About This Product

The KW-1 (also known as KV-1) is a legendary Soviet heavy tank from the Second World War. Developed as a successor to the unsuccessful T-35 multi-turret tank, the first prototypes were completed in 1939, and the vehicle entered Red Army service in 1940. Throughout its production run, approximately 4,700 to 5,000 units were built. The tank featured a single turret design with impressive armor protection, informed by combat experience during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). At the time of its introduction, it surpassed nearly all German tanks in both armor thickness and firepower. It was powered by a single W-2K diesel engine producing up to 600 HP, giving this 42.5-ton vehicle its battlefield mobility. Its main armament consisted of a 76.2 mm ZiS-5 gun, supplemented by three 7.62 mm DT machine guns. Despite its formidable armor and gun, the KW-1 had notable drawbacks, including poor maneuverability and a high failure rate of mechanical components, particularly the drivetrain. It was used extensively during the German-Soviet War (1941–1945), and serial production continued until 1943, running alongside T-34 production. Key variants included the KW-1s (with improved reliability and ergonomics) and the KW-85 (armed with an 85 mm D-5T gun).

Features

LEGENDARY WWII SOVIET HEAVY TANK – The KW-1 (KV-1) was a groundbreaking vehicle that entered service in 1940. With over 4,700 units built, it became a symbol of Soviet armored might on the Eastern Front during the German-Soviet War (1941–1945).
POWERFUL ARMAMENT & THICK ARMOR – Equipped with a 76.2 mm ZiS-5 cannon and three 7.62 mm DT machine guns, the KW-1 outgunned most German tanks at the start of the war. Its heavy armor, developed from Spanish Civil War experience, provided exceptional crew protection for its time.
IMPRESSIVE ENGINE & COMBAT WEIGHT – Weighing up to 42.5 tons, the tank was powered by a 600 HP W-2K diesel engine, giving it the power needed to traverse difficult terrain despite its heavy armor and size.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE & VARIANTS – The KW-1 was a direct successor to the failed T-35 multi-turret tank. It spawned important variants, including the improved KW-1s (better reliability) and the upgunned KW-85 with an 85 mm D-5T gun.
NOTABLE DRAWBACKS & PRODUCTION HISTORY – While formidable, the KW-1 suffered from poor maneuverability and frequent mechanical failures, especially in the drivetrain. Despite these issues, it remained in serial production until 1943, serving alongside the legendary T-34.