Beute Stalin is a German Tank unit in Steel Division II.
Background[ | ]
An evolution of the Kliment Voroshilov tank, the Iosif Stalin series of tanks was born at the SKB-2 design bureau at the Chelyabinsk Kirov Plant. The capture of a Tiger tank in early 1943 showed the need for a tank capable of fighting Germany's big cat on even footing. The SKB-2 bureau devised the KV-85, a KV-1 with an 85mm tank gun, to bolster the firepower of Soviet tank units in the summer of 1943 while they worked on a new design.
The first generation IS tank, IS-85 was born out of a cancelled KV-13 prototype, featuring a superior armor layout, better reliability, and a large, three-man turret accommodating the 85mm gun. Pressed into service in October 1943, production lasted until January 1944. By then, the T-34 armed with the same gun was commonplace, and Soviet engineers focused on upgunning the existing tank. The new IS-122 entered service in January 1944, armed with a 122mm gun that could destroy any German tank from well outside their firing range.
The end result was a tank lighter than the Tiger and almost equal to the Panther, at 46 tons, with thicker armor than either of the big cats, and a decisive advantage in firepower. It was also a potent tool for breakthroughs, as its 122mm gun was incredibly effective against fortifications and soft targets. A total of 3 854 IS tanks were manufactured before production terminated in 1945.
The first generation of the IS-2 featured a complex, stepped front hull shape with a small driver's visor, and the A-19 122mm gun. While offering tremendous firepower, the tank suffered from low fire rate due to two-piece ammunition. However, it proved to be a tremendous asset to Soviet tank units on the battlefield.
20. Panzer during breakthrough from Borbruisk captured a IS-2.
Strategy[ | ]
- A precious asset for the 20. Panzerdivision, the Stalin dominates phase A wherever it goes, as it outranges, outguns, and outlasts anything the opposition can field. However, it represents a steep investment and a gamble, as losing it drastically shifts the fate of battle: You have to pay the equivalent of three other tanks lumped together to play it.