During the Second World War, Soviet military equipment received a powerful impetus to development. Today, people enthusiastically evaluate the results of the design of those years, marveling at the achievements of designers. One of the most interesting developments is the T 34 122 tank, which was being prepared for breaking through the enemy’s defensive lines, as well as firing barrage.
Background of the appearance of the tank T-34 122
The beginning of the design development T 34 122 refers to April 15, 1942, when it was decided to create a new assault vehicle. Yes, it required a self-propelled unit capable of conducting combat operations in any conditions, but the designers prepared a powerful tank based on the famous 34-ki.
The Red Army was almost completely absent assault vehicles. Some units were captured from the enemy, but on the basis of them it was not possible to make the necessary changes. As a result, most of the technology was not the most convenient for a breakthrough. For this reason, began serious development, which were supposed to present a new self-propelled unit with tank armor.
Main characteristics of T 34 122
After the final release of the first model, the tank immediately became interested in its parameters. Tracked light base from the 34-ki gave a decent speed, but above it was a thick tank armor, reaching 6 cm thick. And it did not become a distinctive feature, but heavy weapons, which made it possible to cope with the most serious opponent.
- Weight - 30 tons;
- Crew - 5 people;
- Armor 45-60 mm;
- Engine power - 500 hp
The data show that the car has maintained a decent speed, although it has slightly decreased due to the increase in the weight of the armored vehicles. Nevertheless, the T 34 122 had a good move, allowing the crew to change positions at the right moment. Accordingly, to cope with such a self-propelled installation was not easy, especially if we consider the weapons that she carried on herself.
Armament tank T-34 122
The powerful tank lost some of its own driving characteristics, but acquired serious armament. It has become the best support for the Red Army, although the model has not become widespread. Its mass production was limited, but even several combat units influenced the outcome of some battles.
- Howitzer 122 mm;
- 2 machine guns 7,62 mm.
It would seem that the designers did not choose anything special, but 34 122 knowingly received such a name. Due to his own howitzer, he turned into a real assault tank, which freely made its way through the barrage of redoubts of the German troops. At the same time, in close combat, machine guns coped well with their role, allowing them to fire in all directions.
Why howitzer?
Historians recall that howitzer 122 mm never installed on tanks. Indeed, they were considered too heavy, and it was almost impossible to fire them on the move. Nevertheless, 34,122 acquired just such a tower, becoming the first and last example of the achievements of developers.
The choice of howitzers was not accidental. The fact is that such powerful weapons were required for each successive assault. The crew of 5 people immediately replaced a whole company of soldiers who had to reach the enemy with meters. After the first hostilities, the only tank showed itself perfectly, showing what the future of the Soviet Union was.
Machine guns 7.62 - standard
In addition, the installation of 34 122 machine guns did not seem to be something unexpected. Almost all self-propelled guns appeared exactly this weapon, which helped to cope with the motorized rifle troops. It was for the two machine guns that there were separate arrows that were part of the crew. They quickly coped with the approaching soldiers, so you could not worry about the rear.
Powerful machine guns were tested many times in action, and their caliber corresponded to all automatic weapons of the Red Army. Because of this, their cartridges were considered replaceable, although the ammunition struck even the professionals accustomed to comparing the models of the Second World with modernity.
T-34 122 tank ammunition
For the sake of ensuring complete autonomy of the machine, the tank was equipped with 5 boxes, in which shells and cartridges were placed. This amount was enough to conduct a long battle, so there was no need for special support units. This factor was also taken into account in the development, because lack of ammunition often became a problem for the crew.
Now 34,122 freely went out on the front line, where he almost didn't even need support. He freely passed through the barricades and reached the enemy. At the same time, barrage fire was conducted, allowing motorized rifle troops to follow heavy equipment. It was in this way that hostilities marked by various historical references were conducted.
Modifications of the T-34 122 tank
Few people know that the tank model 34 122 was produced in two versions. The first of them fully complied with all parameters of the tank due to the installed tower. It should be noted that she gave additional freedom, but at the same time retained an important drawback associated with the thickness of armor. Still, the popular 34-ka usually moved fast enough so that this minus did not affect its characteristics, but in this case it was necessary to make innovations.
The second modification is not a tank, but a self-propelled installation, which is distinguished by the absence of a turret and an onboard location of the howitzer. This typical design largely changed 34 122. The fact is that it allowed to increase the ammunition for a couple of boxes and allowed to fire freely from a heavy gun on the go. Otherwise, the changes did not appear, so experienced crews easily changed heavy vehicles right during the fighting.
Minus self-propelled installation
At first glance, a tank with a turret 34,122 is inferior to a self-propelled installation, so it must be abandoned. However, he turned out to be the main combat unit for an important reason. The absence of the tower does not allow free fire in all directions, so the crew has to perform complex maneuvers.
Practice has shown how, after the end of World War II, the Turkish authorities tried to adopt just such a self-propelled unit. However, the tank disappointed them with the need to rotate 180 degrees when moving the enemy. As a result, 34 122 lost their speed immediately, which led to a weakening of maneuverability.
The only minus tank
Finally, the only weak point should be considered 34 122. Still, the tank could not be perfect due to certain design requirements. As a consequence, it is necessary to take into account the weak armor in 2 places.
- Roof - 20 mm;
- Bottom 15 mm.
It is immediately evident in what places a heavy combat unit can be damaged. Of course, it is still difficult to do this, but some soldiers managed to get close enough. For this reason, the weakness of the self-propelled unit was still taken into account, so it usually stood out in support of motorized rifle companies.
Tank 34 122 is an excellent example of a combat unit capable of storming any defenses. Yes, its mass production did not take place, but the project turned out to be one of the most successful. So in the ranks of the Red Army still managed to see the cars.
