The IS (Iosif Stalin) heavy tank is often referred to as the “tank of victory” in Soviet sources. The development of the IS series of tanks started in late 1942 as a response to the performance of the German Tiger tanks, and then the arrival of the Panther in 1943 imparted further urgency.

The IS-2 heavy tank was designed to replace the aging KV tanks as the Guards' heavy breakthrough units. The KV series were criticized by their crews for their low mobility, and lack of any heavier armament than that of the T-34 medium tank.

Armed with a 122mm gun, the IS-2 could reliably penetrate Tiger and Panther with armour piercing rounds, whilst the explosive power of its HE rounds could blow the turrets or tracks off enemy tanks.

Game Changer
The first encounters between IS-2 and Tiger tanks were decisive, with Soviet forces claiming to have killed over forty Tigers and other tank-hunters for the loss of only eight tanks. The 122mm gun proved to be the difference, easily penetrating the Tiger’s armour.

Compact Design
The IS-2 was 10 tonnes lighter than the German Tiger, yet had more armour and more powerful armament. This required compromises with the internal layout, restricting the crew to four and limiting the number of massive 122mm rounds to a maximum of 28.

THIS BOX CONTAINS:

• 5x Highly Detailed Plastic IS-2 Tanks

These miniatures require assembly and are supplied unpainted.