SU-122



Overview


SU-122

Soviet SU-122 assault gun on the move near Prokhorovka in 1943.

Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Assault gun
Entered service
1943
Status
Out of service
Development
April 1942 - December 1942
Developer
Soviet Union - F.F. Petrov design bureau
Production
December 1942 - Mid 1944
Producer
Soviet Union - UZTM
Number produced
628 incl prototype (Russian sources)
1.150 (Western sources)
Designations
SU-122 / Samokhodnaya Ustanovka 122mm
Russian for "self-propelled howizer 122mm"
StuG SU122 (r)
Nazi German captured vehicle

Description


The SU-122 is a self-propelled howitzer of Soviet origin. It was designed for infantry support, but could also be used for indirect fire if required. The SU-122 is based on the chassis of the T-34 tank. The casemate superstructure houses a 122mm M-30 howitzer modified to fit the vehicle. The SU-122 was used alongside the SU-76 tank destroyer.

In combat the SU-122 proved successful in the fire support role. The armament proved powerful enough to deal with enemy tanks, but also less accurate than dedicated anti-tank guns. After World War 2 the SU-122 was no longer actively used, nor was it ever exported. Few vehicles survived the war and more capable vehicles had been produced in large numbers.

Details


Facts SU-122
General
Origin
USSR
Type
Assault gun
Crew
5
Dimensions
Weight
30.9 t
Length
6.95 m
Width
3.0 m
Height
2.32 m
Ground clearance
0.4 m
Main armament
Type
122mm M-30S howitzer
Ammunition
40 shells
Elevation
-3 to +25 degrees
Traverse
20 degrees left and right
Stabilisation
No
Automotive
Chassis type
Tracked, 5 roadwheels
Layout
Idler front and drive sprocket rear
Suspension type
Christie suspension
Ground pressure
0.68 kg/cm^2
Engine
Klimov model V-2-34 V12 diesel engine
Power output
500 hp
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Mobility
Max speed
55 km/h on roads
15 to 20 km/h off road
Range
200 - 280 km
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.5 m
Fording
1.3 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Max thickness
45 mm casemate front, sides and mantlet
20 mm roof

Media


Related articles


122mm M-30

The M-30S ordnance use on the SU-122 is derived from the M-30 towed howitzer.