Self-propelled artillery installation SU-152P
Recall that at the final stage of the Great Patriotic War trophies of the Red Army were a large number of the latest armored vehicles of Nazi Germany. A little later, managed to get access to technical and design documentation. During the study of trophies, it was found that the semi-open installation of the gun on the self-propelled chassis, used in several German projects, is of some interest and can be used to create new equipment. The guidelines according to which the development of such projects should have begun appeared in the middle of 1946.
The elaboration of the appearance of promising armored vehicles was entrusted to department No. XXUMX of the Uralmashzavod enterprise (Sverdlovsk). The works were supervised by L.I. Gorlitsky. Quickly enough, the design team created preliminary versions of the project, after which they continued their development for two years. The results of these works were again approved, after which three new projects were launched. In accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers of 3 June 22, the OKB-1948 was to create three self-propelled guns, built on a unified chassis and having different weapons.
One of the promising self-propelled guns was to carry a powerful long-barreled 152-mm gun M-53, developed by plant No. XXUMX (Perm). This project received the working title "Object 172". Later self-propelled designated as SU-116P. It should be noted that, despite a certain similarity of designations, this combat vehicle had no direct relation to the previously developed models.
In accordance with the terms of reference, prospective self-propelled guns of three types were to be built on a unified chassis. As part of the new project, it was decided to abandon the direct development of existing self-propelled machines and create the required chassis from scratch. For this, extensive work was carried out to study existing ideas and technologies and search for optimal designs. The result of such work was the appearance of the original design of the self-propelled chassis, which significantly influenced the further development of the self-propelled artillery.
Initially, the advanced chassis was developed for the SU-100П / "105 Object" self-propelled guns, but its design took into account the requirements of the "108 Object" / SU-152Г project. Such a machine should have been distinguished by increased strength and the ability to work with 152-mm guns. In the framework of the third project “Object 116” / SU-152П, the armored chassis had to be significantly improved. In connection with the use of a larger and heavier weapon, it was necessary to lengthen the existing hull and equip it with a modified chassis. Nevertheless, even after such alterations, the tracked vehicle retained the basic features of the basic products.
Reconstruction of the appearance of the car. Figure Dogswar.ru
Perspective self-propelled guns were designed to work on the front line, but received only bulletproof reservations. Like other machines of its family, the self-propelled gun had a body assembled of armor plates no thicker than 18 mm. The most powerful booking was used in the frontal part and on the sides. Other elements of the body had a thickness of at least 8 mm. The main part of the connections was made by welding. At the same time, several riveted joints were envisaged. The layout corresponded to other projects. In front of the case was a transmission, behind which was located the engine compartment (right) and the control compartment (left). Other volumes were given under the fighting compartment.
The SU-152P case differed from the existing unit used in the other two projects only by its length. The contours and layout remained the same. The frontal projection was covered with inclined sheets of the greatest thickness, as well as a roof located at a certain angle to the horizontal. Directly behind the inclined upper frontal part, the driver's hatch and the engine cover were placed. The project involved the use of vertical sides, the aft part of which was complemented by flaps of the fighting compartment. Behind the hull was protected by a sloping stern sheet.
The fighting compartment and the breech of the gun were covered with a shield similar to that used in other projects. This unit had an inclined frontal sheet 20 mm thick, triangular cheekbones and vertical sides. On top of the shield was provided a roof with openings for the installation of optics. For a number of reasons, the shield of the gun was assembled with rivets. The shield was mounted on the same machine with the instrument and could move along with it in the horizontal plane.
In the engine compartment of the hull fit diesel engine B-105 400 horsepower. This engine was a further development of the serial B-2 and was distinguished by several operational advantages. Within the framework of the project of the advanced chassis for the engine, an improved cooling system was created, which made it possible to reduce the required dimensions of the engine compartment. The engine was connected to a mechanical transmission based on the main friction clutch of dry friction, a two-stream gear and turning mechanism, and two single-stage final drives, which gave power to the front-wheel drive wheels.
Projection self-propelled guns. Figure Shushpanzer-ru.livejournal.com
The body of the self-propelled gun "Object 116" differed increased length, because of what it took a certain reworking of the undercarriage. Now, on each side of the hull, seven double rubberized support rollers with an individual torsion suspension were placed. The front and rear pairs of rollers still had hydropneumatic shock absorbers. There is an extra pair of support rollers. The location and design of the drive and guide wheels have not changed. As in other projects of the family, it was planned to use the first domestic caterpillar with a rubber-metal hinge.
In the front of the fighting compartment placed tumbovoy installation for mounting tools of the desired type. Sector targeting mechanisms were used. Horizontal guidance was carried out within the sector width 143 ° using manual or electric actuators. Vertical pickup angles from -5 ° to + 30 ° are set only by hand. Due to the large size and weight of the instrument, the installation received a spring-type balancing mechanism. His columns were placed vertically directly behind the shield. Hydropneumatic anti-recoil devices with a hydraulic recoil brake and a pneumatic retrailer were used. The gun was equipped with telescopic and periscopic sights. There was also a panorama for shooting from closed positions.
The M-53 cannon was another development variant of the pre-war cannon Br-2, made with the use of new ideas and technologies. Previously, various options for upgrading the base sample were repeatedly proposed, and by the end of the forties, Plant No. XXUMX presented the M-172 project. It was assumed that such a weapon could be used as a main weapon for self-propelled guns of anti-tank and assault class.
The product M-53 received a relatively long rifled monoblock with a caliber 152 mm. Used horizontal wedge semi-automatic shutter. Also in the breech there was a spring-type rammer. Due to the high power of the gun and the limited characteristics of the chassis, it was decided to use the original muzzle brake. In the muzzle of the barrel was located a relatively long unit with 12 pairs of side slits for ejection of powder gases. This design of the brake allowed to compensate up to 55% recoil impulse. The maximum amount of rollback reached 1,1 m.
Experienced SU-152P under test. Photos Solyankin A. G., Pavlov M. V., Pavlov I. V., Zheltov I. G. "Domestic armored vehicles. XX century"
The gun used a separate-cartridge loading and could use all existing shells caliber 152 mm. Ammunition in the form of 30 shots was transported in aft stacking of the fighting compartment. For greater security, shells and shells were placed inside an armored box opened from the compartment. Work with ammunition had two loaders. With the help of a mechanical rammer, they could provide firing rates up to 5 shots per minute.
The SU-152P was operated by a crew of five. In the department of management fit the driver. He had his own hatch and a pair of viewing instruments for driving in a combat situation. In front of the fighting compartment, under the cover of the shield, were the commander and gunner. Two loaders worked in the stern of the fighting compartment. For obvious reasons, the gunner, commander and loader jobs were not equipped with hatches. At the same time, for greater convenience of landing or work side of the compartment could recline out.
The new self-propelled artillery installation was obtained larger than other samples of its “family”. The length of the body increased to 7,3 m, the width remained at the level of 3,1 m, height - less than 2,6 m. The combat weight exceeded 28,5 t. According to calculations, the SAU should show good mobility. When driving on a highway, the maximum speed could reach 55-60 km / h. Power reserve - 300 km. There was the possibility of overcoming various obstacles. Reservoirs to a depth of 1 m could cross ford.
The development of three self-propelled guns of the semi-open layout was carried out simultaneously and ended at the beginning of 1949. At the same time, Uralmashzavod began assembling three prototypes. In March, the 1949 th prototype "Object 116" / SU-152П went to the landfill for factory testing. Within a few weeks, the armored car passed more than 2900 miles and fired 40 shots. It was found that the existing unified chassis is not without flaws. The reliability of the individual elements of the undercarriage left much to be desired, and a large combat mass and a powerful recoil impulse accelerated the wear of the aggregates. In addition, certain problems were identified with the artillery unit. In its current form, the ACS was not suitable for operation and therefore needed serious refinement.
Left view. Muzzle brake closed cover. Photos Solyankin A. G., Pavlov M. V., Pavlov I. V., Zheltov I. G. "Domestic armored vehicles. XX century"
In order to accelerate the work and save money, it was decided to improve the chassis of three self-propelled guns in the course of further development of the project only. It was planned to improve and develop the base sample only within the framework of the SU-100П project. Upon obtaining the desired results, the updated chassis could be transferred to two other projects. As for the gun installations, they were improved separately, each as part of their own project.
Refinement of the basic six-chassis chassis continued until January of the 1950 year and managed to face certain problems. In parallel with this, in accordance with the recommendations of the customer, OKB-3 was looking for ways to reduce the combat mass of the SU-152П. To get the desired characteristics, this machine had to weigh around 26 t. By making noticeable reworking of certain details, this task was solved, but only partially. The mass of the modified self-propelled guns decreased, but still exceeded the recommended level.
At the beginning of the 1950 of the year, three different types of self-propelled artillery systems of various types were released to the state, among which was the “116 Object” on the updated chassis and with the converted artillery unit. The refined and enhanced chassis of the three self-propelled guns received a good rating. Also, the customer has approved the existing power plant and transmission. At the same time, SU-152P retained some of the negative features of the armament complex. As a result, it was decided that all three submitted samples did not cope with state tests and need further refinement.
Machines returned to the factory for another rework. As before, the main ideas and solutions related to the improvement of technology were tested and tested on experienced SU-100P, while SU-152G and SU-152P waited for the completion of such work, simultaneously receiving improved weapon systems. This update promising machines continued until the mid-fifties.
View of the stern. You can consider a gun mount. Photos Solyankin A. G., Pavlov M. V., Pavlov I. V., Zheltov I. G. "Domestic armored vehicles. XX century"
By this time, the military and political leadership of the country had changed its opinion on the development of armored combat vehicles and weapons for the army. Seeing the significant successes of rocket technology, the country's leaders and military leaders began to consider receiver artillery obsolete. A direct consequence of this was the decision to close a number of promising projects of guns and self-propelled guns. Along with other developments, the reduction system also included the “Object 116” ACS. The works were stopped, and the only built prototype was later transferred to the museum of Kubinka, where it remains to this day. In the museum hall, you can estimate the length of the barrel of the M-53 cannon: even without a muzzle brake, it not only hangs over the aisle between two rows of equipment, but almost reaches the exhibit opposite.
A little later, the designers managed to convince the potential customer of the need for further development of the existing equipment. However, the new project involved improving the SU-100P self-propelled gun, while the other two projects were out of work. By the beginning of the sixties, an improved self-propelled SU-100PM was created on the basis of this machine, which later became the basis for a new multi-purpose chassis. The latter was suitable for use in new projects of military and special equipment. The extended unified chassis also developed and was used in several new projects for various applications.
The project "Object 116" / SU-152П was supposed to lead to the emergence of a promising self-propelled artillery installation with sufficiently powerful weapons, able to fight against targets both at the leading edge and from closed positions. Nevertheless, the presence of a mass of original ideas and solutions led to certain difficulties, because of which the development of the entire family of projects was noticeably delayed. In the future, the leadership and command changed their views on the modernization of the ground forces, as a result of which the project was closed. The topic of self-propelled guns with 152 mm caliber guns returned only in the mid-sixties, but later combat vehicles were based on different ideas and therefore had minimal resemblance to the experimental SU-152П.
Based on:
http://dogswar.ru/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://tankmuseum.ru/
http://shushpanzer-ru.livejournal.com/
http://strangernn.livejournal.com/
Solyankin A. G., Pavlov M. V., Pavlov I. V., Zheltov I. G. Domestic armored vehicles. XX century. - M .: Exprint, 2010. - T. 3. 1946 – 1965
Information