JS-2 Heavy Tank "Prey Tank" (1:48)

During the seesaw action of some wars equipment can be won or lost. When an army is in retreat the loss of heavy equipment tends to be quite sizable. These losses come from breakdowns to capture of the slower moving weapons by the overtaking forces. Trying to use captured equipment can be difficult because of the lack of repair parts or adequate and appropriate munitions.

In late 1942 as a countermeasure to the German tanks the Russians developed the IS-2 (Iosef Stalinwesternized Joseph Stalin). The IS tanks were improved and updated versions of the earlier KV tanks. These 40 ton+ tanks were mechanically improved and armed with more powerful 122mm main gun. Along with the new gun the armor was increased so there was 150mm on the hull, 100mm on the turret. Some short-comings of the IS-2 was the slow rate of fire because the main gun shot was comprised of two pieces, lack of storage space limited the crew to only 28 rounds and the armor would splinter internally when hit. Throughout 1943 production was greatly increased and the IS-2 was continually improved. The units received a more powerful engine, a 5-speed gearbox along with new radios. The combination of good crews, good armor and a big gun proved to be very effective. The long gun could pack a potent punch against Tiger Is and IIs. When production ceased for the IS-2 the final number stood at 4,392.

When an army is in retreat the loss of heavy equipment tends to be quite sizable. These losses come from breakdowns to capture of the slower moving weapons by the overtaking forces. Some captured vehicles were re-armed and used against the former owners. One thing both sides liked to try was to approach the opposition using a captured vehicle. The idea being the enemy would recognize the silhouette as being one of their own vehicles and before they realized it had been captured and being used by the opposing forces it would be too late to resist.
Specifications IS-2

Crew: 4

Dimensions
Length (with gun): 10.74m (35.24 ft)
Height: 2.93m (9.61 ft)
Weight: 46,250 kg (101963.8 lb)

Performance
Engine: V-2 IS 12cyl. Diesel-engine/520hp
Speed: 37km/h (22.99 mph)
Range: 150km (93.2 mi)

Armor: 20mm - 160mm (.79 in - 6.3 in)

Armament: 1 X 122mm (4.8 in) M1943 D-25T L/43 gun
1 x 12.7mm (.5 in) M1938 DShK
1 x 7.62mm (.3 in) DT/DTM

Ammunition:
28 x 122mm shells
2331 x DT rounds
300 x DShK rounds