VReward

KV-1SA

USSR·Heavy Tank

Starting in 1941, G. V. Barabash, a professor from the Academy of the WPRA Mechanization and Motorization Program, developed at least 5 variations of mechanized loading systems for Soviet combat vehicles. In July 1943, he proposed his most advanced option for shell loading, which could load 12–18 shells per minute and would be based on the KV-1S. The tank received an improved turret with two hatches on the side to load the shells and an improved rear recess that stored ammunition. Shells were also located in a mechanized rack at the bottom of the fighting compartment, under the gun. Since the mechanism was not fully automatic, a loader was still needed as part of the crew. Red Army GABTU representatives rejected the engineer's suggestions without even bothering to test the mechanism, and by early 1944, the mechanism for 76.2 mm guns was no longer relevant. After the war, G. V. Barabash managed to secure the copyright for several of his suggestions. Later, his ideas were likely considered by the design collectives that created loading mechanisms for Soviet tanks in the 1950–60s.