The ISU-152 heavy self-propelled gun was developed in 1943 as a successor to the SU-152—the famous “Zveroboy” (“Beast Killer”), a nickname earned following the Battle of Kursk due to its effectiveness against German tanks. Instead of the chassis used for the KV heavy tank, it utilized the narrower chassis of the newer IS-2 tank. ISU-152 self-propelled guns entered service with the Red Army in November 1943. They were organized into independent heavy self-propelled artillery regiments, each consisting of 21 vehicles. During World War II, the Polish Armed Forces also received 10 of these armored vehicles. The 13th Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment (PAS) deployed 9 ISU-152s during the Battle of Berlin, while one was sent to a reserve tank regiment. Further deliveries took place after the war, with more than 100 ISU-152s eventually entering Polish service and remaining in use until the 1960s.
The ISU-152 in our collection is slated for a comprehensive overhaul and restoration, including the installation of its main armament.
Technical specifications:
Length / width / height: 6.77 / 3.07 / 2.48 m
Weight: 46 t
Crew: 5
Armor: 20–90 mm
Armament:
– 152.4 mm ML-20S gun-howitzer with a stowage of 18–21 rounds
– 12.7 mm DShK model 1938 heavy machine gun with a stowage of 200–250 rounds
Propulsion: V12 liquid-cooled diesel engine (model V-2-IS) with an output of 520 hp
Maximum speed (on-road / off-road): 30–35 / 12–15 km/h
Range (on-road / off-road): 220 / 120 km
