The IS-3 heavy tank was a late World War Two Soviet tank design that was an improvement on the IS-2. Although the IS-3 arrived too late to see combat in WWII, it would become the main Soviet tank of the immediate Cold War period and participate in conflicts throughout the 1950s and ’60s and even into the modern day. It scared the West LOL However it would come to earn a rather poor combat record, becoming something of a “paper tiger”. This has resulted in controversy amongst some who suggest that the IS-3 was overrated, and others that claim the tank’s poor record was due to poor training and tactics. - How sad The development of the IS-3 (originally known as Object 703) started in late 1944 at the Factory No. 100 Kirovskiy Works as an improvement on the IS-2. Development of the IS-3 took into account lessons that had been learned from the design and combat experience of the IS-2. As a result, it was an almost complete redesign from its predecessor. Even though the main armament and engine of the IS-3 remained unchanged from the IS-2, many other features were radically different. The IS-3’s armor was highly complex for the time, incorporating many angles that greatly improved effective thickness and the chances of ricochets. One of the IS-3’s most distinguishing features was its semi-hemispherical cast turret. This shape, which is often described as an upturned soup bowl, would become a standard feature on Soviet tanks from that point on.
Actually somewhat detailed Cold War tank by the WW2 tank guy?! What is going on???!! More than 100 IS-3 tanks had been provided to the Egyptian Army, many of which would see action against the Israeli Army who considered the IS-3M to be a very dangerous opponent due to its protection and firepower. However, the actual performance of the IS-3 would see mixed results. At normal ranges, the tank’s thick armour enabled it to withstand hits from infantry anti-armour weapons and the 90mm gun of the Israeli M48s. Even the French-built 105mm tank guns of the M-51 “Super Sherman” had difficulty penetrating the IS-3s thick armour. 122mm Gun D-25 120 mm (4.7 in) at 55° (hull front) 60 mm (2.4 in) at 60° (sides) 25–45 mm (0.98–1.77 in) (roof) 20–35 mm (0.79–1.38 in) (floor) 60–90 mm (2.4–3.5 in) (rear) 200 mm (7.9 in) (turret front mantlet)
