Specification Crew : 4 Engine power : 600 hp Combat weight : approx 46,000 kg (101,430 lb) Max speed : road 37 km/h (22.98 mph) Range : 240 km (149.04 miles) Length : 9.90 m (32.48 ft) Width : 3.09 m (10.14 ft) Height : 2.73 m (8.96 ft) Main gun : 122 mm (4.81 in) Armour : 30 mm (1.18 in) to 160 mm (6.30 in)

The IS-2 heavy tank was essentially the IS-1 with the turret modified to accept the long-barrelled high-performance 122 mm (4.81 in) gun , by far the most power weapon to be mounted in a combat tank during World War II.It only drawback was that the ammunition was of a two-part type which slowed down loading and it was so bulky that only 28 rounds could be carried. By the time production ended about 2,250 IS-2s had been built.The IS-2M had a better fire control system , extending the effective range of its main armament.In battle the IS-2was able to tackle Germans Panthers and Tigers on equal terms.IS-2s were in action throughout the latter stages of the war cluminating in the final assault on Berlin , although by then they had been joined by small numbers of the new IS model. This was the IS-3 essentially the IS-2 redesigned to lower the silhouette and create shot deflection surfaces around the 'frying pan' outline turret and the pointed glacis plate.The IS-3 went on to be the bugbare of Western tank designers for years after the war and can lay claim to being the most powerful of all the World War II tanks , even if it's main service life was to be post-war.