ACE 72256 Soviet BS-3 heavy anti-tank gun (100mm)

The BS-3 (another designation: field gun model 1944) is a Soviet, towed field and anti-tank gun of 100 mm caliber from the period of World War II and the Cold War. Its first prototypes were probably created in 1943, and serial production was carried out in the years 1944-1951. The initial velocity of the anti-tank shell fired from this gun was up to 985 m / s, and the rate of fire was up to 7-10 rounds per minute, with a maximum range of 20,500 meters.

The idea to develop a new anti-tank gun for the Red Army was born at the beginning of 1943, when the Soviet command was afraid of the German introduction of new heavy and medium tanks, such as the Pz.Kpfw, on a larger scale. V or Pz.Kpfw. VI. The design of the BS-3 gun was based on many solutions already proven in the M-60 gun and - above all - the B-34 gun. The pace of work on the new gun was very fast and the first prototypes were developed in mid-July 1943. Field trials and weapon upgrades continued until the summer of 1944, when the BS-3 entered mass production. It turned out to be a very successful cannon, with enormous firepower, able to counter the Pz.Kpfw tanks. VI Tiger II even at distances of 1200-1600 meters. It was also characterized by relatively simple operation and high reliability. Its advantages made it an effective weapon against tanks until the beginning of the 1960s. It remained in the service of the Soviet Army until 1991! The gun BS-3 was used by many foreign users, including Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Poland and Vietnam.