Steel Soviet Union

It's necessary to feel good, but then there are problems. ɱ

Shashmulin said that only 18 cars are IS2, so what is that thing pulled on the rear panel? That's a very obvious tank outline.

Fortunately, Malashenko's doubts did not last long, and Shashmulin immediately gave the answer.

"In addition to these 18 IS2s, the ones that arrived later were the newly improved and mass-produced IS1 heavy tanks."

"Because the production capacity of the latest 122mm tank guns cannot keep up for the time being, the current production line is still producing IS1 heavy tanks. However, some corresponding improvements have been made according to your previous suggestions, such as improved vehicles. The armored bulletproof shape on the body head has optimized the layout of the ammunition rack in the vehicle, so loaders can now work more easily. "

"Oh, I almost forgot to mention it! According to your previous suggestion, Comrade Malashenko, the latest IS2 heavy tank and the improved mass-produced IS1 heavy tank are now equipped with electric-assisted turret steering gear."

"The turret rotation speed has doubled compared to before, and we made improvements based on the captured German Tiger tanks. That kind of complex electric steering gear will not appear on our tanks."

! ! !

Unexpectedly, the person who was most excited after hearing that the tank was equipped with an electric steering gear was not Malashenko, but Iushkin, who was standing aside as a gunner and accompanying him.

"Is it true? Electric steering gear! Just like the German Tiger tank that can make the turret rotate effortlessly? Is that so?!"

At first glance, Iushkin’s abrupt interruption may be a bit surprising, but if you think about the direct stakes it brings, it is basically not difficult to understand why Iushkin instantly jumped into excitement. This is what it looks like.

As the gunner in the vehicle crew, Iushkin was not only responsible for gunnery and aiming, but also responsible for pointing the turret and personally controlling the direction machine to complete it.

Fed up with the damn hand-cranked steering wheel, Iushkin complained to Malashenko more than once that the continuous high-intensity battles almost dislocated his hand.

The turret now faces left and sometimes right. After turning the steering gear, he still has to crank up and down the helicopter for precise aiming. In an emergency, Iushkin even has to use his left and right hands and his right eye at the same time to complete the steering gear operation, height and lower aircraft operation, and Predict the three major tasks of aiming with the naked eye, thereby speeding up the aiming efficiency until the final firing is completed.

Although this three-in-one operation is one of Iushkin's special skills, even if we look at the entire Stalin Guards 1st Heavy Tank Brigade, there are not many gunners who can equal Iushkin in terms of aiming efficiency. Degree.

But ever since he got on the German Tiger tank, Iushkin has been unforgettable about the luxurious electric steering wheel that can turn the turret by just moving the soles of his feet.

If his tank also has this blessing, Iushkin dare not say that the combat efficiency will be doubled, but it can be easily achieved by shortening the entire aiming time by 20 to 30%, and the massacre of German sticks will become Be more efficient!

This matter was mentioned repeatedly by Iushkin several times, and Malashenko, who was considerate of his gunners, increasingly felt that the turret electric steering gear was indeed a key piece of equipment that increased combat power. Comparing the hand-cranked steering wheel with a high-end electric steering wheel, it is like the difference between a second-hand Alto and a Ford Raptor. The facts are clearly there and there is no room for quibbles.

So when Malashenko went to Tagil last time, he casually asked Kogin whether he could change the electric steering gear to go up. According to Malashenko, it is a good equipment that the Germans have already used. , there is no reason why the tanks of our Soviet Red Army are inferior to those of the Germans, and they must be used.

The only thing that Malashenko didn't expect was that Comrade Kotin, who he just mentioned in passing and didn't take it seriously, and arranged for his secretary to write it down in a small notebook, actually spent just two months on it. It took so long to turn it into reality, which is indeed a bit unbelievable.

Faced with Iushkin's jaw-dropping expression, even though he didn't know the other person's identity, Shashmulin, who estimated that he was at least a trustworthy person around Malashenko, still responded politely. He replied with a smile.

"Yes, comrade."

"We have already started researching the German Tiger tank, and we have indeed obtained a lot of inspiration and useful technology from it."

"After the comrades in the bureau held a meeting and discussed it, they agreed that the operation of the German's two-way steering machine was too complicated, which would not only increase unnecessary tank production costs, add extra man-hours, and thus shorten the total tank output, but also for the frontline troops Maintenance is also a problem, and there are not always enough spare parts to replace. "

"Our ultimate goal is to design an electric steering gear that is simple to use, easy to maintain, and highly reliable. With Comrade Malashenko's suggestions as a reference, we quickly accelerated the completion of this small project. Now you You can experience this equipment on the latest heavy tank of our Soviet Red Army.”

As soon as the expert Youdao opened his mouth, the effect was immediately different.

Iushkin was a little confused by Shashmulin's long list of professional explanations, and Iushkin couldn't digest so much information for the time being. He was a little confused, but he only knew that his next job as a gunner would definitely be much more comfortable.

That is to say, while Malashenko continued to communicate with Shashmulin and made the final reception, Lavrinenko and Kulbalov, who were a few minutes late, finally drove seven or eight large and small cars to the crowd. , pat the horse and kill it.

Lavrinenko, who was the first to get out of the car, didn't bother to take a closer look at the new tank and hurriedly ran in the direction of Malashenko.

"Is everyone here?"

"We were all here. I even ran to the nearest Second Tank Battalion and borrowed two vehicles, and then I immediately pulled everyone over."

After taking a look at the soldiers behind Lavrinenko who were getting out of the car and gathering under Kulbalov's command, Malashenko nodded slightly and continued to ask questions.

"What about Karamov? Has the notification been in place? His people have to come over quickly."

"I didn't have time to notify, so I sent someone else. The importance was clearly explained, and the ability to do things is reliable!"

After confirming that all the precautions he arranged had been taken care of, Malashenko, who signed the final receipt form given by Shashmulin, waved his hand and shouted loudly to the group of tank soldiers on the platform who were already staring. Ordered.

"Comrades, unload the truck! Drive our new tank home!"