Main description

"Object 459" was an experimental Soviet tank design, developed in the latter stages of World War II. Combining features from two well-known Soviet tanks—the T-34-85 and the IS-2—Object 459 was intended to offer the firepower of a heavy tank in a smaller, more agile platform. Engineers sought a middle ground between heavy-armored firepower and the cost-effectiveness and mobility of medium tanks, hoping it would provide increased versatility in combat without compromising either.

Design

Object 459 featured the hull chassis of the T-34-85, a reliable and widely-produced medium tank, combined with the turret of the IS-2, a heavy tank known for its 122mm D-25T cannon.

Turret and Armament

The IS-2 turret brought powerful anti-armor capabilities, allowing Object 459 to engage heavily-armored targets more effectively than a typical T-34. This large turret had thick frontal armor but added considerable weight to the overall vehicle.

Hull and Chassis

Using the T-34-85’s hull provided Object 459 with better speed and maneuverability than the IS series. The chassis had adequate armor but was less protected than the IS tanks. The more compact hull contributed to reduced overall weight, helping maintain reasonable speed even with the added weight of the IS-2 turret.

Fuel and Mobility

Uniquely, Object 459 had external fuel tanks mounted on its sides, instead of at the rear. This fuel configuration helped keep the tank operational over longer distances, though it posed an increased fire risk.

Defensive Armament

Object 459 did not feature a commander’s machine gun, a common feature on many Soviet tanks. This omission reduced the tank's anti-infantry capability and left the vehicle more vulnerable to close-quarter attacks.

Development History

Object 459 was conceived around 1944, when Soviet tank designers were experimenting with hybrid vehicles to improve their tank fleet's flexibility. While combining parts from different tank models was not unusual, mounting the IS-2’s turret on a T-34 chassis presented unique challenges. The weight of the turret put a strain on the T-34 suspension and affected its handling and off-road performance.

Limited production runs were planned for testing, but due to the prototype's mixed performance, it did not enter mass production. Object 459 remained an experimental model that demonstrated both the strengths and limitations of modular designs. Its hybrid nature offered valuable lessons that influenced later tank development in the Soviet postwar tank program.

Controls/credits in instructions

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