War Thunder: KV-1 ZiS-5 (Tier II Russian Heavy Tank) - Review and gameplay

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Hello tankers and pilots, and welcome to my review of the KV-1 ZiS-5 Tier II Russian Heavy Tank.

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Time Stamps

Initial garage overview - 0:12

First replay - 7:40

Second replay - 17:08

Final thoughts on the tank - 24:37

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KV-1 ZiS-5

In 1941, the KV-1's design underwent a number of changes. In the autumn of 1941, 3-5 additional fuel tanks were installed on the tank's track fenders without a link to the fuel system. The drop-forged tracks were replaced with cast tracks. In December 1941, the tanks were equipped with the 10-R radio set. Some of the vehicles produced by the ChKZ factory were made with cast turrets with a rounded front weapon slot. Its armour thickness was upgraded to 82 mm.

The tank's armament was improved by installing a ZiS-5 cannon with a 41.5 calibre barrel length. This weapon was created based on the F-34, with differently designed cradle and gun mantlet parts. Its armour-piercing round had a 680 m/s muzzle velocity. Its overall ammunition complement was increased to 114 rounds. The hull's frontal projection was strengthened with add-on 25 mm armour plates.

However, the changes listed above did not lead to significant improvements in the KV-1's design. The tank's primary flaws remained uncorrected. It often broke down as a result of its transmission failing and was too slow.

In 1941-1943, KV tanks served in the main battalions of mixed tank brigades and heavy tank assault regiments. They were actively deployed in the Great Patriotic War until mid-1944. Captured tanks of this type were used by Wehrmacht units.
The main purpose, usage and tactics recommendations

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Pros and cons of the tank

This tank is very similar to its predecessor, the KV-1, but mounts the same gun of the T-34 1942 sharing its ability to fire APCR shells. The player should feel at home once gone through the KV-1. The gun may be lacking on penetration unless using APCR shells, its velocity is poor (makes it harder to aim in Realistic Battles), but will do plenty of damage once penetrated and reloads quite quickly. The armour is outstanding when angled. With extra 25mm spaced armour at the front of the hull results in total of over 100mm of armour. The tank can take a lot of damage from lower ranks and still survive the battle. The turret remains vulnerable however, but turret ring is reinforced, which means that it's harder to jam the turret.

Make sure that you use this tank as a push through. Come up close to the enemy so you can use your gun effectively, angle your armour when stationary so that the enemy won't pierce through and push your team towards victory. But keep in mind that tanks such as Tiger and Panther will not struggle against you.

Pros

Good penetration value with APCR shells;
Good rate of fire, even better than the KV-1;
The armor is improved from the KV-1 and when angled will be a hard nut to crack

Cons

Maneuverability and HP ratio are below average, making you vulnerable during displacements;
You will lose a lot of speed while turning;
Like for the T-34 1942, APCR shells are very expensive, so you must use them wisely or you won't earn money at the end of the battle.
Your sides are your weak point. There's a large fuel tank there and just below that is the ammo. If an round penetrates the armor there it's an instakill.