)}}
 
{{main|ML-20S (152 mm)}}
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The SU-152 carries, as the vehicle name suggests, a massive 152 mm gun. The gun has a massive 20+ second reload time, and packs a similarly-massive punch. The ML-20S is a Soviet WWII-era howitzer, developed from a WWI-era howitzer. The weapon can fire an extremely powerful APHE shell with 170 mm of penetration, while still packing 740 grams of TNT filler. The tank can also fire HE shells with 5.9 kg of explosive, as well as an APHEBC shell with more TNT filler. Thus, the shells can easily penetrate the frontal armour of most medium and heavy tanks at the SU-152's BR. In particular, the APHE/APHEBC shells can come as a nasty surprise, as they pack an impressive punch combined with strong penetration ability.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 20 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±12° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 7.0 || 9.8 ||11.8||13.1|| 13.9 || rowspan="2" | 27.69 || rowspan="2" |24.50|| rowspan="2" |22.58|| rowspan="2" | 21.30
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| rowspan="2" | 20 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±12° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 7.0 || 9.8 || 11.8 || 13.1 || 13.9 || rowspan="2" | 27.69 || rowspan="2" | 24.50 || rowspan="2" | 22.58 || rowspan="2" | 21.30
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 4.8 || 5.6 ||6.8||7.5|| 8.0
+
| 4.8 || 5.6 || 6.8 || 7.5 || 8.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:ML-20S (152 mm)/Ammunition|BR-540, OF-540, BR-540B}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-540 || APHE || 170 || 169 || 161 || 152 || 144 || 136
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-540 || HE || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-540B || APHEBC || 166 || 164 || 157 || 148 || 140 || 133
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-540 || APHE || 600 || 48.8 || 1.2 || 19 || 739.2 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-540 || HE || 655 || 43.56 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 5,900 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-540B || APHEBC || 600 || 48.96 || 1.2 || 19 || 1,020 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''20''' || ''Projectiles'' <br> ''Propellants'' || 17&nbsp;''(+3)'' <br> 17&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+9)'' <br> 11&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+19)'' <br> 1&nbsp;''(+19)''|| No  
+
| '''20''' || ''Projectiles'' <br> ''Propellants'' || 17&nbsp;''(+3)'' <br> 17&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+9)'' <br> 11&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+19)'' <br> 1&nbsp;''(+19)''|| No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
Notes:
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'''Notes''':
  
 
* Shells disappear when all shells in the racks have been fired or loaded.
 
* Shells disappear when all shells in the racks have been fired or loaded.
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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<!--''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).''-->
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
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The SU-152 is a tank destroyer that serves many different purposes; the most accurate way to observe this vehicle is as somewhat of a "big brother" to the [[SU-122]] and as the "cousin" of the [[KV-2 (Family)|KV-2]]. However, this vehicle features many differences from its closest predecessors. For example, the SU-152's [[Battle ratings|BR]] is higher without any noticeable gain in firepower over its relatives. This presents a problem as the SU-152 will no longer be able to perform its trademark "one-shot" hits with the high-explosive rounds as often. However, unlike the other vehicles that fill the same role, the SU-152 gains access to highly effective armour piercing high explosive (APHE) ammo. This is the pinnacle of the SU-152's effectiveness. Nonetheless, turret shots with HE shells are still a viable option in combat. Due to the vehicle's BR, players are more likely to know and counter your strategy. Thus, the 152's new armour piercing rounds may come as a rude surprise.
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The SU-152 is a tank destroyer that serves many different purposes; the most accurate way to observe this vehicle is as somewhat of a "big brother" to the [[SU-122]] and as the "cousin" of the [[KV-2 (Family)|KV-2]]. However, this vehicle features many differences from its closest predecessors. For example, the SU-152's [[Battle ratings|BR]] is higher without any noticeable gain in firepower over its relatives. This presents a problem as the SU-152 will no longer be able to perform its trademark knock-outs with one hit thanks to the high-explosive rounds as often. However, unlike the other vehicles that fill the same role, the SU-152 gains access to highly effective armour piercing high explosive (APHE) ammo. This is the pinnacle of the SU-152's effectiveness. Nonetheless, turret shots with HE shells are still a viable option in combat. Due to the vehicle's BR, players are more likely to know and counter your strategy. Thus, the 152's new armour piercing rounds may come as a rude surprise.
  
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The biggest threats you will encounter at any point whilst playing the SU-152 are enemy tank destroyers. The dreaded Panzer IV-derived tank destroyers pose a significant threat; they can punch through the SU-152's armour at ranges of more than 1000m with the L70 gun while remaining at the extreme edge of your own effective firing range. Another frequent threat are the [[M10 GMC|M10]] and [[M18_GMC|M18]] tank destroyers. Boasting both range and speed, these machines can either destroy you from distances that you cannot hope to match or completely avoid your fire while still creeping closer. The final threat to this TD is actually centred on the vehicle itself: an extremely long reload time that leaves little room for error. One missed shot from within your enemy's effective firing range can mean your undoing.
+
The biggest threats you will encounter at any point whilst playing the SU-152 are enemy tank destroyers. The dreaded Panzer IV-derived tank destroyers pose a significant threat; they can punch through the SU-152's armour at ranges of more than 1,000 m with the L70 gun while remaining at the extreme edge of your own effective firing range. Another frequent threat are the [[M10 GMC|M10]] and [[M18_GMC|M18]] tank destroyers. Boasting both range and speed, these machines can either destroy you from distances that you cannot hope to match or completely avoid your fire while still creeping closer. The final threat to this TD is actually centred on the vehicle itself: an extremely long reload time that leaves little room for error. One missed shot from within your enemy's effective firing range can mean your undoing.
  
 
=== 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".''-->
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<!-- ''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".'' -->
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* Generally good armour
 
* Generally good armour
 
* Good off-road manoeuvrability
 
* Good off-road manoeuvrability
−
* Lowest profile of all of the 152mm-armed tanks, allows for limited stealth
+
* Lowest profile of all of the 152 mm-armed tanks, allows for limited stealth
−
* BR that allows it to team up with the [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2]] and [[T-34-85 (D-5T)]], ideal for arcade battles
 
−
* Using HE shells has a high damage potential
 
 
* Great reverse speed (18 km/h)
 
* Great reverse speed (18 km/h)
  
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== History ==
 
== History ==
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<!--''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.''-->
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
 
During Operation Uranus, when the Soviet Army was able to successfully encircle the German Sixth Army inside Stalingrad, there were some weaknesses pointed out in their armoured formations. One was the need for heavy guns that could also be mobile, as there were many German fortifications that were unable to be handled by the front-line troops. The Soviet heavy artillery at the time, the 152 mm howitzer, was very heavy and could not be effectively towed from place to place due to unsuitable terrain and lack of capable transportation. Though they experimented with a propelled version of the gun with the [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2]], the tank was phased out of production by October 1941. In November 1942, the State Defense Committee attempted to fix this by ordering the development of a heavy self-propelled gun with the 152.4 mm ML-20 howitzer as its main armament and was to have greater mobility, armour, and better production cost.
 
During Operation Uranus, when the Soviet Army was able to successfully encircle the German Sixth Army inside Stalingrad, there were some weaknesses pointed out in their armoured formations. One was the need for heavy guns that could also be mobile, as there were many German fortifications that were unable to be handled by the front-line troops. The Soviet heavy artillery at the time, the 152 mm howitzer, was very heavy and could not be effectively towed from place to place due to unsuitable terrain and lack of capable transportation. Though they experimented with a propelled version of the gun with the [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2]], the tank was phased out of production by October 1941. In November 1942, the State Defense Committee attempted to fix this by ordering the development of a heavy self-propelled gun with the 152.4 mm ML-20 howitzer as its main armament and was to have greater mobility, armour, and better production cost.
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===Design===
 
===Design===
−
The design of the SU-152 followed standard Soviet format for self-propelled guns. The fighting compartment was fully armoured in a casemate structure to protect the crew. The crew consisted of four people - the gunner, loader, and commander was positioned beside the gun and the driver near the front. The armour on the SU-152 was about 75 mm on the front and was sloped for better protection. The 152 mm howitzer was mounted slightly to the right of the vehicle and had a limited traverse vector. The SU-152's suspension system was made up of torsion bars from the KV-1 chassis. Observation from inside the vehicle consisted of periscopes on the roof hatches and two gun sights (a panoramic and a telescopic sight). Its communications featured an intercom system installed for use with a single radio plus a radio for communication with other SU-152s. Inside, the crew's armament was made up of a few submachine guns and grenades.  
+
The design of the SU-152 followed standard Soviet format for self-propelled guns. The fighting compartment was fully armoured in a casemate structure to protect the crew. The crew consisted of four people - the gunner, loader, and commander was positioned beside the gun and the driver near the front. The armour on the SU-152 was about 75 mm on the front and was sloped for better protection. The 152 mm howitzer was mounted slightly to the right of the vehicle and had a limited traverse vector. The SU-152's suspension system was made up of torsion bars from the KV-1 chassis. Observation from inside the vehicle consisted of periscopes on the roof hatches and two gun sights (a panoramic and a telescopic sight). Its communications featured an intercom system installed for use with a single radio plus a radio for communication with other SU-152s. Inside, the crew's armament was made up of a few submachine guns and grenades.
  
 
===Combat usage===
 
===Combat usage===
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After Kursk, the SU-152 continued to serve as the Soviet Army's primary anti-fortification weapon in all of its front lines, especially during its Operation Bagration offensive in summer of 1944. However, production ended in December 1943 and thus combat losses caused a decrease in SU-152 quantity in Soviet inventory. This halt in the production was due to the introduction of the better armoured and more reliable [[ISU-152]], which was based on the newer [[IS-2]] heavy tank while still keeping the same gun and combat role. Despite that, the SU-152 remained in service until 1954, when the Soviets decommissioned, scrapped, or sold their remaining SU-152s to other allies such as Syria and Egypt.
 
After Kursk, the SU-152 continued to serve as the Soviet Army's primary anti-fortification weapon in all of its front lines, especially during its Operation Bagration offensive in summer of 1944. However, production ended in December 1943 and thus combat losses caused a decrease in SU-152 quantity in Soviet inventory. This halt in the production was due to the introduction of the better armoured and more reliable [[ISU-152]], which was based on the newer [[IS-2]] heavy tank while still keeping the same gun and combat role. Despite that, the SU-152 remained in service until 1954, when the Soviets decommissioned, scrapped, or sold their remaining SU-152s to other allies such as Syria and Egypt.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
"This SPG was put into production and service in February 1943. It holds a unique record in that the design and construction of its prototype model took only 25 days. The vehicle was created based on the KV-1S tank. The powerful 152 mm ML-20 howitzer-gun's elevating mass with a 28.8 calibre barrel length was installed practically unaltered in its frame. Its crew of five were housed in a specially designed fighting compartment.  
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
This SPG was put into production and service in February 1943. It holds a unique record in that the design and construction of its prototype model took only 25 days. The vehicle was created based on the KV-1S tank. The powerful 152 mm ML-20 howitzer-gun's elevating mass with a 28.8 calibre barrel length was installed practically unaltered in its frame. Its crew of five were housed in a specially designed fighting compartment. The vehicle's hull and cabin were welded from rolled armour plates of 20, 30, 60 and 70 mm thickness. The gun mantlet was 60 mm thick. Its direct firing range came to 3,800 m, and its maximum range was 6,200 m. The howitzer-gun's rate of fire was 2 shots per minute. The vehicle's ammunition complement consisted of 20 separate loading quick-fire shells.
  
−
The vehicle's hull and cabin were welded from rolled armour plates of 20, 30, 60 and 70 mm thickness. The gun mantlet was 60 mm thick. Its direct firing range came to 3,800 m, and its maximum range was 6,200 m. The howitzer-gun's rate of fire was 2 shots per minute. The vehicle's ammunition complement consisted of 20 separate loading quick-fire shells.
+
The self-propelled gun was mass-produced in February-December 1943. In total, 670 of them were made.
  
−
The self-propelled gun was mass-produced in February-December 1943. In total, 670 of them were made.
 
 
The SU-152 turned out to be a very effective means to combat heavy tanks. These vehicles' shells, weighing 48.8 kg each, easily penetrated Tiger and Panther armour and ripped off their turrets. This lead front-line soldiers to affectionately dub it Zveroboy (one who fights beasts/animals).
 
The SU-152 turned out to be a very effective means to combat heavy tanks. These vehicles' shells, weighing 48.8 kg each, easily penetrated Tiger and Panther armour and ripped off their turrets. This lead front-line soldiers to affectionately dub it Zveroboy (one who fights beasts/animals).
  
−
Thanks to its combination of mobility and high firepower, the SU-152 was used in three separate roles: assault weapon, tank destroyer and self-propelled howitzer. However, the weapon's low rate of fire and elevation angle along with its closed fighting compartment significantly hampered the vehicle's effectiveness. The SPG's other disadvantages were the absence of a defensive machine gun, its insufficient frontal armour for 1943 and its crowded fighting compartment. The lack of forced draught ventilation in the fighting compartment, particularly when the engine stalled, often lead to the crew suffocating during firing operations."
+
Thanks to its combination of mobility and high firepower, the SU-152 was used in three separate roles: assault weapon, tank destroyer and self-propelled howitzer. However, the weapon's low rate of fire and elevation angle along with its closed fighting compartment significantly hampered the vehicle's effectiveness. The SPG's other disadvantages were the absence of a defensive machine gun, its insufficient frontal armour for 1943 and its crowded fighting compartment. The lack of forced draught ventilation in the fighting compartment, particularly when the engine stalled, often lead to the crew suffocating during firing operations.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=ussr_su_152 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_su_152 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|LZFmnEDmbXM|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|e54cLYJnH1g|'''The {{PAGENAME}} "Beast Slayer", Soviet Tier-3, Tank Destroyer''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|e54cLYJnH1g|'''The SU-152 "Beast Slayer", Soviet Tier-3, Tank Destroyer''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 193: Line 166:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
+
;Related development
−
 
 
−
* [[KV-1 (Family)]]
 
−
 
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
 
  
 
* [[ISU-152]]
 
* [[ISU-152]]
Line 210: Line 179:
 
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/soviet_SU-152.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> SU-152]
 
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/soviet_SU-152.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> SU-152]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer ChTZ}}
 
{{USSR tank destroyers}}
 
{{USSR tank destroyers}}

Latest revision as of 17:00, 22 November 2023

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
SU-152
ussr_su_152.png
GarageImage SU-152.jpg
ArtImage SU-152.png
SU-152
USSR flag.png USSR
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 4.3
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The SU-152 is a Soviet self-propelled heavy howitzer used during World War II. Operation Uranus, the counteroffensive against Stalingrad, revealed how desperately the Soviet Army needed mobile heavy firepower to destroy German fortifications. The Soviet front-line ground forces lacked the firepower to destroy pillboxes and other fortifications. During this period, most Soviet howitzers and heavy guns were towed rather than self-propelled. Since towed guns were frequently pulled by horses or their crews, they were susceptible to counterattacks while travelling. The development of the SU-152 began when Soviet engineers installed a 152 mm ML-20S howitzer on a KV-1S heavy tank chassis. It was dubbed Zveroboy, which translates to "beast slayer", due to its impromptu role as a heavy tank destroyer that could take out heavy German armoured vehicles.

Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the SU-152 is a tank destroyer that can serve many different purposes. Since most of the enemy at this point is heavily armoured, armour-piercing shells are the recommended ammunition of choice for engagement. However, in combat, high-explosive shells remain a viable option, particularly when targeting lightly armoured vehicles. However, as this vehicle takes a very long time to reload, players must make sure every shot counts.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull60 / 60 / 60
Turret75 / 60 / 60
Crew5 people
Visibility86 %

The SU-152 has decent protection for a tank destroyer, but still is inadequately-protected against any enemy projectiles. The vehicle is armoured mainly with 60 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA), covering the sides, back and glacis. The only thicker armour section covers the gun mantlet and corresponding front plate, armoured with 65 mm of cast homogeneous armour and 75 mm of RHA, respectively. The top of the vehicle is armoured with 20 mm of RHA, meaning that most cannon-calibre aircraft projectiles will penetrate it with ease.

In terms of survivability, the SU-152's five crew members are relatively spaced out, meaning that the chances of an instant crew-knock are smaller. However, the main weakness in the SU-152's protection are it's ammo racks. The vehicle has two large ammo racks (shells on the left side, charges on the right side) that sit directly underneath the side 60 mm RHA belts. This means that any shot that penetrates the side of the hull will likely cause an ammo rack detonation. The engine is located at the very rear of the vehicle, covered by fuel tanks.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 60 mm (32-71°) Front glacis
60 mm (23°) Lower glacis 		60 mm 60 mm (8-59°) 30 mm
Superstructure 75 mm (29-30°) Front glacis
65 mm (0-73°) Gun mantlet 		60 mm (22-25°) 60 mm (11°) 20 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • A 25 mm plate covers front joint area between the front and lower hull glacis.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB47 / 18 km/h
RB and SB43 / 17 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
3 back
Weight45.5 t
Engine power
AB1 145 hp
RB and SB600 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB25.2 hp/t
RB and SB13.2 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 47 18 45.5 852 1,145 18.73 25.16
Realistic 43 17 531 600 11.67 13.19

The SU-152's mobility isn't particularly impressive. It can reach a top forward speed of 43 km/h, while a lower top speed can be expected in practice, especially when crossing rough terrain. Note that the engine upgrades will dramatically increase the engine horsepower, from 531 to 600 hp for RB and from 852 to 1,150 hp in AB. This means that a fully upgraded SU-152 will perform much better in terms of power, acceleration and off-road capacity. The tank also has relatively good reverse speeds (~17 km/h), much more than Soviet tanks such as the T-34 series. The power-to-weight ratio is also competitive, but should not be relied on.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 080 → 1 335 Sl icon.png
RB1 230 → 1 521 Sl icon.png
SB1 658 → 2 050 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 850 Rp icon.png
32 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces330 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 100 / 140 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_ussr_APHEBC_ammo_pack
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

152 mm ML-20S cannon
Ammunition20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
27.7 → 21.3 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 18°
Horizontal guidance-12° / 12°
Main article: ML-20S (152 mm)

The SU-152 carries, as the vehicle name suggests, a massive 152 mm gun. The gun has a massive 20+ second reload time, and packs a similarly-massive punch. The ML-20S is a Soviet WWII-era howitzer, developed from a WWI-era howitzer. The weapon can fire an extremely powerful APHE shell with 170 mm of penetration, while still packing 740 grams of TNT filler. The tank can also fire HE shells with 5.9 kg of explosive, as well as an APHEBC shell with more TNT filler. Thus, the shells can easily penetrate the frontal armour of most medium and heavy tanks at the SU-152's BR. In particular, the APHE/APHEBC shells can come as a nasty surprise, as they pack an impressive punch combined with strong penetration ability.

152 mm ML-20S Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 20 -3°/+20° ±12° N/A 7.0 9.8 11.8 13.1 13.9 27.69 24.50 22.58 21.30
Realistic 4.8 5.6 6.8 7.5 8.0

Ammunition

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-540 APHE 170 169 161 152 144 136
OF-540 HE 49 49 49 49 49 49
BR-540B APHEBC 171 169 160 150 141 132
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-540 APHE 600 48.78 1.2 19 739.2 47° 60° 65°
OF-540 HE 655 43.56 0.3 0.1 5,860 79° 80° 81°
BR-540B APHEBC 600 48.96 1.2 19 739.2 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the SU-152
Full
ammo 		Ammo
type 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
20 Projectiles
Propellants 		17 (+3)
17 (+3) 		11 (+9)
11 (+9) 		1 (+19)
1 (+19)		 No

Notes:

  • Shells disappear when all shells in the racks have been fired or loaded.
  • The SU-152 uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.

Usage in battles

The SU-152 is a tank destroyer that serves many different purposes; the most accurate way to observe this vehicle is as somewhat of a "big brother" to the SU-122 and as the "cousin" of the KV-2. However, this vehicle features many differences from its closest predecessors. For example, the SU-152's BR is higher without any noticeable gain in firepower over its relatives. This presents a problem as the SU-152 will no longer be able to perform its trademark knock-outs with one hit thanks to the high-explosive rounds as often. However, unlike the other vehicles that fill the same role, the SU-152 gains access to highly effective armour piercing high explosive (APHE) ammo. This is the pinnacle of the SU-152's effectiveness. Nonetheless, turret shots with HE shells are still a viable option in combat. Due to the vehicle's BR, players are more likely to know and counter your strategy. Thus, the 152's new armour piercing rounds may come as a rude surprise.

The biggest threats you will encounter at any point whilst playing the SU-152 are enemy tank destroyers. The dreaded Panzer IV-derived tank destroyers pose a significant threat; they can punch through the SU-152's armour at ranges of more than 1,000 m with the L70 gun while remaining at the extreme edge of your own effective firing range. Another frequent threat are the M10 and M18 tank destroyers. Boasting both range and speed, these machines can either destroy you from distances that you cannot hope to match or completely avoid your fire while still creeping closer. The final threat to this TD is actually centred on the vehicle itself: an extremely long reload time that leaves little room for error. One missed shot from within your enemy's effective firing range can mean your undoing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Makes up for speed with great turning time when stopped
  • Powerful HE shells
  • Impressive armour piercing damage
  • High penetration on AP shells
  • Generally good armour
  • Good off-road manoeuvrability
  • Lowest profile of all of the 152 mm-armed tanks, allows for limited stealth
  • Great reverse speed (18 km/h)

Cons:

  • Sluggish at low speeds
  • Armour is box-like which prevents bounces and includes several shot traps at the front
  • It lacks the "fear factor" normally associated with the KV-2
  • Reload is long, though not as bad as the KV-2
  • Extremely slow vertical guidance speed prevents reaction shots

History

Development

During Operation Uranus, when the Soviet Army was able to successfully encircle the German Sixth Army inside Stalingrad, there were some weaknesses pointed out in their armoured formations. One was the need for heavy guns that could also be mobile, as there were many German fortifications that were unable to be handled by the front-line troops. The Soviet heavy artillery at the time, the 152 mm howitzer, was very heavy and could not be effectively towed from place to place due to unsuitable terrain and lack of capable transportation. Though they experimented with a propelled version of the gun with the KV-2, the tank was phased out of production by October 1941. In November 1942, the State Defense Committee attempted to fix this by ordering the development of a heavy self-propelled gun with the 152.4 mm ML-20 howitzer as its main armament and was to have greater mobility, armour, and better production cost.

The development of this project had actually been going on for a while and was considered before the order for its development, but the SU-152 was cancelled due to the urgency of standard tank production in the war. The project started in December 1942 among three different design teams from different factories. All the designs ended up with the 152 mm howitzer and the utilization of the KV-1S chassis. After evaluations, the design from Josef Kotin was chosen for further development and production as it had the gun and chassis combined with minimum cost. The project was then designated the KV-14 and the first prototype was called "Object 236". The vehicle was complete rather quickly in only 25 days and trials began on January 25, 1943. The vehicle was then approved for production at the Chelyabinsk Kirov Plant on February 14 and accepted into service. The name was changed into its designation SU-152 and was produced from February 1943 to December 1943 with only about 670 units produced.

Design

The design of the SU-152 followed standard Soviet format for self-propelled guns. The fighting compartment was fully armoured in a casemate structure to protect the crew. The crew consisted of four people - the gunner, loader, and commander was positioned beside the gun and the driver near the front. The armour on the SU-152 was about 75 mm on the front and was sloped for better protection. The 152 mm howitzer was mounted slightly to the right of the vehicle and had a limited traverse vector. The SU-152's suspension system was made up of torsion bars from the KV-1 chassis. Observation from inside the vehicle consisted of periscopes on the roof hatches and two gun sights (a panoramic and a telescopic sight). Its communications featured an intercom system installed for use with a single radio plus a radio for communication with other SU-152s. Inside, the crew's armament was made up of a few submachine guns and grenades.

Combat usage

The SU-152 proved devastating in its role, and the first batch was issued to the newly formed heavy mechanized gun regiments in May 1943. The first of these regiments with twelve vehicles saw action in Kursk but was further supplemented with nine more during the battle. The regiments' organization throughout the war was for 21 vehicles in a regiment with three batteries of seven vehicles with one KV-1S tank commanding the regiment. Despite its role as an anti-fortification artillery piece, a role it performed with standard HE rounds, it was also one of the Soviets' best anti-tank weapons. It was classified as a dual-role heavy assault gun and a heavy tank destroyer. Its large cannon could even destroy the new Panthers, Tigers, and Ferdinands with relative ease by utilizing the spalling and blast concussion effects produced by its large high explosive shells. Because of such a capability of the vehicle to destroy better German tanks, it earned its nickname as the Zveroboy, or the "Beast Slayer". The reports of the "SU-152 effect" on target is said to have been able to take the turret off the Tiger I at any range with just the HE shell. The SU-152 was reported to have caused numerous armoured fighting vehicle losses to the German side. One commander, Major Sankovskiy, who commanded a SU-152 that destroyed ten German tanks in one day, was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union.

After Kursk, the SU-152 continued to serve as the Soviet Army's primary anti-fortification weapon in all of its front lines, especially during its Operation Bagration offensive in summer of 1944. However, production ended in December 1943 and thus combat losses caused a decrease in SU-152 quantity in Soviet inventory. This halt in the production was due to the introduction of the better armoured and more reliable ISU-152, which was based on the newer IS-2 heavy tank while still keeping the same gun and combat role. Despite that, the SU-152 remained in service until 1954, when the Soviets decommissioned, scrapped, or sold their remaining SU-152s to other allies such as Syria and Egypt.


Archive of the in-game description

This SPG was put into production and service in February 1943. It holds a unique record in that the design and construction of its prototype model took only 25 days. The vehicle was created based on the KV-1S tank. The powerful 152 mm ML-20 howitzer-gun's elevating mass with a 28.8 calibre barrel length was installed practically unaltered in its frame. Its crew of five were housed in a specially designed fighting compartment. The vehicle's hull and cabin were welded from rolled armour plates of 20, 30, 60 and 70 mm thickness. The gun mantlet was 60 mm thick. Its direct firing range came to 3,800 m, and its maximum range was 6,200 m. The howitzer-gun's rate of fire was 2 shots per minute. The vehicle's ammunition complement consisted of 20 separate loading quick-fire shells.

The self-propelled gun was mass-produced in February-December 1943. In total, 670 of them were made.

The SU-152 turned out to be a very effective means to combat heavy tanks. These vehicles' shells, weighing 48.8 kg each, easily penetrated Tiger and Panther armour and ripped off their turrets. This lead front-line soldiers to affectionately dub it Zveroboy (one who fights beasts/animals).

Thanks to its combination of mobility and high firepower, the SU-152 was used in three separate roles: assault weapon, tank destroyer and self-propelled howitzer. However, the weapon's low rate of fire and elevation angle along with its closed fighting compartment significantly hampered the vehicle's effectiveness. The SPG's other disadvantages were the absence of a defensive machine gun, its insufficient frontal armour for 1943 and its crowded fighting compartment. The lack of forced draught ventilation in the fighting compartment, particularly when the engine stalled, often lead to the crew suffocating during firing operations.


Media

Skins
Videos
The SU-152 "Beast Slayer", Soviet Tier-3, Tank Destroyer - Angry Nerd Gaming

See also

Related development

External links


Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant (Челябинский тракторный завод)
IFVs 
BMP-1  BMP-1
Heavy Tanks 
KV  KV-85 · KV-122
IS-1/2  IS-1 · IS-2 · IS-2 (1944) · IS-2 "Revenge" · IS-2 No.321
T-10  T-10A · T-10M
Other IS Tanks  IS-3 · IS-4M
Tank Destroyers 
KV Derivatives  SU-152
IS Derivatives  ISU-152 · ISU-122 · ISU-122S · Object 268
Export 
IS-2  ␗IS-2 · IS-2 No.402 · ␗IS-2 (1944)
ISU  ␗ISU-152 · ␗ISU-122
IFVs  SPz BMP-1
See Also  Leningrad Kirov Plant

USSR tank destroyers
SU-76M  SU-76M · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A
SU-57B  SU-57B · SU-76D
T-34 Derivatives  SU-122 · SU-85 · SU-85M · SU-100 · SU-122P
Heavy Tank Derivatives  SU-100Y · ISU-122 · ISU-122S · SU-152 · ISU-152 · Object 268
SU-100P and Derivatives  SU-100P · Object 120
Wheeled  YaG-10 (29-K)
Airborne  ASU-57 · ASU-85
Rocket  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
ATGM  IT-1 · Shturm-S · Object 775 · Khrizantema-S
Artillery  2S1 · 2S3M
Other  SU-5-1 · ZiS-30 · SU-122-54
USA  SU-57

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