- Yes, as an event vehicle
- Yes, as a premium/teach tree
- No, I would not like to see this in the game
Overview
Overview
The Odessa NI tank (NI‑1, “Na Ispug” – “For Intimidation”) was a uniquely improvised armored fighting vehicle built in 1941 during the Siege of Odessa. When conventional Soviet armor was scarce, local factories and workers converted STZ‑5 artillery tractors into rudimentary “tanks” by adding improvised armor and available weapons.
This vehicle’s historical context, rarity, and unusual construction make it a strong candidate for a limited‑time event vehicle in War Thunder.
Historical Background
Backround
In 1941, as Axis forces advanced into Soviet territory, Odessa became a key defensive target. When regular armored units were insufficient, engineers and factory workers at the January Uprising Mechanical Plant began converting STZ‑5 tractors into armored fighting vehicles.
Multiple factories contributed to the effort, with parts and armor sourced from shipyards, rail depots, and industrial workshops. These tractors were fitted with steel plates, often layered with wood and rubber for small arms resistance, and equipped with whatever weapons could be salvaged. Approximately 55–70 vehicles were completed by the time Odessa fell in October 1941.
The NI tank’s name, “Na Ispug”, literally means “for fright,” reflecting the vehicle’s psychological role on the battlefield — often intended to surprise or intimidate enemy forces. Its first known combat use was in early September 1941, making early September an ideal timeframe for a themed in-game event.
Design and Armor
Spoiler
The NI tank’s armor was improvised and varied widely between vehicles:
- Front: ~10–20 mm naval or boiler plate steel
- Sides: ~8–15 mm
- Rear: ~8–10 mm
Armor often consisted of sandwiched steel, wood, and rubber layers, offering reasonable protection against small arms and shrapnel while remaining largely ineffective against anti‑tank weapons.
Different turret designs were used — from modified T‑26 turrets with DT machine guns to completely improvised structures when proper turrets weren’t available. (en.topwar.ru)
Armament
Spoiler
Armament on the NI tank was equally improvised and varied based on availability:
- 37 mm guns (mountain or captured types)
- 45 mm anti‑tank guns from destroyed vehicles
- 7.62 mm DT machine guns
- In rare cases, dummy gun barrels were installed purely for intimidation
Some early units reportedly used modified T‑26 turrets, though photographic evidence often shows DT machine guns rather than full 37 mm tank guns.
The 37 mm armament — if present — would give the vehicle limited penetration against early light armor, while machine gun variants would serve mainly as infantry support.
Mobility
Spoiler
The NI tank was built on the STZ‑5 artillery tractor chassis:
- Engine: ~44–52 hp 1MA petrol engine
- Top speed: ~7 km/h (~4 mph) to ~20–30 km/h (depending on load)
- Range: ~140 km (87 mi)
Mobility was poor compared to true tanks, but adequate for short defensive movements and trench support. Its noise and awkward handling added to its psychological impact.
Variants and Construction Diversity
Spoiler
Because production was improvised and lacked standardization, no two NI tanks were exactly alike. Known variations included:
- Machine‑gun‑only versions
- Vehicles with improvised turrets
- Units with salvaged 37 mm or 45 mm guns
- Some with no turret at all
- Armor thickness and configuration varied depending on materials available
This diversity makes the NI tank ideal for unique in‑game representation, possibly even inspiring multiple event versions or visual variants.
More Images
More Backround
Spoiler
The NI tank’s value was not in conventional armored engagement but in psychological warfare. Accounts suggest that Romanian troops, unfamiliar with Soviet improvised armor, were temporarily confused or frightened when confronted with these unusual machines — especially at night or in low visibility conditions.
Some reports describe a night attack near Odessa where improvised tractors disoriented Axis infantry, leading to tactical confusion. This anecdote underscores the vehicle’s effectiveness in its specific historical context.
Miscellaneous
Spoiler
Comparison With Other War Thunder Vehicles
The NI tank fits well with existing low‑BR vehicles in War Thunder:
- Improvised armor comparable to other early armored cars
- Light armament similar to light reconnaissance vehicles
- Low speed and limited mobility match early battlefield roles
It would add unique flavor to the Soviet lineup without disrupting game balance.
Suggested Implementation
- Type: Event vehicle
- Battle Rating: 1.0 – 1.3
- Role: Early‑tier assault/support/novelty vehicle
Event Timing
Releasing this vehicle around early September (ideally September 1st) would honour its historical first use in September 1941 during the defence of Odessa.
Why It Should Be Added
- Historically notable improvised vehicle from a major WWII siege
- Iconic design reflecting Soviet ingenuity under pressure
- Low‑tier novelty with real combat usage
- Fits within existing game balance parameters
- Offers unique gameplay experience
Conclusion
The Odessa NI tank stands out as one of WWII’s most unusual armored vehicles, a testament to improvisation, resourcefulness, and psychological warfare. Its inclusion as a War Thunder event vehicle would celebrate a fascinating piece of history while providing players with a distinctive and entertaining low‑BR vehicle.
Blue prints
Here is blue print of one of the versions of the NI-1
Sources
- NI tank - Wikipedia
- Odessa Tank / NI - Tank Encyclopedia
- https://www.wardrawings.be/WW2/Files/1-Vehicles/Allies/2-USSR/01-LightTanks/NI/NI.htm
- NI Tank (Odessa Tank): Photos, History, Specification
- NI tank
- https://www.warhistoryonline.com/history/soviet-ni-1-improvised-tank.html
- The most unusual tank in WWII - Russia Beyond
- Tanks "NI": number and design
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpNpk15-eAs
