I-12 – artillery tractor

The need for a new, powerful and high-speed tractors appeared in the Red Army in the autumn 1941 of the year, when modern medium and heavy tanks began to come to the front in a significant number, and artillery. Issue old tractors (except lung STZ-5) It was terminated, and the remaining machines in service of this type already rather worn out and also did not meet the requirements of the times.

New draft arttyagacha labeled "D" at the beginning 1942 engineer of the year has developed NATI EG. priest's. An interesting feature of its structure is the parallel arrangement of the two power units GAS-MM, transmit power placed behind the cross shaft. Chassis for the most part was borrowed from a light tank T-60. The prototype machine, built by the experienced construction NATI, autumn 1942 He has passed the test and then to the finalization and preparation for serial production was transferred to Yaroslavl Automobile Plant (YAAZ).
YAZ experts in collaboration with the engineers have changed the layout NATI art tractor, improved suspension and increased his total weight, which led to a decrease in the maximum speed of the machine, but it increased its traction to 5200 kgf! In such a high-speed tractor was designated as I-11, and in April 1943 It was adopted by the Red Army. Initial order for him was 50 copies, but mass production was disrupted by German air raids on Engine Plant GAZ. Critical situation was overcome only by the unexpectedly arrived from the US party powertrains, which included diesel engine GMC-4-71, plate clutch and five-speed gearbox. Within a month, these units and newly developed fuel and other systems equipped with artillery tractor, get the next index I-12. It was presented to the commission in Moscow, and after the approval of the Soviet leadership began serial production of this car. Total from August to the end 1943 year was made 285 Tractor I-12.

Used tractors I-12 predominantly in the compounds of artillery and showed good reliability in operation and a smooth ride. Drivers marked spacious cockpit and wide body with folding benches, covered with a tarpaulin top. Among the shortcomings of the machine consisted of poor adhesion of narrow tracks on slippery roads, low ground clearance and lack of winch for loading and unloading. Besides, when the cold hard to start the engine.
Due to lack of diesel engines in the US 1944 the plant produced several hundred more streamlined tractors, Soviet petrol engines equipped with VMS and VMS-5M-5MF. they were designated, respectively, I-13 and I-13F.
In general, artillery tractors I-12 proved to be very efficient machines. AT 1945 year they took part in the Victory Parade in Moscow, and in the Armed Forces served until the mid 50s.

The performance characteristics of the truck I-12

Photos artillery tractors I-12 with 100-mm guns in the Czech Republic 1945 year.

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