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The Innovative Yet Flawed Soviet KV-7

Apr 24, 2025

Lecture Notes: The Story of the Soviet KV-7

Introduction

  • Context: German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 led to innovative military vehicles.
  • Focus: KV-7, a unique Soviet vehicle from the Kliment Voroshilov (KV) series.

Background on KV Series

  • KV Series: Served as the armored shield of the Red Army post-success in the Winter War.
  • Variants: Included turreted variants like KV-1, KV-2, and self-propelled guns like the KV-7.

The KV-7: A Three-Headed Dragon

  • Unique Feature: KV-7 was designed with three guns, an unconventional approach.
  • Development: Ordered by Stalin in November 1941 at the Chelyabinsk Kirov Factory.
  • Design: Featured a 76mm F-34 cannon and two 45mm cannons in a fixed casemate mount.
  • Prototype: First prototype completed by December 10th, 1941.

Design and Features

  • Compartment Layout: Box-like fighting compartment replacing turret, housing four crew members.
  • Armament:
    • 76mm: 93 rounds.
    • 45mm: 200 rounds.
    • Machine guns: Front and rear, with 3,591 rounds.
  • Armor: 75mm frontal armor, additional plates increased to 100mm-115mm in various parts.
  • Mobility: Weighed 47.5 tons, slightly heavier than KV-1.

Issues and Testing

  • Accuracy Problems: Triple gun arrangement was inaccurate due to different calibers.
  • Firing Issues: Salvo ability problematic, sight alignment issues with side guns.
  • Armor and Design Flaws: Insufficient armor, problematic ammo storage.
  • Outcome: Stalin ordered the cancellation of the triple gun design.

Transition to Twin Gun KV-7 (U-14)

  • Development: Began with twin 76mm ZiS-5 guns in January 1942.
  • Testing: Design flaws persisted, prototype left unused.

Legacy and Influence

  • Inspiration: Influenced the development of the SU-152 with a single 152mm howitzer.
  • Proposals: Various new designs proposed, leading to the successful SU-152 production.

Conclusion

  • KV-7's Role: Demonstrated issues of multi-gun configurations, paving the way for more successful designs.
  • Discussion Prompt: Was the KV-7 a worthwhile experiment or a resource drain?

Additional Information

  • War Thunder Promotion: Mention of the game War Thunder, sponsor of the content.
  • Acknowledgments: Thanks to contributors and supporters of the content.

Note: This study guide summarizes a lecture on the KV-7, capturing key points and concepts for review.

Full transcript