Russian experimental machines

[Geek44]

The SU-101/102 almost looks modern.
Thanks Wicked...very interesting stuff and a great balance for the site.

Tom, you might consider Googling 'ModelArt', 'Miniart', 'Zvezda' or 'PlusModels' for kits...good luck...I think you'll need it.
Peace.

[Wicked]

Experimental SU-85s

Besides of the production SU-85s and theSU-85Ms, there were several experimental vehicles which didn't accept by various reasons.


The SU-85BM.
In autumn 1943, after the long and detailed investigating of the German heavy tank destroyers "Ferdinand", GAU ordered some design bureaus to develop a new more powerful antitank gun which would be able to fight with German heavy tanks and TDs. As an example it was suggested to use German 8.8cm PaK 43.

One of the first project was offered by F.F.Petrov's design bureau. A redesigned D-5 gun - which was designated D-5S-85BM - had longer barrel. Using a standard 85 mm rounds and increased powder propellant charge, the muzzle brake of AP round was increased up to 950 m/s. At the same time, new gun allowed to use a standard ammunition as well. Gun was installed in the hull of the standard SU-85. New TD was named SU-85BM ("BM" means "bol'shaya mosh'nost" - of special power). From January to March 1944 it was tested on a proving ground. By its results, SU-85BM was not accepted for service.


The SU-D-10-85.
Notwithstanding the previous attempt, in autumn 1944 Petrov's design bureau offered another variant of 85 mm gun: a 100 mm B-34 which was re-bored to the 85 mm caliber. New gun was named D-10-85PM and tank destroyer - SU-D-10-85. It used a standard 85 mm rounds and 100 mm cartridges. In summer 1944, the new TD was tested but didn't accepted for service.


The SU-S-34-1.
Besides of Petrov's design bureau, the Grabin's design bureau was involved. In spring 1944, it developed a new tank destroyer SU-S-34-1 armed with 85 mm S-34-IB gun. It had an unusual ammunition: a 85 mm round with a 100 mm cartridge. In summer 1944, the new TD was tested but didn't accepted for service.

[Wicked]

Specialy for PPG fans. The better quality pic

[Pirate-Drakk]

Good stuff, Wicked! Keep it coming!