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ZSU-57-2 Sparka



Overview


ZSU-57-2

A Hungarian army ZSU-57-2 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.
Source: VargaA - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Entered service
1957
Status
Obsolete
Development
1947 - 1954
Developer
Soviet Union - Omsk factory No. 174
Soviet Union - Kaliningrad No. 58 research institute
Production
1957 - 1960 (USSR production)
Producer
Soviet Union - Omsk factory No. 174
North Korea
Number produced
2.023 in the USSR
250 in North Korea
Designations
Sparka (Soviet nickname)
Russian for "pair"
57 ITPSV SU-57-2 (Finnish service)
Notable users
Soviet Union

Description


Introduction

The ZSU-57-2 is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of Soviet origin. It was developed in the early 1950's to provide Soviet forces with air defense that could keep up with mechanized forces. The name ZSU stands for "Zenitnaya Samokhodnaya Ustanovka", which is Russian for "anti-aircraft self-propelled mount". The number 57 indicates the caliber and 2 the number of guns. The ZSU-57-2 possesses phenomenal firepower, but proved of limited use against jet aircraft.

Layout

The ZSU-57-2 is based on a modified T-54 tank chassis with only four road wheels. Instead of the normal tank turret a large boxy turret with two large 57mm S-68 autocannon is fitted. The turret has an open top and the gun sights are fitted are fitted on each side of the twin gun mount. Additional crew member manually reload the guns.

Firepower

The ZSU-57-2 possesses incredible firepower with its two 57mm S-68 autocannon. The cyclic rate of fire is 105 to 120 rpm per gun, but its practical rate of fire is limited as it uses five round clips. The maximum effective range is 4 km and altitude is 3 km, although the slant ranges are 12 km and 8 km respectively. A total of 300 rounds are carried.

Fire control

The ZSU-57-2 has no radar or fire control system. Only optical gun sights are fitted. This limits its use to clear weather and daytime. And although the ZSU-57-2 potentially has twice the firepower, the towed S-60 is more effective since it is connected to radar.

Protection

The steel armor provides the crew with some protection from small arms fire and shells splinters. The turret has no roof and during operation the crew is partly exposed. An NBC system and smoke grenade dischargers are both lacking.

Mobility

The T-54 chassis provides good cross country performance, but the speed is limited. A 520 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The maximum speed is 50 km/h on roads and about 30 km/h in the field. The maximum range is about 420 km and the ZSU-57-2 is not amphibious.

Users

The ZSU-57-2 was in common use with Soviet forces and several Warsaw Pact forces. Large quantities were exported to nations with ties to the USSR and many were used in conflicts in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In the 1970's most have been replaced by the more capable ZSU-23-4. Those that remain in service are considered obsolete, but remain useful against ground targets.

Details


Facts ZSU-57-2
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Crew
6 (commander, driver, gunner, 3 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
28.1 t combat load
Length
6.22 m hull
8.46 m guns forward
7.43 m guns rear
Width
3.27 m
Height
2.71 m
Main armament
Type
2x 57mm S-68 autocannon
Mount
Side by side in turret
Ammunition
300 rounds, 10 ready to fire
Elevation
-5 to +85°, powered, 20°/s
Traverse
360°, powered, 36°/s
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 4 roadwheels
Chassis layout
Idler front, drive sprocket rear
Track width
0.58 m
Length on ground
3.84 m
Ground pressure
0.63 kg/cm²
Tread
2.64 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine
Model V-54 V12 diesel diesel
Power output
520 hp at 2.000 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
812 L, 400 L auxiliary
Mobility
Speed
50 km/h on road
30 km/h off road
Range
420 km
595 km on auxiliary fuel
Power to weight ratio
18.5 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.43 m
Wall
0.8 m
Trench
2.7 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
1.4 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
14 mm glacis
15 mm hull sides
11 mm hull rear
14 mm turret all around
NBC system
None
Smoke system
Exhaust diesel injection
Equipment
Night vision
Yes, driver only

Media


Related articles


ZSU-23-4 Shilka

The ZSU-23-4 was developed as a more capable successor to the ZSU-57-2.

PGZ80

The PGZ80 is a Chinese derivative of the ZSU-57-2. It uses air burst ammunition and can be identified by the 5 roadwheel chassis and side skirts.

S-60

The S-68 main armament of the ZSU-57-2 is derived from the single barrel S-60 towed anti-aircraft gun.