T-32

The first heavy tank adopted by the Red Army was the T-32 (also referred to as M-II), and appeard in 1930-31. This tank was based on the TG3/T-29 (Tank Grotte). This multi-turreted idea had arisen in England, but were also tested by the germans in prototype form as "Grosstractors". The idea of multi-turreted heavy tanks was supposed to enable units to operate independently, and have a chance to engage more than one enemy at the same time. With the great firepower and the thick armourplates made it possible for the T-32 to attack heavily defended areas with pillboxes, with help from the infantry, attacking behind the vehicle. The T-32 was based on the brittish A-1 "Independent" design and had 5 turrets; Mainturret mounting a 76.2mm gun, two smaller sub-turrets mounting 37mm antitank-guns, and two additional turrets with machineguns. The 76.2mm gun was mounted centrally, with the 37mm turrets placed diagonally to the front and rear on the left-hand side. The interior arrangement was identical to that in the T-28. The chassis was of riveted and welded construction and the tank was hermetically sealed against gasattacks. The hydrualic transmission was not very satisfactory. The suspension consisted of six large road wheels, combined in bogie units of two each, they were sprung by a scissors system using compression springs.

If YOU have any questions, suggestions or have something to correct, feel free to send me E-mail. I am also open to swap links between related sites.
Thorleif