Chapter 1979: Surprise

Lavrinenko's eyes were not blurry. The train full of equipment that Malashenko brought back was indeed new stuff. Reading

Even though there was no moonlight tonight and the only light on the platform did not shine here, only the general outline could be seen in the blur, but it was still possible to recognize that this thing was completely different from any known equipment currently in service.

The good brother's surprise was justified. Malashenko was also surprised when he first saw this thing. He did not expect that the actual progress of this thing would be so rapid.

Looking at Lavrinenko's surprised expression, Malashenko smiled calmly and spoke with a cigarette in his mouth.

"IS2 has been completely discontinued. I learned from Kotin that the last IS2 production line was officially closed last month, which means that the production line replacement work from IS2 to IS6 has been completed. What's interesting is that the current IS6 production is higher than the peak period of IS2."

"Although the cost of the new batch of IS6 is higher and the working hours are longer, the recovery of Leningrad and other western cities, the reconstruction of the Kirov plant, etc. have greatly improved the overall production capacity, so this is not surprising in comparison."

Malachenko first gave a lead and did not give a direct answer, which somewhat puzzled Lavrinenko, who had not yet figured out the situation.

"Does this have anything to do with these things in front of you? They are not IS6. You can tell the difference is much bigger at a glance."

"Don't worry, I'm just going to talk about it. Listen to me first."

Malachenko, who put out his cigarette, continued to speak, and the focus of his eyes was fixed on the steel behemoths that were unloading the truck.

"IS2 discontinuation means that all related production work has stopped, except for parts that can be directly converted to production on IS6, such as IS2 turret and body production lines have all been dismantled and replaced."

"This leads to another problem. The IS2 body chassis is universal. It is not only used by heavy tanks, but also the ISU152 self-propelled artillery is produced on this basis. However, it is impossible to keep the IS2 production line specifically for the production of ISU152. This will seriously delay the overall production of IS6. Heavy tanks have a higher priority than self-propelled artillery. Doing so is putting the cart before the horse."

"Self-propelled artillery cannot be abandoned. This must be done on the basis of giving priority to IS6 production. The final solution is The plan is to design and build a brand new self-propelled artillery on the chassis of the IS6. "

"With the experience of designing, building and modifying the previous generation ISU152, it is much easier to modify the self-propelled artillery on the basis of the chassis of the heavy tank. The design plan was already made when the IS6 started mass production. I only found out about it later. Kotin was quite thoughtful. He thought about this matter in advance and made preparations in advance, so it can be used so quickly."

While speaking, the first brand-new self-propelled artillery slowly drove down from the flatbed. It can be seen that the walking control system is completely consistent with that of the IS6 heavy tank. For these veterans who are already familiar with the various performances of the IS6, there is indeed no problem at all.

After driving off the flatbed, because they are closer, they can see it more clearly. Lavrinenko, who is sitting next to Malashenko, can basically see the whole picture of this thing.

The heavy tank chassis that is completely consistent with and common to the IS6 is the reason why Lavrinenko feels that this thing looks familiar. As for why it "feels familiar but very different", it is of course because of the tall and heavy new fighting compartment built on the IS6 chassis.

"The biggest advantage is protection. This is a brand new design. The German Long 88 can already penetrate the main armor of the old ISU152 at a regular combat distance. It is definitely not enough to just defend against the Short 88 and Panther 75. This is the premise of the new design."

"The new fighting compartment armor thickness is 160 mm with a 60-degree inclination. In the test, the captured German Tiger King was used to shoot within 100 meters and it was ineffective. The main armor belt on the front of the fighting compartment can be completely immune to the direct bombardment of the Long 88, at least most of the area."

"The only weakness is the gun root. You know, the breech block of the 152 is too large, and the main armor belt cannot protect such a large area."

"With a heavier body and a heavier fighting compartment than the previous generation, the combat weight of the new ISU152 has unexpectedly exceeded 50 tons, reaching 54 tons, even heavier than the combat weight of IS6. "

"However, because the chassis of IS6 itself is more powerful than IS2, the mobility of this new ISU152 has increased instead of decreased compared with the previous generation. Although the improvement is not large, it can at least ensure that this thing can keep up with the assault speed of IS6. The situation in the past where ISU152 can only hang behind IS6 for cover is gone forever. "

"In the future, as long as there is a need, the new ISU152 can accompany IS6 to assault synchronously and keep pace with it. There will be no situation where ISU152 falls behind or slows down IS6. In terms of equipment coordination and coordination of various arms, this is the biggest improvement, which is of great help to our tactical flexibility. "

"As for the rest, it is almost the same as the old ISU152. "

"There are no changes in the combat schedule. The main gun's ammunition load is still 20 rounds, and it is still the old 152 howitzer. Oh, by the way, they also equipped this thing with Deshka to strengthen self-defense firepower, a total of two. One has a shooting hole in the front of the fighting room, and the other can be used both high and flat on the top of the fighting room to drive away the German planes. "

"The basic situation is like this. Protection, maneuverability, and firepower. I seem to have covered them all. Is there anything else you want to ask? Comrade Deputy Division Commander."

""

In terms of the allocation of specific production tasks, the most important mass production of IS6 heavy tanks will be carried out under the leadership of Kojing. After all, the production line under Ke Jing's charge was the first to start conversion and transformation, and it is undoubtedly the most suitable to increase IS6 production.

The situation at the Leningrad Kirov Factory managed by Shashmulin is somewhat different. The newly rebuilt Kirov Factory has a realistic basis for building multiple new production lines, and has options in deciding what heavy equipment to produce. It is very flexible, and there is no need to consider the impact of the transformation of the old production line on the overall output.

In view of this, the mass production of the first batch of new ISU152 was handed over to the Kirov factory. The new supporting production line of the new ISU152 will not affect the existing IS6 production. At most, it will increase the production in the future. It will be slightly affected, so this is undoubtedly the best choice.

This is also the direct reason why Malashenko obtained the new batch of ISU152 from Shashmulin instead of picking up the goods from Kotin.