Steel Soviet Union

The mechanically driven IS6 heavy tank that was finally delivered to Malashenko weighed 5 tons. Maybe this was nothing to the Germans who ran a zoo, but for the Soviet tank troops, it was still put into actual combat. For the first time, a heavy tank broke through the 50-ton mark.

He led his own vehicle crew and brigade security troops to march and stood in the middle of the long march. Half of Malashenko's body was hanging outside the turret, holding the Deshka heavy machine gun in the commander's position in front of him with both hands. Looking at the surrounding scenery along the way, the unique Kursk Steppe would have been a breathtakingly beautiful place in peacetime.

"Iushkin, Seryosha, Kirill, check the communication, test the new equipment, receive a reply, completed."

The maximum output horsepower of the V-type 12-cylinder diesel engine reaches 700 horsepower. For the IS6 heavy tank with a total combat weight of just over 50 tons, this power-to-weight ratio is obviously sufficient to meet actual combat needs, except for the huge engine operating noise. , enough to prevent Malashenko, who was outside the turret, from talking to the members inside the vehicle, at least "as it should be."

But now, Malashenko has just received a new device in the car, an inconspicuous little device that is very helpful in improving combat effectiveness.

In the same movement as Malashenko's hand reaching for his throat, Iushkin, who heard the clear voice of Comrade Commander in the car, was the first to reply.

"Hear me clearly, Comrade Commander, this is much better than shouting at the top of our lungs."

As the prototype vehicle arrived at the front line, the in-car intercom system that came with the vehicle completely changed the situation in the past where everyone could only yell at the top of their lungs.

This set of small equipment does not have much technical content, but it has a great bonus in improving combat power and is very popular with Malashenko.

In subsequent battles, just like the German armored soldiers, you only need to press the button of the sounder close to the throat. The sound level of a normal family conversation is enough to communicate in the battle. Communication in the battle relies entirely on shouting and gestures. Gone are the days of .

The clear words of the crew members came from the loudspeaker placed close to the ear of the tank cap, and Malashenko, who was in a much better mood, grinned.

"How does it feel to drive the new car, Seryosha?"

It is no exaggeration to say that the driver alone accounts for at least 50% of the combat effectiveness of a tank in actual combat.

An experienced driver is as familiar with the tank as he is with himself: when to move forward, when to shift gears, what angle is easiest to shift, and how to avoid driving the tank like it has just been fed. A clumsy fat pig. Seryosha, as the official driver of Comrade Brigadier's car, obviously knew this very well.

"It's a bit surprising, Comrade Commander, but the new car is indeed better to drive than the IS2! Maybe it's my imagination, but my hands and feet really told me so, maybe they are lying to me, maybe, four A little bad guy."

"Ha ha ha ha"

The nonsensical joke that suddenly jumped out of Seryosha's mouth instantly amused all the members of the crew, including Malashenko himself.

With a smile on his face, Malashenko pressed the throat intercom again and sent an invitation to Iushkin, who was sitting in the gunner's position doing nothing.

"Come up, Iushkin, come out and see the scenery."

"You have the final say, Comrade Commander."

Less than three seconds after he finished speaking, the top cover of the turret on the other side of Malashenko was pushed outward by internal forces. The upper body of Iushkin, wearing a tank hat on his head, emerged from the running tower and breathed. With the fresh air in his mouth, he spoke with emotion.

"When the war is over, I will move my family to Kursk. It's so beautiful here!"

"Blue sky, grassland, and delicious air that can be breathed at any time! Moving my family here may make me become a poet or novelist. Maybe I will burst out with inspiration like Ostrovsky. I like it here, Comrade Commander!”

Iushkin's expression didn't look like he was lying. Malashenko, who had no intention of playing a spoiler role, smiled and stretched out his hand to hit Iushkin's chest next to him.

"If you can become a novelist, a top student like Kirill can work as a secretary for Comrade Stalin. Am I right, Kirill!"

Kirill, who was undoubtedly the youngest in the car, did not answer. Malashenko could guess that Kirill's face was red and he didn't know how to reply. In this era, educated and educated people are more or less noble-minded, especially top students like Kirill, who can talk so casually like a rough guy like him.

"Those Germans will taste our power, Comrade Commander! I will use the new 122 gun to kick the butts of those Germans and turn their garbage tanks into steel crematoriums one after another! I said Do it.”

Malashenko had no reason to doubt the authenticity of what Iushkin said. In fact, except for Lavrinenko, who was always modest, Iushkin was really considered the best ace gunner in the entire brigade.

Malashenko estimated that Lavrinenko's gunnery skills, which had not been used in battle for a long time, must have declined, just like himself, who was also the commander.

"Don't scare away all the Germans at once. They still have some big guys who are worth dealing with seriously. Also, don't underestimate the enemy too much. You know it won't end well."

It was the N+1 time that Iushkin heard Comrade Commander repeat the same old tune. He grinned and did not reply. He raised his right arm into a fist and raised it to the central axis of the turret, slowly rising from the horizon. There is a unique feeling under the light of dawn rising on the horizon.

Malashenko, who was watching this scene, certainly knew what Iushkin meant. Without saying a word, he raised his arm and made it into a fist and lightly touched Iushkin.

Before the two arms that had just strengthened each other could completely put down, a huge, earth-shaking explosion ripped apart the early morning dawn and came from a distance.

Boom——Boom——

Da da da da da——

Boom——Boom——

He originally thought that the battle would not break out until he arrived at the position, but judging from the current situation, the Germans were obviously impatient for victory.

Malashenko, who originally just ordered the troops to advance at a constant speed, saw this situation and no longer thought about mechanical wear and mechanization hours saving tanks.

Whether the car runs or not is another matter. Let's teach these crazy Germans the principles of life first and then talk about the rest.

Malashenko, who dodged and retracted into the turret, grabbed the radio transmitter hanging on the turret next to him. Malashenko, who was still able to conduct full-channel, large-scale communications in this way, immediately gave an order.

"All crew members step on the accelerator! Go ahead at full speed! Ula!"