IS-3
Overview
IS-3
Restored IS-3 on public display in 2010.
Source: Adamicz -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Kirovets-1 (design project)
Shchuka (nickname)
Russian for "pike"
IS-3 obr 1960 (IS-3M)
Egypt
North Korea
Description
Introduction
The IS-3 is an early Cold War era heavy tank of Soviet origin. It was developed at the later stages of World War 2, but was too late to be used in combat. It was first seen during Soviet victory parades in Berlin. The IS-3 is what is called a breakthrough tank in Soviet doctrine. The idea is to use long range gun fire while being impervious to return fire due to the heavy frontal armor package. Unlike other Soviet tanks the IS-3 is not for use against infantry.
Layout
The IS-3 is a further development of the IS-2. The chassis, automotive components and main armament are identical to late production IS-2. The armor package has been extensively redeveloped. The IS-3 look very menacing with its dome shaped turret and v-shaped glacis. The IS-3 lacked a stabilizer, night vision and quality fire control system. The later T-10 rectified these shortcomings.
Firepower
The IS-3 is armed with the powerful 122mm D-25T rifled tank gun. A total of 28 shells are carried. Shells and charges are loaded separately. The usual mix is 18 AP and 10 HE shells. There is no stabilizer. A 7.62mm DTM machine gun is fitted as a coaxial weapon. The 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun is fitted on the turret roof.
Protection
When introduced the IS-3 was nearly impervious to Allied/NATO tanks and anti-tank guns over the frontal arc. The IS-3 has very thick armor, with mantlet and turret front at 250 mm. Furthermore, the armor package is shaped in such a way to maximize armor protection. With the introduction of NATO main battle tanks with 105mm L7 cannon and more capable anti-tank guided weapons the main benefit of the IS-3 was negated.
Mobility
The IS-3 lacks in mobility. Top speed is rather low at 40 km/h on road, but the practical speed in the field is about 15 km/h. Fuel consumption is high. In temperate climate the V-2 diesel engine is quite reliable, but proved prone to overheating in the desert.
Users
The IS-3 was used by the Soviet Union. It was in frontline service in the 1950's and 1960's. It served in the reserve role until the 1980's. Egypt was the foremost export user. 100 IS-3M, without engine upgrade but with dust skirts, were used during the 1967 Six Day War. Some were captured by Israel.
Variants
IS-3M
Frontal view of former Soviet IS-3M on public display in Russia.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
List of IS-3 variants
Details
Armament
122mm D-25T
The 122mm D-25T rifled cannon is the main armament of the IS-3.
Media
IS-3M
IS-3M on display in a Belgian museum. Note the dome shaped turret and pointed v-shape glacis plate.
Source: Paul Hermans
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
IS-3M
Former Egyptian IS-3M on display in a museum in Israel
Source: Bukvoed
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
IS-3M
Restored IS-3M on public display in 2018.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
IS-3M
Restored IS-3M on public display in 2018.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
IS-3M
Restored IS-3M on public display in 2018.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
IS-3M
Right side view of former Soviet IS-3M on public display in Russia.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
IS-3M
Restored IS-3M on public display in 2018.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Related articles
IS-4
The IS-4 was the successor to the IS-3 on the production line. The IS-4 was actually derived from the IS-2 design and looks quite different from the IS-3.