Comparing: KV-1S vs. VK 36.01 (H)

A further modification of the KV-1 heavy tank series developed in the summer of 1942. It passed into Red Army service on August 20, 1942. Compared to its predecessors, KV-1S had several design features which allowed for the tank’s weight to be reduced to 42.3 tons. Also, the KV-1S had increased top speed, maneuverability, and durability. However, the 76-mm ZIS-5 gun remained. This, coupled with reduced and inefficient armoring, made the new vehicle basically equal to the Т-34 in terms of battle performance. A total of 1,083 vehicles of this modification were manufactured. This tank was widely used on all fronts of the Great Patriotic War.

An experimental German WWII heavy tank developed by Henschel. The vehicle was a further development of the VK 30.01 (H) project and a stage in the design process for the Tiger. A total of eight chassis and one prototype were built in 1942. During the development, various technical solutions were trialed. Some of them later served as a basis for German heavy tank designs during the WWII. The chassis was also used in armored recovery vehicles.