The KV-1 (known in Poland as the KW-1) was a Soviet heavy tank that surpassed the German designs at the beginning of the war. It was produced from 1940-1943 at the Leningrad Kirov Plants and the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. 4,786 units of all versions were produced. The name of the tank comes from the Soviet Defense Commissar, Kliment Voroshilov.
The tank was characterized by strong armor up to 82mm, impossible to penetrate for most German equipment, and a heavy weight of up to 45 tons. The main armament was a 76mm gun. The tank's disadvantages were slowness, steerability, unreliable engine, lack of ergonomics and poor visibility of the battlefield. Despite this the tank was a difficult opponent. The successor of the KW-1 equipped with the same gun was the legendary T-34 tank.
You can build a model of the famous Soviet KV-1 tank from 656 COBI blocks. Movable track traction, rotating turret, opening engine compartments and hatches, prints, Soviet markings and a figure of a tanker and a soldier make the set not only an exhibition model, but also a toy for everyone. The figures come with accessories such as a rifle, binoculars, cape and headgear. The set includes a stylized historic Soviet road sign with the words “Stalingrad, Volga River.” Clear and intuitive instructions easily guide the builder through the stages of assembling the vehicle. The whole set is complemented by a plate with the name of the vehicle printed on it. Build history, piece by piece.
• 656 high-quality blocks • Produced in the EU by a company with over 20 years of tradition • Meets the safety standards for products for children • Fully compatible with other brands of construction blocks • Blocks with prints do not scratch or smear and do not fade during play or under the influence of temperature • Tank model • 2 figures • A brick with the name of the vehicle
Model dimensions (L x H): 23 cm (9 ") x 10 cm (3.9")
The KV-1, or Kliment Voroshilov tank, was a Soviet heavy tank that played a significant role during the early years of World War II. Named after the Soviet defense commissar Kliment Voroshilov, the KV-1 was known for its formidable armor and firepower, making it a symbol of Soviet resistance against German forces during their invasion in 1941.
Design and Specifications
Dimensions: The KV-1 measured approximately 6.75 meters (22 feet) in length, 3.3 meters (10 feet) in width, and stood about 2.7 meters (nearly 9 feet) tall.
Weight: It weighed around 43.5 tons, making it one of the heaviest tanks of its time.
Armor: The tank featured armor thickness ranging from 35 mm to 90 mm, which was highly effective against contemporary anti-tank weapons.
Armament: The KV-1 was equipped with a 76.2 mm gun (initially the L-11, later upgraded to the F-32 and ZIS-5) and three DT machine guns124.
Performance
The KV-1 was powered by a V-2K diesel engine that produced 600 horsepower, allowing it to achieve a top speed of about 35 km/h (22 mph) on flat terrain. Its design included a rear engine compartment, which contributed to its balance and weight distribution24. Despite its heavy armor, the tank had notable flaws:
Mobility Issues: The KV-1's weight limited its maneuverability, particularly in crossing bridges or traversing difficult terrain.
Steering Difficulties: The outdated transmission system made it challenging to drive, often leading to operational failures more frequently than enemy action would12.
Combat History
The KV-1 first saw action during the Battle of Raseiniai in June 1941. It initially caused significant problems for German forces due to its heavy armor, which could withstand most anti-tank fire at standard combat ranges. German troops often resorted to flanking maneuvers or using artillery at close range to neutralize KV-1s124.
Despite its initial success, the KV-1's effectiveness diminished as the war progressed due to advances in German anti-tank technology and tactics. By mid-war, it became clear that while the KV-1 had been a formidable opponent early in the conflict, its design limitations hindered its continued effectiveness on the battlefield.
Variants and Legacy
Several variants of the KV series were developed:
KV-2: Featured a larger turret with a powerful 152 mm howitzer for bunker-busting capabilities.
KV-1S: A lighter version with reduced armor thickness aimed at improving speed and mobility.
KV-85: An upgraded variant equipped with an 85 mm gun as a stopgap measure before the introduction of newer IS series tanks.
The KV series laid the groundwork for subsequent Soviet heavy tanks, influencing designs such as the IS series that followed later in the war24. Despite its flaws, the KV-1 remains an iconic representation of Soviet armored warfare during World War II.
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