SU-76 on wheels | KSP-76/GAZ-68

The SU-76 remains, to this day, one of the most well known Soviet self-propelled guns of the Second World War. Yet, at the start of its production, it was plagued by unreliability and mechanical issues caused by its drivetrain. Thus, production was halted at only 560 units in order to remedy these problems. Solutions came with the SU-76M in 1943, but in between this period, another vehicle was designed, not to replace the SU-76, but rather supplement it. This was the GAZ-68 (also later referred to as KSP-76). Meant as a desperate and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to bolster tactical mobility, it was meant to provide close support artillery for rifle and cavalry units through direct fire. The GAZ-68 was based on a truck chassis, and the main gun would still be the famous ZiS-3 field gun.

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Sources:
S. Lopovok, Inventor and Rationalizer, No 12,
Zaloga, Steven J., James Grandsen Soviet Tanks and Combat Vehicles of World War Two
A.V. Karpenko. Part 1. Light self-propelled artillery installations / Domestic self-propelled artillery and anti-aircraft installations
Солянкин А.Г., Павлов М.В., Павлов И.В., Желтов И.Т. Отечественные бронированные машины. XX век. Том 2. 1941-1945
TsAMO & GABTU archives (from A. Tarasov)

An article by Pavel Alexe & Alex Tarasov
Narrated by Stan Lucian
Video edited by Pavel Alexe
Sound edited by Gabe

[jgrandson]

Well, the KSP-76 looks like a very mobile ZIS-5 field gun, perfect for reinforcing defensive lines or keeping it up with a fast moving front. But doesnt really seems a good assault cannon.

[wmd]

17:30 Crew compartment being too small ? When has that ever stopped Ivan.

[WildBillCox]

Strange. Nice way to get a gun in position quickly and cheaply. That's one kind of strategic thinking. Additional crewmen/ammo handlers can be carried in gunless versions, debarking to appropriate duties when the guns arrive. Use them as AFVs? I'll need a bigger Vodka ration.

[averagedemographic]

5:23, I’m not sure what’s up but that document says “КПС-76” or “KPS-76”, not KSP. Just a little something I noticed I guess.

[ThroneOfBhaal]

Holy shit Stan has a face.
xD

Love the videos, absolutely excellent work, thank you for the effort you all put into it. :)

[ZomgRAWR]

Could you do an episode on the T55E1 Cook? It's an american 8x8 mounting the 76mm

[brunor.]

admirable video!
and a derpy vehicle

[luvr]

Is this the result of the 'What makes a tank" poll?

[thcenturysounds]

Thanks for your work! Just would like to add couple of points. 6:03 GAZ-63 was one of USSR rip offs of American trucks, that the reason why it use Dodge engine. 17:52 sight and barrel misalignment was not a big issue, it could be easily avoided if gunner would just remove sight into secure place before driving and put it back before firing. Same thing have to be done in lots of other USSR vehicles, for example Katyusha, and it was standard practice of the time.

[maxkronader]

I'm shocked I've never seen these used in African wars of the 1950s-1970s. It seems every other oddball design saw service then. Frankly, I'd rather have used the PPSH submachinegun and taken my chances as light infantry. This vehicle was serious enough to draw fire, but weak enough to be defenseless against it!
😁

[noldo]

Then they have taken off the gun, thickened the armor a bit, and thats how Lada car was born.
Also, regarding driving 77 kph with only a tank slid view - have you seen therussian dashcam vids? Seems totaly leggit to me. I think many Russian drivers would welcome a 76mm on the car. "Out of my way, durak!" Kaboom! ... "Yebat this bloody traffic jam!" Boom, boom! "Ok, road is clear, vpier!!" I think this could sell well ok in current Russia.

[Warump]

I love the video. However I would like to propose some changes as a constructive criticism. As an introduction, you with webcam is good - introducing books, etc.. But during the video, I would change the video shots with you with some videos or more pictures of the vehicle. Not that I dont like to see you, but video is supposed to be about the vehicle and its development history. I believe it would make video editing easier aswell. Just my opinion here, thanks.

[Ulani]

Crews hated the tracked version enough, without this being inflicted on them.

[mikestanmore]

Had the designer never heard of Rasputitsa?

[TheMadVulpen]

Oh god not the soviet version of the EBR

[BabyGreen]

Su-76 had bullet-proof armor and could cross marshland, so good thing the soviets passed on this contraption

[dylanmilne]

This is the same truck chassis as the BTR-40. I am a little suprised how the armour looks so similar.

[edwardvincentbriones]

I will be appreciated if TE have Q&A video like Drachnifel.

[SmartassX]

5:30 - The print says "KPC-76", not "KSP-76".

[jamesmortimer]

It´s a bulletproof car with a fieldgun.

If infantry comes close just floor it and blindfire your PPSH