ISU-152

===Heavy tank destroyer===

===Heavy tank destroyer===

[[File:Panther hit by a ISU-152 HE shell.webp|thumb|Panther hit by an ISU-152 high-explosive shell]]

[[File:Panther hit by a ISU-152 HE shell.webp|thumb|Panther hit by an ISU-152 high-explosive shell]]

The ISU-152 could also operate as an effective heavy [[tank destroyer]]. Though it was not designed for the role, the vehicle inherited the nickname ''Zveroboy'' ("beast killer") from its predecessor, the SU-152, for its ability to reliably kill the best protected German fighting vehicles; the [[Panther tank]], the [[Tiger I]] and [[Tiger II]] tanks, and even the rare [[Elefant]] and [[Jagdtiger]] tank destroyers. The sheer weight of the 152.4 mm shells resulted in an extremely low rate of fire, only two to three rounds per minute, and were not as accurate at long range as high-velocity tank and anti-tank guns. However, the massive blast effect from the heavy high-explosive warhead was capable of blowing the turret completely off a Tiger tank. A direct hit usually destroyed or damaged the target's tracks and suspension, immobilizing it. While the low-velocity 152mm high-explosive shell did not generally penetrate heavy armor, it frequently killed or severely wounded the crew through spalling (splintering) inside the hull as well as injuries caused by blast concussion. Due to the brittle nature of German tank steel during the latter stages of the war, it was common for impacted armor plates to shatter from the concussive blast, or for weld lines to break, allowing the entire armor piece to fall away. Surviving crew were often left with an immobilized vehicle which had to be hurriedly abandoned before being destroyed.

The ISU-152 could also operate as an effective heavy [[tank destroyer]]. Though it was not designed for the role, the vehicle inherited the nickname ''Zveroboy'' ("beast killer") from its predecessor, the SU-152, for its ability to reliably kill the best protected German fighting vehicles; the [[Panther tank]], the [[Tiger I]] and [[Tiger II]] tanks, and even the rare [[Elefant]] and [[Jagdtiger]] tank destroyers. The sheer weight of the 152.4 mm shells resulted in an extremely low rate of fire, only two to three rounds per minute, and less accuracy at long range than high-velocity tank and anti-tank guns. However, the massive blast effect from the heavy high-explosive warhead was capable of blowing the turret completely off a Tiger tank. A direct hit usually destroyed or damaged the target's tracks and suspension, immobilizing it. While the low-velocity 152mm high-explosive shell did not generally penetrate heavy armor, it frequently killed or severely wounded the crew through spalling (splintering) inside the hull as well as injuries caused by blast concussion. Due to the brittle nature of German tank steel during the latter stages of the war, it was common for impacted armor plates to shatter from the concussive blast, or for weld lines to break, allowing the entire armor piece to fall away. Surviving crew were often left with an immobilized vehicle which had to be hurriedly abandoned before being destroyed.

For anti-tank operations following the July 1943 [[Battle of Kursk]], armour-piercing ammunition was developed, with an eye towards giving the howitzer a more traditional anti-tank capability. However, these rounds were expensive, in short supply, and only moderately more effective than the standard non-penetrating high-explosive round. As a howitzer the ML-20S exchanged velocity and accuracy for throw weight and distance, and was not intended to compete with true anti-tank guns. Sometimes the concrete-piercing ammunition was used for the anti-tank role. A primitive [[shaped charge]] ammunition, with a {{convert|27.44|kg|lb|2|adj=on}} shell, was also developed. It had a maximum penetration of 250 mm of [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]] at 90°, but it was not used during the war.

For anti-tank operations following the July 1943 [[Battle of Kursk]], armour-piercing ammunition was developed, with an eye towards giving the howitzer a more traditional anti-tank capability. However, these rounds were expensive, in short supply, and only moderately more effective than the standard non-penetrating high-explosive round. As a howitzer the ML-20S exchanged velocity and accuracy for throw weight and distance, and was not intended to compete with true anti-tank guns. Sometimes the concrete-piercing ammunition was used for the anti-tank role. A primitive [[shaped charge]] ammunition, with a {{convert|27.44|kg|lb|2|adj=on}} shell, was also developed. It had a maximum penetration of 250 mm of [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]] at 90°, but it was not used during the war.