1943 - USSR IS-2 Heavy Tank

Armament: -        1- 122mm D-25T gun
                               3 - 7.62mm DT MGs
                               1- 12.7mm DSchK AA MG
Armor:                   60-150mm
Engine:                 V-12, W2-15 diesel, 600 hp
Speed:                 23 mph
Range:                 149 miles
Crew:                   4
Weight:                46 tons

The IS-2 was the most powerfully armed tank in WWII, and its improved fire control system meant it could fight Panthers and Tigers on more than equal terms. Heavy Guard Tank Regiments were equipped with the IS-2 in February 1944. The armor of 150mm on the hull and 100mm on the turret made it impervious even to the 75mm gun of the Panther. The tank was improved several times before the end of WWII. Improvements included a 700 hp engine, a 5-speed gearbox and a new radio. Major shortcomings included a slow rate of fire, storage for only 28 rounds and internal splintering of the armor when hit. The long gun was extremely powerful but it required two-part ammunition. Nevertheless, the tank proved very effective in combat versus both the Tiger and the Tiger II. A total of 4,392 were produced.