"The KV-1 Heavy Tank formed the basis for the KV-8 Flamethrower Tank, the original 76mm main gun reduced to a 45mm design to make room for the new equipment."
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the KV-8 (Klimenti Voroshilov) Flamethrower Tank.
1 x V-2K V12 diesel-fueled engine developing 600 horsepower. Installed Power
22 mph 35 kph Road Speed
99 miles 160 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the KV-8 (Klimenti Voroshilov) Flamethrower Tank.
5 (MANNED) Crew
22.3 ft 6.79 meters O/A Length
10.9 ft 3.32 meters O/A Width
12.0 ft 3.65 meters O/A Height
104,598 lb 47,445 kg | 52.3 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the KV-8 (Klimenti Voroshilov) Flamethrower Tank.
1 x 45mm Model 1932 main gun
1 x ATO-41 flamethrower in coaxial mounting
1 x 7.62mm BT machine gun in coaxial mounting
1 x 7.62mm BT machine gun in rear-facing position
AMMUNITION: 100 x 45mm projectiles (estimated)
3,000 x 7.62mm ammunition (estimated)
Variants Notable series variants as part of the KV-8 (Klimenti Voroshilov) family line.
KV-8 - Base Series Designation; initial production form; 42 examples completed with ATO-41 flamethrowers.
KV-8S - Based on the improved KV-1S production models; 25 examples completed with ATO-42 flamethrower support.
KV-8M - Proposed, upgraded model to carry two flamethrower weapons; only two prototypes completed.
Like other major armies of World War 2 (1939-1945), the Soviets evolved one of their existing combat tank systems into a self-propelled flame-projecting platform. This came in the form of the KV-1 Heavy Tank series (detailed elsewhere on this site) modified for the role in 1942 as the "KV-8". The Tank was essentially faithful in form and function to the original KV-1 design but installed the ATO-41 series flamethrower next to the coaxial machine gun fitting (7.62mm BT). As this new arrangement reduced internal space in an already-cramped turret, the original 76.2mm main gun was replaced with the smaller 45mm Model 1932 series anti-tank gun.
In an effort to fool the Germans, the 45mm gun barrel had the gun tube of the 76mm set over it, allowing the KV-8 to retain the appearance of a true KV-1.
Internally there was still a crew of five operatives. The vehicle weighed 52.3 tons and showcased a length of 6.79 meters, a width of 3.32 meters and a height of 3.65 meters. Power was from a single V-2K V12 diesel engine developing 600 horsepower and allowing for road speeds of 35 kmh to be reached with an operational range out to 160 kilometers.
Approximately 42 KV-8 vehicles were produced. Twenty-five appeared as the KV-8S and based on the KV-1S production model (an upgraded version of the KV-1 with reworked turret, uprated transmission and better performance). These carried the ATO-42 series flamethrower as well which was an improved version of the earlier ATO-41. The KV-8M followed as a proposed, upgraded variant of the KV-8S model intended to carry two flamethrowers. Only two prototypes of this form were built and the design was not adopted for service.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the KV-8 (Klimenti Voroshilov). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 69 Units Contractor(s): State Factories - Soviet Union
[ Soviet Union ]
Going Further... The KV-8 (Klimenti Voroshilov) Flamethrower Tank appears in the following collections:
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