tanks-encyclopedia.

com

IS-1
David.B
6-7 minuti

Soviet Union (1943)

Heavy tank – 207 built

Based on the KV-85

The origin of the IS-1 project came from numerous reports

regarding the KV-1. Even in its faster version, the KV-1S, offered no
greater fighting capabilities than the T-34, while costing much more
and being more labor intensive. Stalin nearly cancelled all heavy
tank development in 1943 but, in that summer, the Panther and
Tiger were seen in action. Heavy tanks had to be improved, both in
protection and firepower, to adequately cope with the new threats.

1 di 9
 IS-85 prototype, IS-1

In March 1943, an order specified the rearming of all frontline tanks.

One of the guns intended for this was an AA gun roughly similar in
performance to the German 88 mm (3.46 in), of which one had
been disabled, captured and the gun analysed. This resulted in the
stopgap KV-85 heavy tank, only produced in limited numbers (143
machines). This vehicle set the tone for further improvements,
being the basis of the long “Iosif Stalin” series. The KV-85 turret
was brand new, well adapted to the new gun designs. It could hold
three men, but the hull remained basically the same KV-1 flat-
armored hull first designed for the multi-turreted SMK back in 1939.

The KV-13 program

The KV-13 project was launched by SKB-2, Chelyabinsk Kirov

Plant’s design bureau, as early as late 1941. It tried to create a

2 di 9
 “universal tank”, a crossover of the KV-1 and T-34, resulting in the
prototype Obyekt 233 tested in the spring of 1942. The tank was
ultimately rejected as failing many specifications, mainly reliability,
armor protection and for having a two-man turret design. However,
the KV-13 program would lead to two other modified prototypes,
which would serve to test the new IS-85 program in early 1943.

The IS-85 design

The new IS-85 was to address this issue with a brand new sloped
hull design directly inspired by the KV-13. This was a stout armor
layout designed to deflect or resist shots at all angles. However, the
initial armor was designed to stop only Panzer III 50 mm (1.97 in)
rounds, and needed to be massively thickened. The only strict
design specification was to not exceed the weight of the original
KV-1. The new armament was the same as the interim KV-85, the
excellent D-5T 85 mm (3.35 in) gun, which had a far greater range
and initial velocity than the previous F-34. The turret was also the
same as the KV-85, housing three men, a commander cupola (rear
left side) and a rear ball-mount DT machine-gun. A second one was
mounted in the hull and the third coaxial with the gun, firing tracers
which served to adjust the main gun. Ammo storage consisted of
59 85 mm (3.35 in) rounds and 2520 rounds for the three DT
machine guns.

3 di 9
 Comparison Armour scheme IS-1/IS-2

The drivetrain was essentially the same as the one on the KV-1,
with large tracks supported by three pairs of double return rollers,
and six double-tired wheels suspended by massive torsion arms.
Like previous vehicles, extra fuel tanks were attached to the rear of
the hull, while the large mudguards accommodated storage boxes.
The engine was changed to the new V2-IS 12-cylinder diesel
providing 520 horsepower. Top speed was 37 km/h (23 mph) on
average, and the practical range only 150 km (93 miles).

Production of the IS-1

The IS-85 (Obyekt 235) prototype started its successful but rushed
trials in mid-1943. Production was assumed by Chelyabinsk Kirov
Plant. The first IS-1 (definitive series vehicles) rolled of the line in
October 1943, but it was stopped in January 1944, as the IS-1 was
quickly replaced by the all-better IS-2. Because of this, only 200 to
207 were produced. However, it was a considerable improvement
over the previous KV-85 and the T-34/76. The appearance of the

4 di 9
 new T-34/85 medium tank caused the IS series to evolve, and to be
logically up-gunned. So, in January 1944, many IS-1s not yet
delivered to the front were up-gunned. The IS-1 also tested a new
100 mm (3.94 in) gun and went into comparative trials with the
IS-122, favorable to the latter. The new A-19 122 mm (4.80 in) gun
had the punch to get through the armor of a Tiger at medium range.

KV-85, an earlier transitional model.

The IS-1 in action

The first IS-1s delivered were issued to Guards Heavy Tank

Regiments reforming after the summer’s heavy fighting. The IS-85
was issued to the 1st, 8th and 13th Guards Heavy Tank Regiments
in Ukraine. These were heavily engaged in early 1944 at
Starokonstantinov, Korsun-Shevshenkovskiy and Fastov Station
west of Kiev. Later on, most IS-1s were found engaged in Slovakia,
and were later given to Slovakian free units during the uprising.

5 di 9
 IS-1 links and references

The IS-1 on WWIIVehicles.com

The IS-1 on Flames of War

ww2 Soviet Tanks Poster

IS-1 specifications

6.60 (8.56 with gun) x 3.07 x 2.74 m (28.08 x

Dimensions (L-w-h)
9.84 x 8.99 ft)
Total weight, battle
43.54 tons (95,800 lbs)
ready
Crew 4 (commander, loader, gunner, driver)
V2-IS 12-cylinder diesel, 2368 cu in/39 liters,
Propulsion
520 hp
Speed 37 km/h (23 mph)

6 di 9
 Suspensions Transverse torsion arms
Range (road) 150 km (93 mi)
85 mm (3.35 in) D5T
Armament
3 x 7.62 mm (0.3 in) DT machine guns
Armor thickness 30 to 120 mm (1.18-4.72 in)
Total production 207

ww2 Soviet Tanks Poster

IS-85 from the 8th or 13th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment, Ukraine,
December 1943.

7 di 9
 IS-1, definitive production version in early 1944. Unknown unit.

12th Guards Heavy Tank Brigade, Dukla pass, Slovakia,

September 1944.

1st Guards Breakthrough Heavy Tank Regiment from the 11th

Guards Tank Corps, 1st Tank Army, 1st Ukrainian Front, Ukraine,
March 1944.

Related

KV-85April 26, 2015In "WWII Soviet Heavy Tanks"

8 di 9
 KV-1SApril 26, 2015In "WWII Soviet Heavy Tanks"

KV-1June 30, 2014In "WWII Soviet Heavy Tanks"

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social

media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information
about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and
analytics partners who may combine it with other information you’ve
provided to them or they’ve collected from your use of their
services. See details.

9 di 9