BT-SV (Stalin-Woroshilov)

History

Before World War II, the Soviet Union extensively experimented with light main battle tanks, and the BT series of "fast tanks" took center stage. Among them, the BT-7 emerged as the most successful design, entering service in 1935. More than 5,000 prototypes were produced, and many remained in service until the war's conclusion in 1945. However, attempts to improve the BT-5 through the "BT-IS" project failed, leading engineers to develop a new, more advanced tank, known as the "BT-SV" or Stalin-Voroshilov.

Development of the BT-SV commenced in 1937, utilizing the BT-5 as a foundation while incorporating a revolutionary fuselage layout and turret design. The tank's armor design was noteworthy, providing exceptional ballistic protection with well-angled sides that gave it a distinctive pyramid-like appearance. This armor shield extended to cover the sides of the hull, offering additional protection for the vulnerable sides of the armor and track system. The turret housed two crew members and featured the main armament, a 45mm 20K-L/46 main gun, along with a 7.62mm DT coaxial machine gun for anti-infantry purposes.

Despite proving the BT-SV's sound nature during tests in 1938, the project faced significant setbacks when one of its chief designers, N.F. Tsyganowich, became a victim of Stalin's "Great Purge." Consequently, engineers shifted their focus to the iconic T-34 medium tank, and the BT-SV project was abandoned. Although it did not see active service, the innovative concepts and armor protection developed for the BT-SV later influenced the successful T-34, which played a pivotal role in the Soviet Union's victory in World War II.

Specification

BASICS

Years in service: 1938

Origins: Soviet Union

Crew: 4

Production: 2

Manufacturer: Kharkiv Locomotive Works - USSR

Carrier: USSR

Roles

Infantry Support

Support allied ground forces using weapons, inherent capabilities, and/or shipborne systems.

Tank vs. Tank

Fight with armored vehicles of similar form and function.

Recon

Can perform reconnaissance/reconnaissance missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, etc. - usually due to lightweight construction.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 18.4 feet (5.6 m)

Width: 9.2 feet (2.8 m)

Height: 7.2 feet (2.2 m)

Weight: 50,045 lbs (22,700 kg)

Tonnage: 25.0 tons

Power and Performance

Engine: 1 x M-17T 12-cylinder gasoline engine with 450-500 hp, track and wheel traction.

Speed: 38.5 mph (62.0 kph)

Range: 80.8 mi (130.0 km)

ARMAMENT

1 x 45mm 20-K L/46 main gun in turret.

1 x 7.62mm DT machine gun in coaxial mounting in turret.