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TKWG’s suggestion #1
The Object 416 (Объект 416), also known as the SU-100M, was a prototype Soviet self-propelled artillery, light tank, and tank destroyer. The categorization of the vehicle has been the subject of some debate due to the conflicting sources, with some considering it a tank destroyer, while others classify it as a light tank or self-propelled artillery vehicle. At the end of the 1940s, the Soviet Union recognized the pressing need to replace its aging fleet of tank destroyers, such as the SU-76M and SU-100, which were becoming increasingly outdated in the face of modern armored threats. This recognition led to a series of new projects, one of which was the Object 416/SU-100M.
object416 in the patriot park
The design of the Object 416 was spearheaded by a team under the leadership of P.P. Vasiliev, and it was intended to meet several specific requirements set forth by the USSR Council of Ministers. These requirements included the need for a 100mm rifled gun, reinforced armor, and the ability to engage both enemy tanks and fortifications effectively. The goal was to create a more advanced and versatile vehicle capable of countering the evolving threats posed by post-war armored vehicles.
To fulfill this ambitious project, Kharkiv Plant No. 75, known for its contributions to Soviet tank design, was appointed as the lead construction facility. The Kharkiv plant, located in the heart of Soviet industrial production, played a crucial role in the development of Soviet tanks and armored vehicles. The engineers at Kharkiv worked to design a vehicle that combined firepower, protection, and mobility into a single package. The result was the Object 416, which incorporated a 100mm M-63 rifled gun, derived from the D-10T tank gun used on earlier Soviet tanks like the T-54. This gun was capable of firing a range of ammunition, including armor-piercing shells and high-explosive anti-tank rounds, making the vehicle highly effective against both armored and soft targets.
driver area in the object 416
In terms of protection, the Object 416 featured reinforced armor, with the hull constructed from steel plates and the turret being made from cast armor. The vehicle’s armor thickness varied, with the frontal sections being the thickest, offering a high level of protection against incoming fire. The low profile of the vehicle was also a key design feature, intended to reduce its visibility on the battlefield, making it a smaller and more difficult target for enemy gunners. However, the low profile also posed challenges, as it restricted internal space, limiting the comfort and efficiency of the crew. This design trade-off was a source of concern during testing, as it made the operation of the vehicle more cramped and less practical for prolonged combat scenarios.
Powering the Object 416 was a 400-horsepower V-12 boxer diesel engine, which provided adequate mobility for the vehicle’s weight class. The engine was located at the front of the vehicle, a configuration that was common in Soviet tank designs. This front-mounted engine contributed to a balanced weight distribution, enhancing the vehicle’s overall handling and stability. The Object 416 was capable of achieving a maximum speed of 50 km/h, with a reverse speed of 20 km/h, enabling it to reposition quickly on the battlefield if necessary.
top of the obj 416
Despite its promising design and features, the Object 416 faced several operational challenges during its testing phase. One of the primary issues was the cramped interior of the turret, which made it difficult for the crew to operate the vehicle efficiently. The low profile, while offering advantages in terms of stealth, created tight working conditions for the crew, and the vehicle’s turret rotation was also relatively slow. Furthermore, there were mechanical and reliability issues, particularly with the suspension system, which led to concerns about the durability of the vehicle in combat.
In the end, the Object 416 project was canceled before it could be mass-produced. Only a few prototypes were built, and while it showed promise in some areas, the vehicle’s limitations and the development of more advanced systems led to its abandonment. The Soviet Union eventually shifted its focus toward other tank designs, most notably the T-54, which became one of the most successful Soviet tanks of the post-war era. However, the Object 416’s innovative features, such as its combination of firepower, mobility, and protection, continued to influence the development of Soviet armored vehicles in the years to come.
Although the Object 416 was never produced in large numbers or deployed in combat, its design represented an important step in Soviet tank development. It reflected the USSR’s ongoing efforts to develop advanced armored vehicles that could face the challenges posed by modern warfare in the 1950s. The Object 416 remains an interesting piece of military history, showcasing the Soviet Union’s early post-war attempts to modernize its armored forces and its constant push to adapt to changing battlefield requirements.
specifications
ARMOR
the obj416 had armor made from steel armor plates that was considerd pretty light for the time being 60/45/45 for the hull and 110mm for the turret, but what it did have to its advantage is:
- it was very flat, very similar to the obj775
- it had a front-mounted engine, giving an extra layer of protection
ENGINE & MANEUVERABILITY
the 24T tank featured a 12 cylinder boxer diesel engine being able to generate up to 400HP which let it reach an estimated max speed of 45km/h on flat terrain. one problem is that the gear box is unkown, the reverse speed is estimated to be about 20km/h but no sources are able to confirm it.
armaments
the tank destroyer featured the M63, a veriant of the D10T 100MM cannon, same as in T55 and could fire between 5-7 rounds per minute due to its chain driven loading mechanism,turret rotation speed was approximately 40 degrees per second , it had up to 36 degrees of elevation and -5 degrees of depression, it could hold up to 30 rounds of the following types:
- APCBCHE (armor piercing capped ballistic capped high explosive
- HE (high explosives)
- APCBC (armor piercing capped ballistic capped)
- HEAT (high explosives anti tank)
it also featured a 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun and two smoke barrels in the back.
the back of the obj416
sources:
- https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/prototypes/object-416-su-100m/
- Anti-tank self-propelled guns "Object 416": why the project was closed
- https://www.warhistoryonline.com/military-vehicle-news/inside-the-chieftains-hatch-object-416-2.html
- Obiekt 416 - Wikipedia’
(this is my first dev suggestion, sorry if its not perfect)