The very first Soviet tank was based on the French Renault FT-17. The decision to start production of their own tanks was made in 1919, in the fall.
Beginning of work
As mentioned earlier, the French model was taken as a model. This tank was delivered to the Sormovsky plant, which was located in Nizhny Novgorod. On the territory of the enterprise, the machine was disassembled, thorough research was carried out, up to measuring the dimensions of absolutely every detail. In addition, the Izhora Plant, as well as the Moscow AMO, took part in the creation of the first Soviet-designed tank. These factories were engaged in the supply of engines, as well as armor. At the Sormovsk plant engaged in the production of the chassis and the final assembly of the machine. The assembly of the first Soviet tank was completed in the winter of December 15, 1921. On this day, the car was put in the regular army troops. After that, another 14 cars were assembled, which were called the "Russian Renault". What was the name of the first Soviet tank? The first car of its kind was nicknamed "Freedom Fighter Comrade Lenin."
Equipment of the first tank
On the first Soviet tank of this model, a French gun was installed. However, a machine gun was later added, which was installed in the side sheet of the tower on the right side. It is also important to say that the mass production of these models was not deployed, there were several reasons for this. These machines were economically disadvantageous. In addition to material costs, problems were with the armor of the hull and turret. These places made their way through armor-piercing shells. The patency of the resulting tank, as well as its maneuverability left much to be desired. The speed of the first Soviet tank was very low, and the location of the gun was such that it was very inconvenient to use it. In addition, inside the Soviet car it was very stuffy and hot, which also impeded the normal functioning of the crew.
Tasks of the USSR
July 15, 1929 a decree of the Central Committee of the military-industrial complex (b) "On the state of defense of the USSR" was issued. The tasks assigned to the industry included not only the modernization of existing types of weapons, but also the development of new models of tanks, artillery and aircraft.
For the first five-year plan, it was planned to manufacture 1075 combat units. This is despite the fact that the first Soviet tanks were only captured models, which totaled 45 Ricardo models, 12 Taylor models, as well as 33 Renault models. Soviet machines should have been made by the Main Design Bureau of the Gun-Arsenal Trust. By that time, this bureau had already introduced several new tank models. This included the T-17 wedge, a light tank designed to accompany the T-16 infantry, as well as the heavier T-12. It is also worth adding that in a fairly short time the T-16 model was modernized, after which the tank was renamed the T-18 or MS-1 - a small escort. During 1927-1928, it was planned to release 23 such models, and the next year another 110. However, it was not possible to fulfill the plan. The first MS-1 tanks in the amount of 30 pieces were made only by May 1, 1929.
Description of the first Soviet-made cars
As already mentioned, the name of the first Soviet tank is "Russian Renault". The decision to build this model was made at a meeting on August 10, 1919. Drawings for this model were developed with the participation of Soviet engineer Kalinin, as well as French engineers Dem and Rosier. The engine for the tank was made at Moscow AMO, and the original model was the same model from the same Renault FT. The first tests of the Comrade Lenin Freedom Fighter machine were carried out in August 31, 1920. The complete series included 15 machines that were built and commissioned in May 1921. These units did not participate in combat battles, and in April 1930 they were completely withdrawn from service. An interesting fact about these models - each of them had its own name.
The second attempt at inventing the tank was the T-16, which was made on the basis of the Italian Fiat-3000. Several engineers took part in the development. Their brainchild passed their first trials in March 1927. However, the unit did not have the characteristics that were originally planned, and therefore its tests were postponed.
MS-1 model 1927 and 1930
The first Soviet tank model MS-1 was ready in May 1927. This sample was obtained by eliminating the shortcomings that the T-16 model had. The following points became significant differences: the hull of the tank was lengthened, an improved engine model was mounted, and the suspension was also improved. Tests at the state level, this tank took place in June of the same year, they ended successfully. Serial production of models MC1 or T-18 was launched in February next year at the Bolshevik plant. In November 1929, a company of these models, consisting of 9 samples, took part in the hostilities on the CER.
In 1929, the model MS-1 was modernized. A new engine was installed, as well as a gearbox. In addition, a cast drive wheel was installed, as well as tracks with cast tracks. Also, the tank received a new turret, which had a stern niche designed to install the PS-2 gun. It was also planned to install a radio station on this tank. It is also worth adding that by that time the model of this tank was no longer considered promising, but despite this fact, it was adopted by the Red Army.
Heavy tanks
The main difference between all Soviet-made heavy tanks is that they have rational armor, powerful guns, and good mobility. However, there are certain disadvantages. The rate of fire of the gun is low, the accuracy of the shot and the strength of the tank also do not differ in high rates. These qualities of the first Soviet heavy tanks led to the fact that the crew was forced to fight at medium, and even better at close range.
Heavy Machine Models
In the late 30s. of the last century, the USSR was guided by two principles: the first is the construction of light and maneuverable tanks, and the second is the construction of heavy models with a large number of towers (from three to five), with a large number of various weapons installed on these towers.
In the same year, the bureau of the Weapon-gun and machine-gun association, which acted as the main design authority, concluded a contract with the leadership of the Red Army on the creation of the first Soviet heavy tank, intended to break through the enemy’s fortified defense. The weight of this machine was supposed to be 50 tons, and as the main guns, the model was supposed to have two 76-mm guns and five machine guns. The number of the car was T-30. However, it was difficult here, since it was not possible to implement this project in the vast expanses of the USSR at that time. In 1932, all work was completely stopped, since the design of the T-30 tank was declared invalid as its use as a combat vehicle.