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Model 1931 (B-4)

1932 COLD WAR SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY WORLD WAR 2

History

World War II Soviet troops displayed various large-caliber heavy field guns during their march in Berlin. The most powerful of these is the "203mm Howitzer Type 1931", also known as "B-4" or simply "M1931". Among the many artillery systems used in the conflict, the B-4 was unique in that it used a tank-style tracked self-propelled frame arrangement. Construction of the weapon system began in 1931 and production began in 1932, with approximately 871 pieces completed. Modifications were made in 1990.

Heavy artillery proved to be a key component of the Soviet advance in Berlin, with its massive 203mm shells shattering German defenses - sometimes at close range.

The B-4 grew out of the Soviet industrialization between the two world wars, when it was mainly focused on agricultural vehicles to work in the vast Soviet countryside. As a result, tractor tracks became a familiar and commonplace part of the Soviet inventory prior to World War II.

When a new 203mm caliber system needed to be developed, the gun was placed on a tractor, allowing limited self-propelled off-road traversal. The track components have a rear drive sprocket with a front track idler and two track idlers, while the four wheels support the track on the ground. The slide also contains the lift and lateral functions of the barrel, as well as the recoil mechanism. Its closure is managed by the interrupted screw design.

Elevation is limited to a range of 0 to 60 degrees, while lateral is only 8 degrees from center. Huge 220-pound shells allow for a rate of fire of one round per minute - an onboard crane helps move the shells into place. It has a muzzle velocity of 1,990 feet per second and a maximum range of 11 miles.

The finished gun weighs 39,000 pounds.

Tactically, there is no dispute about the lethality of the 203mm gun. The B-4's overall heavy-duty nature limited the system -- especially while it was underway. While it can go its own way as a self-driving system, it can only do so over short distancesabout 9 mph on the road. It can be broken down into two smaller (but still heavy) components for quick transport, but the ideal way to move the system is to break it down into six smaller components - a time-consuming and complex process, a lot of work help people and vehicles need.

It also has a poor rate of fire, requiring the entire battery to maintain an effective suppression phase. His clumsiness also leaves a lot to be desired.

As we all know, the example fell to the Germans, because when positions were overtaken, Soviet crews only had to drop their heavy, undefended guns. The Germans were more than willing to rebuild these weapons and use them against their former masters. The captured form was designated "20.3 cm H 503(r)" in German Army inventory and was used on the Eastern Front and in the French and Italian campaigns after the Allied invasion.

The Germans called this weapon "Stalin's sledgehammer". By 1944, many aircraft had been retired due to lack of ammunition, general battlefield wear or combat attrition.

The B-4 works well when it can be used on a controlled battlefield, as the maneuvering front doesn't reach the advantage of the weapon. However, the 203mm gun stood still and unthreatening, making it a powerful "bunker-busting" weapon.

High-explosive (HE) shells could also fall on unfortunately concentrated enemy forces, as B-4s were often used to soften key positions before a full-scale attack by Soviet armor. Combined with the use of heavy rocket launchers and other indirect artillery types, Soviet troops were able to destroy enemy-held urban areas before attempting to enter - German fortifications could simply be destroyed indirectly, rather than directly inflicting heavy human and mechanical casualties.

During the Battle of Berlin, the B-4 was used alongside regular troops to facilitate a bloody advance - these cannons had a dire effect on waiting enemy troops who remained loyal to the Reich.

There are several variants of the B-4 series, all retaining the same general weapon form and function as the design. The B-4M introduced the four-wheeled carriage and marked one of the main variants of the series - the other being the original B-4. The B-4 is the 8" H 503/1(r) in German service and the B-4M is the 8" H 503/2(r).

In June 1941, the Germans claimed about 27 of both types during the battle for Dubno.

Its numbers ensured that the B-4 remained in service into the postwar and Cold War eras, although it was only exported to ally Cuba. The more modern forms lost their rather novel chain arrangement, becoming traditional artillery systems while retaining all the firepower.

More B-4s were produced than any other heavy artillery weapon of the Soviet war.