Tanks assembled by Soviet designers were considered the best in the world. Huge batches of different models of tanks were exported and sent abroad. According to experts, foreign designers borrowed a lot of technical solutions of these particular combat vehicles of the USSR. Among the various samples of military equipment, the tank, which is listed as A-32 in the technical documentation, deserves special attention. You will learn about the history of the creation of the A-32 tank, its device and performance characteristics from this article.
Introduction to the combat unit
A-32 is a Soviet medium tracked tank. It was presented with just one single prototype, which only members of the government could see in 1939. The show took place at the training ground in Kubinka. As a result, the A-32 tank was approved by the leadership and decided, after the conduct of design improvements, to be adopted by the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army. Army. According to military experts, this model served as the basis for the legendary T-34.
Begin designing
In September 1938, after reviewing the BT-20 layout, Soviet designers were given the task of producing three tanks (two of them should be tracked and one wheeled-tracked) and one armored hull. By 1939, design bureau No. 24 had prepared several drawings for the A-20 and began designing a tracked version, which was listed as A-20G.
Later it became the A-32 tank. In view of the fact that since 1930 alphabetic indices were introduced in the USSR, and the tank itself was assembled at the Kharkov Locomotive Plant (KhPZ), which had the “A” index, this letter designation was assigned to the combat unit. In February 1939, a regular meeting of the People's Defense Committee (NPO) was held, at which it was decided to allocate funds for further development. Fearing that the designers would not have time to meet the tight deadlines, the military was asked to direct all their forces specifically to the wheeled-tracked A-20. However, the head of the design bureau Koshkin M. I. convinced the commission that it was necessary to work in two directions at once.
About creation
By May 1939, both versions of the tanks were ready and the developers began their sea trials. During testing, it turned out that the A-20 is more mobile. However, in such a parameter as patency, the A-32 tank turned out to be better. In addition, the chassis of the A-20 made it difficult to strengthen itarmor protection and the installation of more powerful guns. The reverse situation was observed with model no. 32. This technique is with 10 mm armor. The A-32 tank was armed with a 76 mm L-10 gun.
About Decree 443
After the tests in Kubinka, the leadership of the NPO ordered to increase the armor protection to 4.5 cm. In addition, the following design improvements were provided:
- The tracked T-32 should have improved visibility.
- The tank should be equipped with a 76mm F-32 cannon coaxial with a 7.62mm machine gun.
- An individual machine gun 7, 62 mm was provided for the radio operator.
- The new tank should be listed as T-34.
- By the beginning of spring 1940, work on two tanks should be completed.
About pendant
The equipment was equipped with a Christie-type suspension. This design was invented by American engineer John Christie. Unlike the traditional spring suspension, this suspension provided the tank with a large dynamic move. As a result, the A-32 could overcome rough terrain with greater speed. The use of Christie's suspension provided for a reduction in the height of the tank, namely it was with a lower profile.
TTX
The A-32 tank has the following performance characteristics:
- This model belongs to the class of medium tanks with a classic layout.
- The combat weight was 19 tons.
- There are 4 people in the crew.
- Total length 596cm, width 265cm, height 243.5see
- A-32 with rolled steel surface-hardened armor.
- Front hull at 35 degrees.
- Armament is represented by a rifled 76.2 mm L-10U cannon with telescopic and periscopic sights and two DT machine guns of 7.62 mm caliber.
- A-32 with V-12 liquid-cooled B2 diesel engine.
- The power unit was rated at 500 horsepower.
- The tank was moving along the highway at a speed of 70 km/h.
- A-32 with a cruising range of 400 km on the highway, 350 km on rough terrain.
A-32 in World of Tanks
Fans of computer games can fight on the A-32 tank. In WOT, he is a promotional (previously premium) medium tank of the fourth level, which has the dynamic characteristics of a lung.
Judging by the numerous reviews of gamers, the A-32 is ideal for both reconnaissance operations and for destroying enemy artillery. To play this model, you do not need to pump additional modules. Players note that the tank has high speed, but problematic maneuverability if it is overclocked. On a sharp turn, the A-32 loses its speed and can become a good target for the enemy. Due to the fact that excellent land mines are provided for this military equipment, it can be used to destroy light tanks. However, while moving, the accuracy of the gun is quite low. For this reason, the A-32 in WOT is not suitable for breaking through to enemy self-propelled artilleryinstallations. Due to the high mobility of the tank, it is possible to change flanks on-line. Its maintenance and repair will cost the gamer quite cheaply. In general, despite the mediocre accuracy of the gun, this tank has a good margin of safety. In the game, it is represented by the already completed prototype T-34 of 1940, equipped with the new L-11 gun. In addition, the tank has a headlight that allows you to fight at night and set up ambushes.
