Country of origin |
Soviet Union |
Entered service |
1956 |
Crew |
6 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
28.1 t |
Length (gun forward) |
8.46 m |
Hull length |
6.22 m |
Width |
3.27
m |
Height |
2.71 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
2 x 57 mm |
Machine guns |
- |
Projectile weight |
2.8 kg |
Maximum slant range |
4 km |
Maximum firing range |
12 km |
Rate of fire |
240 rpm |
Elevation range |
- 5 to + 85 degrees |
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
300 |
Machine guns |
- |
Mobility |
Engine |
V-54 diesel |
Engine power |
520 hp |
Maximum road speed |
50 km/h |
Range |
420 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
0.8 m |
Trench |
2.7 m |
Fording |
1.4 m |
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The ZSU-57-2
is a Soviet Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG). Its development
began in the late 1940s. It
was officially adopted by the Soviet Army and production commenced in
1956. Eventually the ZSU-57-2 was replaced by a more modern and much more effective
ZSU-23-4 Shilka. Despite its age the ZSU-57-2 is still in service with a
number of countries today.
This SPAAG
is fitted with two S-68 57 mm guns. It was essentially a twin mount
of the S-60 towed
anti-aircraft gun. These guns are air-cooled, so after firing 50-60 rounds in
rapid mode the guns have to cool down. These guns are
fed from magazines. Each magazine holds 4 rounds. The ZSU-57-2
fires fragmentation-tracers rounds against air targets and armor-piercing
tracer rounds against ground targets. Direct hit of a single 57 mm round
easily destroyed fighter or ground attack aircraft.
The ZSU-57-2
has got no radar and uses open sights instead. Optical sight is used
to engage ground targets. Due to the lack of night vision equipment
the ZSU-57-2 it is not effective at night.
This SPAAG
has a very thin steel armor (maximum thickness 15 mm). Open top makes it defenseless against attacks from above. The ZSU-57-2
also lacks NBC protection system.
Vehicle has
a crew of 6, including commander, gunner, assistant gunner, 2
loaders and a driver.
The ZSU-57-2
SPAAG chassis uses many automotive components of the T-54 medium tank.
Vehicle is powered by a V-54 diesel engine, developing 520
horsepower.
Variants
Type 80
SPAAG, Chinese copy of the ZSU-57-2, based on China's Type 69 medium
tank chassis.
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