72-K (Model 1940)

History

During the tense times of August 1939, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany agreed to a secret pact, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, vowing not to attack each other despite their own ambitions. Germany's leader, Hitler, intended to invade the Soviet Union. This gave both nations a period of uneasy cooperation, during which they divided the conquest of Poland and looked to expand further.

By 1940, as tensions escalated, the Soviet Union began producing weapons, including the 72-K anti-aircraft gun. This artillery piece, operated by a crew of five, was designed to shoot down enemy aircraft. It could automatically fire a high rate of rounds at planes flying at about 2.4 kilometers altitude, providing a defense against airborne threats. The sturdy and durable 72-K guns were positioned at vital locations, such as supply depots and airfields, playing a defensive role.

The situation changed dramatically in 1941 with Germany's Operation Barbarossa, a massive invasion of the Soviet Union. This led to prolonged warfare on the Eastern Front. The anti-aircraft guns, notably the 72-K, hindered German progress, causing notable damage to enemy aircraft and buying the Soviet forces critical time to regroup. This defense played a significant part in the eventual Soviet victory in 1945, marking the culmination of the Eastern Front and World War II.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1940

Origins: Soviet Union

Crew: 5

Production: 2,500

Manufacturer: State Factory No. 8 Kalinin Artillery Plant - USSR

Carrier: Soviet Union

Roles

Air Defense/Airspace Denial

The base model or variants can be used to search, track and neutralize aerial elements at a distance.

Fire Support/Attack/Breakthrough

Support allied forces with direct/indirect fire, attacking forward positions and/or breaking through fortified areas of the battlefield.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 17.0 feet (5,182 m)

Width: 5.0 feet (1,524 m)

Height: 7.0 feet (2.134 m)

Weight: 2,668 lbs (1,210 kg)

Tonnage: 1. 3 tons

Power and Performance

Area: 1.5 km (2.4 km)

Weapons: 1 x 25mm barrel

Ammotion: Depends on ammo carrier; 25 ammo boxes

Variants

72-K - Name of Base Series

M1940 - Alternative Name