Wednesday 13 November 2013

IS-3 Armour Layout

Here is a diagram of the prototype IS-3, illustrating the spaced armour design and variable thickness of the cast turret.
CAMD RF 38-11355-2943

The turret is self explanatory, but the hull is a bit more complicated. The part marked а points to the overtrack hull, 85 mm thick at 60 degrees from vertical. The part marked б points to the overtrack hull screen, only 16 mm thick, 35 degrees from vertical. в points to the vertical hull side, 100 mm thick. г points to the hull bottom screen, 30 mm of vertical armour. д (looks more like a 9, Cyrllic cursive isn't very well supported by most fonts) points to the bottom of the hull, a rather complicated shape made with 20 mm armour plates.

CAMD RF 38-11355-2872

The hull performed admirably during trials, but the turret was upgraded to the above layout. Maximum thickness went from 175 mm to a whopping 249 mm. 

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